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 2000 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact stated in March 2004 the interior lights flickered under all conditions. There were no warning indicators on the dashboard concerning the interior lights flickering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer changed the alternator and the battery lead wires. This only repaired the problem for two to three days. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the door switches were changed. This solved the problem for two to three weeks. The problem recurred and vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the thumb roller for the interior lights and the switch plates on the sliding doors. Again the problem recurred after two to three weeks. Once again the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referred the contact to another dealer. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer who was unable to diagnose the source of the problem. …
I purchased this vehicle about 2 years ago and began having problems right away. The ABS light comes on and goes off quite often. At about 125,000 miles I had problems with the brakes and could not drive the car. My o/d light also began to flash and my speedometer jumped up and down while I was driving. I took it to a shop and had to have a speed sensor replaced. A day later the problem happened again and I had to have the sensor replaced again. The ABS light began to come on again a few days later. Now I have a light on the panel (the master lighting switch). When I turn off the headlights and parking lights, the parking lights come back on. I used to be able to turn them off and sometimes they would stay off, but now I have to disconnect the battery every time I park and reconnect it to drive the car. Also, one by one, all of the power locks are going out. …
Vehicle: 2000 Ford Windstar se Mini-van complaint: vehicle stop light switch sticks and stays on, draining the battery and creating a confusing situation to following drivers thus being a safety hazard. This drained my battery 3 times. Ford dealer wants a lot of money to fix this. This is the same problem on the same year Ford taurus and sable vehicles. The dealershirs have a repair policy number and service bulletin and will fix this for free on these vehicles. The Ford Windstar vans should be recalled as well. I want an answer from Ford about this. I would even accept an offer for them to pick up part of the cost. I really feel though that this is a situation where the service rep from Ford should call me and tell me to come on in to a dealer and we will fix it for free.
I have a 2001 Ford Windstar and the fuse #10 kept blowing and the A/C, speedometer, odometer, etc.. Stopped working. After researching on internet I found the culprit was a leaky brake pressure deactivation switch, which once I disconnected it the fuse stopped tripping and the ac and dashboard worked. I found that the brake pressure deactivation switch has leaked and also corroded and started to melt the cruise control wires, which hasn't worked in a while, and the ABS light has been on and off for a while. This is a known fire hazard by Ford and there is not yet a recall though it is very dangerous. I had to remove fuses 101 and 102 to prevent a fire and will need to replace the brake pressure deactivation switch at my own expense.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While at a stop light the contact heard a loud bang and the vehicle became resistant to acceleration. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician advised the contact that the transmission would have to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. The contact also noticed that the brake lights were illuminating without depressing the brake pedal. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the battery should be replaced however, the failure continued after the battery was replaced. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 79.000.
Dt: having electrical problems, started out of the blue. Driving the road, using cruise control, disengaged the cruise control, and few minutes later engine died. No problems until this incident. Have taken vehicle to the dealer and had the electrical system checked. Consumer doesn't believe that his vehicle was checked properly. Scared to drive vehicle, interior lights won't go off, and heard a crackling sound on the side of the van, on the fuel tank side. So the consumer disconnected the battery because of he was afraid it would catch on fire. Went today and reconnected the battery all the lights came on without the van being started.
1. Brake light came on and I had to have the brake reservoir filled. 2. Brake fluid was leaking from pressure switch. It caused an electrical short, which caused a fire while the van was in the basement garage. I noticed the smell of smoke while unloading the van and was able to locate its source and disconnected the battery cables. 3. I called the Ford dealer I purchased the van from, they said there was no recall on my van at this time, and they could sell me a pressure switch. I purchased the switch. Then dropped the van off at the mechanic I use, and he replaced it.
Dt: the contact stated the interior lights, power windows, radio, and heater would stay on after the ignition was turned off and the key is removed. The fuse has to be removed every time the vehicle is turned off. He found recall 00V351000 on line concerning this problem. When he contacted the dealer , they said that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. Also there was a problem with the cruise control. The off switch for cruise control did not work. The cruise control could only be turned off by applying the brakes.
While driving, the overdrive light flashed. The vehicle was towed and the dealer determined that the transmission was defective. The power locks did not operate properly, the rear seat belt was damaged when the vehicle was purchased, the inside lights did not go off when the door was shut.
ABS light went on after getting wet due to rain on the pavement. Apparently has shorted out something. From what I've read, this is a common problem. Also, the dash light representing a turn signal burn out went on, but the turn signals are all functioning properly.
Headlight complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2000 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 2000 Ford Windstar, 1% of the model year's 1,675 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights › switch (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Windstar headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2000 Ford Windstar, though it has 15 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 2000 Ford Windstar headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 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.