Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On June 7 I was outside of our home and noticed I smelled gas near my wife's van. After inspecting I saw the tank was leaking fuel. I took the tank off and noticed there was pressure to the tank from the front strap. The pressure caused what appears to be a stress crack where the strap holds the tank. It appears to me the strap is too small for the tank. Ford refuses to fix this and would rather my wife and children ride around in a gas leaking danger machine. This vehicle has less than 95000 miles and I feel the same problem has occurred here as in the 1995 Windstar.
Consumer was attempting to stop about 15-20 feet behind of other vehicle when ABS became inoperative, causing consumer to rearend vehicle ,half of engine destroyed, all front end damaged, airbags did not deploy .consumer had extended stopping distance to 40-50 feet.
While entering an intersection vehicle was broadsided on the paasenger's side by anothe vehicle. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Also seat belt failed to restrain consumer. Hit rear mirror and split head open and got a concussion.
Upon impact, during frontal crash, 9:00 on front bumper, at approx. 35mph, driver's/ passenger's air bags deployed, however, driver's airbag deployed onto the left of driver. As result, driver sustained wounds and bruises.
Was traveling 40-45mph in foggy weather when a deer appeared in the road. Hit deer & both air bags deployed,causing the driver to suffer burns on the face & arms. Also, front seat belt failed to restrain the driver.
Consumer was hit from the rear, causing vehicle to rear end another vehicle, resulting into a four vehicle collision in which the drivers or passengers air bags did not deploy. Consumer suffered minor injuries.
Upon impact, during frontal crash, at approx. 35mph, 9:00 on front bumper, driver's/assenger's airbags deployed, however, driver's airbag deployed onto the left arm of driver, as result cause wounds and bruises.
Upon impact, during frontal crash at approx. 35mph, 9:00 on front bumper, dual airbag deployment occurred, however, the driver's side airbag deployed directly onto driver's left arm, causing wounds and bruises.
Upon impact, during frontal crash at approx. 35mph, 9:00 on front bumper, dirvier's/passenger's airbags deployed, however, driver's airbag deployed onto the left arm of driver, causing wounds and bruises.
While driving approximately25mph vehicle in front stop suddenly, and consumer rear ended it. Upon impact, both airbags deployed and bursted open which burned the left side of the consumer's face.
Airbag complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,386 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Windstar airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1996 Ford Windstar, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Windstar airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 17 crashes, 0 fires and 18 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.