New York, Aug 28 (IANS): Ford Motor Co. is recalling a total of 462,750 Windstar mini vans made during 1998-2003 over concerns that the rear axles could corrode and fail.

The recall covers vans sold or registered in 21 states, following reports that after years of running, "corrosion can weaken the rear axle" and possibly crack it, leading to crashes, Xinhua reported citing Detroit News.

The automaker will also recall about 113,000 Windstars in Canada, Ford spokesman Said Deep was quoted as saying.

Ford dealers will inspect and reinstall rear axle reinforcement brackets in September.

In May, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe into the Windstar after receiving over 200 complaints about rear axle failure in Windstars manufactured during 1999-2003.

While over half of the complaints claimed a complete fracture of the axle, about a quarter said the axle failed at speeds of 40 miles per hour or greater.