Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 24 | −98% | — | Suspension | Good |
| 2003 | 1,510 | typical | 8 | Brake | Average |
| 2002 | 1,353 | typical | 8 | Brake | Average |
| 2001 | 1,686 | typical | 15 | Brake | Average |
| 2000 | 1,675 | typical | 15 | Brake | Average |
| 1999 | 1,522 | typical | 11 | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 1,433 | 1.5× | 11 | Transmission | Caution |
| 1997 | 192 | −80% | 5 | Transmission | Good |
| 1996 | 1,386 | 1.6× | 8 | Engine | Caution |
| 1995 | 3,326 | 3.9× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Windstar year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Windstar problems
Latest Ford Windstar recalls
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced.
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2012.
Suspension › Front › Control arm
Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments May occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge.
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Windstar should you avoid?
1995, 1996 and 1998 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Windstar years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Ford Windstar?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Windstar years at the same age, followed by 1997. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Windstar problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (3,413), engine & cooling (2,752) and transmission & drivetrain (2,595). Brake complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Windstar had?
33 recalls across 1995–2004. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Ford Windstar recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.