Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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. …
Dt: the consumer stated 2000 Ford Windstar was having multiple problems. The fuses blew out, the lights were blinking on and off, and the odometer/speedometer werenot working. The mechanic that looked at the car suggested that it May be an electrical problem. While driving the lights wereblinking on and off. Consistently, kept the dashboard not illuminated. They have even tried to leave the air off to see if this would help the fuses not to blow out. There were lights on the dashboard that when lit up wthe fuse blew out. . The ABS light came on when the fuse blew out. The rear defroster didn't work nor did the rear air vents. This was not a safety condition for the owner to be traveling with child who has major health issues. The owner has not taken the van to the dealership because she could not afford the cost of labor and service charges. …
We have owned this 2000 Ford Windstar since February of 2002. I have lost count of how many times we have taken it back to the dealer because of the poor gas mileage. It was getting 13 mpg and the dealer said that was normal. But over the past 3 months we have taken it back to the dealer 8 times because of the check engine light. The dealership has replaced the upper/lower intake gaskets, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel line, mass oxygen flow sensor, both o2 sensors, valve cover gaskets, and a couple of other things too. The gas mileage actually got worse after several of the repairs. We are averaging between 9 - 10 mpg. In addition to the engine problems, our door locks don't work right and the interior lights don't work at all automatically...we have to turn them on and off. The door locks on the sliding doors have to worked by hand. I am so sick and tired of this car. …
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that when the cruise control was turned off, the vehicle continued to travel at the speed it was moving when the cruise control was activated; he had to depress the brake pedal to slow it down. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired for the failure. Also, the front and rear coil springs broke; the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was repaired. Furthermore, the locks on the rear sliding doors did not function intermittently. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000 and the current mileage was approximately 130,000.
2000 Ford Windstar had multiple problems, most severely was the failure of the sliding doors to latch/lock properly. They would pop open while on the roadway putting children at risk sitting next to the doors. Ford dealership said they were unaware of problem and vehicle taken in 6x for repairs. Ford motor said they were also unaware of any other windstars having this problem. Found on internet that this is wideranging problem. Filed lawsuit again Ford under california lemon law. They are buying car back. Tracy mccrackin.
The driver's side rear sliding door will not stay closed unless forced. It opens on it's own regardless of when the van is on or off. Most commonly it occurs as a bounce-back when we've tried to close it with the remote or door-frame button, but it has occurred when I've started the ignition. My concern is that my 2 year old son rides in the captain's chairs in my van-up against that door. He is in a securely latch'ed seat (britax roundabout with latch) but I am not comfortable with the door randomly opening.
I own a 2000 Ford Windstar. I have recently had my ABS brake light go on and stay on, along with my traction control light also staying on and finally, my speedometer no longer works above 40 km per hour. All of these happened exactly the same time. I took it into Ford and they are saying I need a new ABS module but after reading about their ABS recall issues and much written about how this problem is very common, I am inclined to think Ford should fix this problem. Hence my complaint to you guys.
Dt: consumer owns 2000, Ford, Windstar van with power rear sliding doors. The passenger side door becomes unlatched while driving, and at one occurrence actually opened. When this incident occurred had grandchildren in vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer said could not fix this problem. Stated Ford vehicles have been having this problem. Has been to dealer 4-5 times. Last week this was fixed, but on a trip this happened again. Went back to dealer again and stuck with this problem.
2000 Windstar sel - sporadic and continuing failure of psds on both sides to close when vehicle stopped, stay open when vehicle placed into gear, and open while vehicle in motion. Paid $2,000+ to sunland Ford to repair, still occuring, going in again. Ford service personnel have been rude, thrown papers at my daughter when she picked the vehicle up (I'm 70). Son in law searched your database for info, don't understand why psds opening while in motion isn't a safety problem.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2000 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2000 Ford Windstar, 3% of the model year's 1,675 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (40 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Windstar door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches 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 door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to locks & latches 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.