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 1999 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
First: while traveling 70 MPH on an interstate in nc our van died. After safely pulling over, crossing 3 lanes of traffic, we had the van towed home to va and the mechanic said he changes 7-8 transmissions a week in Ford Windstar vans. We had fallen victim to this. We still have problems with the o/d light coming on and having to add transmission fluid frequently. Second: our van interior and exterior lights dim and blink at random. The alert will also come on saying one of the doors is ajar leaving the interior lights on and doors unlocked. It will randomly change doors while driving. Now the rear turning lights do not flash, the locks do not work, the interior and back exterior lights do not go out even with the key off and out. There will be random beeping and buzzing noises. The rear heat/air turns off and on at random even with the controls in the off position. …
I never knew about Ford's recalls until last March. Before calling Ford I did research and found numerous people have the same problems as me. Mine started in 2012 when out of the blue the front windows would no longer open. Next when you tried to put the heat on in the rear there was strange noise and now I'm to afraid to use it. The past 3 yrs the gauges go haywire. Sometimes if you hit the dash it'll stop but locks up and you don't know what your speed is. If I leave it alone sometimes it will stop on it's own but locks up to wherever it stops at. On numerous occasions the ABS light will come on. For over 2 yrs now the check engine light has been on. I had it checked & was told it was the o2 sensors for which I replaced, 3 days later the engine light came back on again they said it was the o2 sensors. …
When we open the doors, sometimes the interior lighting does not come on. Other times it blinks on and then goes off. Even other times it will blink quickly. Sometimes the lights come on and will not go off after doors have been closed. While driving the dashboard lighting will sometimes blink on and off as well. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer, but the could not reproduce the problem for the short time they had the vehicle. This makes since because of the intermittent nature of this problem. I am concerned that the dashboard lighting could be a safety issue or if the problem moves to other systems such as exterior lighting.
The plastic lens on my 1999 Ford Windstar headlights have clouded (not dirty) with age. The light emitted by them at night has decreased because of that. That has created a safety problem when driving at night. I cannot see as clearly or as far down the highway. This worries me. Ford has declined to replace them for free saying they have no recall on this problem. I work for an organization that has a fleet of fords. I have seen that same problem in the older fords. Ford motor company should replace the lens for free. No such problem existed in cars with glass headlights. Thank you!.
The brake pressure switch also known as the cruise control cutoff switch malfunctioned on my vehicle. I was told that the brake fluid leaking out of it will cause a massive fire. I have 3 kids and have to drive everyday that's why im filing this complaint. I no im not the only person with this problem because the Ford dealer who repaired my car says he knows of quite a few people that this has happened to.
Intermittently the turn signals (left and right) fail to indicate the direction the vehicle will be turning. The dealer was contacted and replaced the dashboard cover which did not correct the problem. The odometer also sticks and once this happens all the other gauges stick as well. There are no a recalls for this vehicles VIN number.
99 Ford Windstar, scds switch replaced,no brake lights, cant get shifter out of park, blower wont shut off with key removed, headlights come on when you shut the door with key removed and switch off. No speedometer or tach.
Our 1999 Ford Windstar has 51,000 miles and transmission has failed. Yesterday (4/8/05) while driving kids home from school the van made a loud clunking noise and would not go into forward or reverse. Was able to roll to shoulder. We replaced battery a month ago, and while driving over the bay bridge (maryland) easter Sunday our headlights and dashboard lights began to dim and van seemed as if it was going to stall. By the time we drove 4 miles to home all lights were out and car was sputtering, wouldn't start. We then replaced the alternator. The o/d light has been flashing. Interior lights stay on sporadically as well as door ajar light when all doors are closed. Interior lights sometimes don't come on when van is parked and doors opened. No rhyme or reason to this. Tires have been replaced twice due to abnormal wear. We are getting quotes of between 1,600 and 2,800 for transmission. …
I opened electronic sliding driver side door on my 1999 Ford Windstar van to load the car for a weekend trip. I kneeled in the door opening to position things in the back seat. Without warning the door began to shut on its own. Before I could jump out of the car, it had my calves stuck in the door. It did not automatically open as I was informed it should have when it hit my legs. My daughter was able to pull the door open and allow me to escape. My right calf was injured, though it did not break the skin, I have a large bruise from the doors impact approx. 2 inches high and 4 inches long. I took my car to the dealership (ted britt Ford in fairfax virginia) where I purchased my van and carry an extended warranty. They have had my car in for numerous repairs, all related to the doors malfunctioning or other electrical problems. …
I purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar a few months ago. I have had nothing but problems with it. In fact, I have spent more than half of what I paid for the vehicle in repairs in only 2 months. The reason for my complaint is that the most recent repairs have involved items that I feel are extreme safety concerns. 1- the power doors on my vehicle to not lock/unlock properly, making it unable to open the sliding doors. This was looked at by the Ford mechanic today. I was told that the door latches were bad and were "burning up" the door lock actuators. I'm not sure if this is the reason, but also lately, my door ajar light comes on my dash and the interior lights are coming on intermittently while driving. I have 3 children, two of them in car seats and unable to get them selves out of a car. …
Headlight complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,522 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Windstar headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.