Ford models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | 1975-present | Steel-bodied through 2014; the 2015 redesign moved to an aluminum body, which changes what the scrap metal is worth. |
| Taurus | 1986-2019 | 1999-2001 cars in salt states, Illinois included, were recalled for front coil springs that fracture from corrosion (04V332000). |
| Windstar | 1995-2003 | 1998-2003 vans in Illinois and other salt states were recalled for rear axles that crack from corrosion (10V385000). |
| Escape | 2001-present | 2001-2004 Escapes from salt states are in recall 14V165000 for corrosion at the lower control arm mount. |
| Focus | 2000-2018 | 2012-2016 automatics use the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch covered by a class settlement approved in 2020. |
| Fiesta | 2011-2019 | 2011-2016 automatics share the Focus's PowerShift transmission and its shudder and slipping complaints. |
| Crown Victoria | 1992-2011 | 2005-2011 cars in salt states were recalled because corrosion can seize the steering intermediate shaft (13V385000). |
Known Ford problems that end up at the scrapyard
Cracked rear axles on 1998-2003 Windstar
Ford recalled 1998-2003 Windstars registered or sold in Illinois and other salt states because years of corrosion weaken the rear axle until it cracks and can fracture completely (10V385000). In 2015 Ford recalled many of the same vans again because the repair brackets may have been installed wrong (15V608000). Any Windstar still on the road is at least 23 years old, so check the axle first. source
Lower control arm corrosion on 2001-2004 Escape
Recall 14V165000 covers 2001-2004 Escapes originally sold or registered in salt states including Illinois. Excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm can let the arm separate, causing a major loss of steering control. On a first-generation Escape with heavy underbody rust, that mount is the first thing a mechanic should look at. source
DPS6 PowerShift shudder in Focus and Fiesta automatics
The six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift in 2011-2016 Fiestas and 2012-2016 Focuses drew complaints of shuddering, slipping, bucking, jerking and delayed downshifts. A federal judge approved a class-action settlement on March 5, 2020, with buyback options for some owners. For a car that still shudders after repeated clutch work, selling it as is can make more sense than another repair. source
Coil springs that snap on 1999-2001 Taurus
Recall 04V332000 covers 1999-2001 Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans in salt states such as Illinois. Road salt corrodes the front coil springs until they fracture, and a broken spring can move off its seat and cut into the front tire. If you hear a loud bang from the front and the car sits low on one side, don't drive it. source
Salt recalls that land on Chicago Fords
Ford has run a long list of recalls that apply only to cars sold or registered in salt states, and Illinois is on every one. The 1998-2003 Windstar’s rear axle can crack from corrosion. The 2001-2004 Escape’s lower control arm mount rusts until the arm can separate. The 1999-2001 Taurus and Sable had front springs that snap. And the 2005-2011 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car were recalled because corrosion could seize the steering shaft.
Most of those vehicles are now 15 to 25 years old, and every recall above is a reminder that the rest of the underside has had the same exposure. Our guide on how salt and rust end a car’s life shows what to look for on brake lines, rocker panels and frames.
The newer problem is mechanical. The PowerShift dual-clutch in automatic Focus and Fiesta compacts led to years of complaints and a class settlement approved in 2020. If a Focus keeps shuddering even after new clutch packs, paying for yet another round of work rarely adds up.
What decides the offer on a junk Ford
Trucks and big SUVs (F-150, Expedition, Explorer) bring weight and high parts demand. The model year matters on an F-150 too: from 2015 the body is aluminum rather than steel, so the scrap mix differs from an older truck. Compacts depend more on completeness and whether the engine runs. Missing catalytic converters, wheels or doors reduce any offer. Tell us honestly what’s wrong; a cracked Windstar axle or a dead PowerShift doesn’t stop the deal. Not sure whether a recall was ever done? NHTSA’s recall lookup at nhtsa.gov checks it by VIN.
SYNC, keypads and FordPass before pickup
Ford says to do a SYNC master reset before selling or transferring a vehicle. It erases call history, text messages, paired phones, saved favorite destinations, personalized keyless entry codes and the modem activation used by the FordPass app. Do it, collect every key, and remove your toll transponder. Browse our brand pages for Mercury and Lincoln, Ford’s sister makes.
Selling a junk Ford: questions
Is an aluminum-body F-150 worth more as scrap than an older steel one?
It can be, because aluminum and steel are priced differently as scrap, but a truck's offer depends on much more than the body material. Whether it runs, its parts demand and completeness usually matter more for a newer F-150.
My Focus transmission shudders and the dealer says the clutches are worn again. Will you buy it?
Yes. A Focus or Fiesta with PowerShift trouble is a normal junk-car purchase for us, running or not. Tell us the mileage and whether it still moves, and we tow it free from your home or the repair shop.