Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
The 1996 Ford Windstar continues to have defective head gaskets as in 1994 and 1995 models. This lead to engine failure at 78,000 miles! The cost to replace the engine per miller Ford was 4,778.00. We paid 19,000 for this vehicle and refuse to pay for a new engine! The nasa has stated the head gasket should last at least 120,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. We have had this Ford Windstar with a blown engine due to head gasket failure since last December, but continue to make monthly payments on this dead Ford Windstar. We pay taxes, insurance, and montly payments to Ford credit for the next 18 months or so. We just discontinued registration fees as the dmv told us we could do this. Ford refuses to acknowledge this problem and is not standing up to it's committment of quality care to it's customers. I urge anyone who is considering buying a Ford to do their research. …
Our 1996 Ford Windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. We have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, ABS and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. The cost has been astronomical. According to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. Please investigate whether Ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues.
The dome light and the door ajar sensor light stays on. The consumer is concerned that the battery will drain completely. The cause has yet to be determined. The vehicle would shake when it was started. One injector was changed. The consumer felt that the other five injectors May go bad.
1996 Ford Windstar switches are bad in doors causing door ajar light to stay on. When driving, stays on until you are going approx. 15-18 miles per hour. This is a hazard especially at night. Due to the glare on the windows inside the van. I have went to a dealer and they said it would be 400.00 dollars to fix it. I don't have 400.00. I was also visiting family in indiana this last week and an old friend of mine has the exact van and problem. I currently live in colorado and thought that it was odd that someone who lives in indiana has the same problem that I have with our Windstar. So, then I decided to file a complaint. And maybe something will be done.
Nothing but problems since purchasing 1)door ajar light constantly illuminated-all doors checked none ajar 2) engine check light occasionally comes on-happened right after purchase and catalytic converter replaced obviously didn't fix problem 3)occasionally power windows/locks and A/C will go out unless adjustable fan speed turned to high 4)recently front passenger door will open at random usually during a turn-luckily no one sits in that seat 5)speedometer will occasionally flicker higher while driving at speeds greater than 65mph all of these problems have surfaced in the past 1-1.5 yrs and have continued since then.
When engine is started and all doors are closed and latched, the door ajar light stays on and interior dome lights stay on as well as the door ajar chime rings. This is continuous while driving, and eventually turns itself off. This creates a hazard especially while backing as it is not possible to see behind vehicle at dusk or dark. There is no consistency as to when this happens. It has been found that if a door is indeed ajar, that the door ajar light will stay on, but the dome light will go off as will the chime.
Disc brakes are warping from excessive heat buildup within the ABS brakes. Dealer contacted, and stated the design of car has small brakes. Repair work done at owner's expense. Also, headlights are filling up with water when raining, could cause major problems/speedometer does not work properly. Provide further information.
Headlight assembly has clear plastic lens. Over time plastic has discolored which degrades lighting . Also lamp assembly collects moisture inside unit further degrading lighting this condition prevalent not only on my vehicle but also on other cars I have observed.
The left outer tie rod was replace. The fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced . The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated
Outer hood panel separated from body of vehicle prior to recall (97v-180). In addition, replaced front electric door latch/multifunctioned wiper switch/windshield wiper switch/engine cylinder head gaskets due to coolant leak, and differential seal.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,386 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Windstar headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-168 (exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Windstar headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.