Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Just a few minutes after starting my 1999 Windstar, it leaks fuel from the fittings (for the fuel lines) on top of the fuel pump. I am a mechanic and this is not suppose to happen. The fittings have a seam that has opened up because of a defect in workmanship. There is a strong odor of gas and a large puddle of gas under the vehicle. This is an obvious fire hazard. I believe Ford got over on the NHTSA and the American consumer. Typically the consumer will have the fuel pump replaced before their manufacturing flaw is discovered. Also, there was a recall on different year models and only in certain states. I don't see how "what state you live in" has to do with a split in plastic on the top of your gas tank. I will upload pictures of the flaws on the top of the gas tank fittings.
April 2008 lost fuel pump, and guage for gas level had fuel pump sending unit and filter replaced but gauge didnt come back it stayed on as a low fuel light permanently. Brake fluid leaking or excessive use by braking system had to fill about once weekly brakes though they had been replaced would just go out with no warning ABS light wasnt indicative due to fact its lighting up and staying lit was errratic. Replaced braking system and front end components (linkage pins gone, rotor that had gotten very hot and possibly started on fire due to brakes going out and heavy breaking needed to avoid accident death had to pump brakes rapidly to try to stop sometimes unable to stop brake pedal would stick on hard pumping when attempting to stop passenger side sliding door lock engaged and unable to engage.
My van was barely out of warranty when the o/d off light began flashing and the check engine light came on. The Ford dealer told me that the check engine light was a result of a broken sensor weld on my intake manifold to the tune of approx. $900. They also stated that the o/d off light meant that the entire transmission needed replaced to the tune of $2,700. All this for being 1 month and 500 miles out of warranty. Plus, I see that many people with Ford windstars are experiencing the same thing at 35,000 miles and 70,000 (twice) so I see that I will undoubtedly have something to look forward to when the warranty runs out on the transmission... Almost like the darned thing is deliberately designed to create a huge repair bill the moment it is out of warranty.
1999 Ford Windstar, miles 84,000. Under norm driving conditions, r2 valve cover felled had a hole inside it along with gaskets in r2 platnium. I had to buy from Ford the gaskets set and r 2value cover and the bolts which are specially made buy them. One would believe that Ford did not have enough strength in the bolts to hold the platnium is place that allow the air leak to take place in the valve cover and platnium. I do not have the old parts on hand.
Transmission is primary issue has shifting problem at low speed, has over 8 TSB on the issue and has new transmission installed but still have problem the other issues are clearly common for this model as well, but this transmissionand fords lack of support from their service and dealers is unacceptable.
The fuel pump went out on my van. Luckily I was at home in my driveway. Called Ford and they said that there have been no complaints and they would not cover it. So I am having to have it fixed my self. The vehicle is 4 years old, I personally do not believe that the pump should be bad.
Consumer states due to corrosion of the fuel rail fuel leaks onto the manifold. Consumer is concerned that the vehicle will catch on fire......this vehicle is driven by eugene palmer for employer ascent media of palm beach, fl. At least two 1999 have had this fuel problem.
My 19yr old daughter was traveling to new jersey from indiana on rt.70. When using the cruise control attempted to exit for a rest stop when she applied the break the ABS light came on and the cruise control did not disengage. She had committed to the exit ramp thank god she was able to move back off the ramp just in time to miss the over pass barrier. She had to ride the shoulder shutting down the ignition once she did that she was able tob resue. She did not use the cruise control again and but then the engine light came on a cold start. I check the code and dtcs found wade bank one and two lean found a bad pcv valve and replaced it. But when reading the codes found 9 additional codes c1185 c1198 c1194 c1254 c1256 c1250 c1242 c1214 and c1210. I then called the Ford dealership and checked for recalls. …
When trying to put gas into the tank the pump does not fit properly. If consumer puts the pump all the way in the tank, there is an automatic shut off that keeps consumer from pumping . To pump gas consumer has to hold the pump 1/3 of an inch in the tank. The dealer has been contacted.
While putting fuel into the fuel tank, the cabin fills with fuel odors, the odor is very strong and stays for about 4 or 5 minutes, the odor makes the consumers sick, so they are requesting a refund or replacement because the dealer has failed several times to correct the problem.
Fuel System complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,522 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Windstar fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1999 Ford Windstar, though it has 11 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 1999 Ford Windstar fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.