Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start, and the rear glass was out of the frame by about three-quarters of an inch. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger's side windows failed to go up or roll down and were inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument panel and anti-theft system were inoperable. The service engine, anti-theft, overdrive, speedometer, ABS system, and door ajar warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V351000 (Electrical System) and 00V020000 (Visibility). The contact called the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
I have had to replace the wiper motor in this vehicle twice so far and now it has malfunctioned again and I will now need to replaced it again. That makes four wiper motors in one car. Ford disavows any responsibility for this in my Windstar, even though it has recalled this motor in other 2000 Windstar's. I don't understand why they won't be responsible for mine. It does all the things listed in the recall of 2001, loses intermittent, fails to work at all, turns on when I have it is on "off," and once, it even caught on fire when it was turned off and not in use. Needing 4 new wiper motors in one vehicle is clearly a design or manufacturing problem. This vehicle clearly should have been included in the 2001 recall for this very problem. How can I make Ford take responsibility and fix this repeated problem once and for all? Thank you.
Recall of wiper moter cover. Van was sitting in my driveway and started smoking, disconnected battery and found that the wiper motor shorted out. Wiper motor was replaced by recall, with further investigation wiper motor cover was not properly installed, took van back to Ford dealer, they told me they would not replace it out of warranty. Ford wanted over $500.00 to replace it, so I replaced it my self for under a $100.00.
At this time we are leasing a 2000 Windstar lx and we can't wait to turn it in to the dealership - and we plan to never purchase another Ford product again. We have purchased a used Honda accord and expect that we will be quite happy with it... There was a recall on the exhaust/emissions was fixed and the light came on again and will not go out - eastgate Ford, dayton, oh does not know why the light will not go out. The paint on the luggage rack is peeling off. The door actuator on the passenger sliding door - does not work - it takes 2 people to open the door, one inside and one outside. The power steering pump is faulty. Ford has a service bullentin out - but there is no recall because Ford does not believe there is a safety issue here - I do not agree. …
I have a 2000 Ford model sel - my wipers stopped working. I took it too Ford to get the problem fixed since I have an extended warranty on my vehicle (intercontinental warranty services -iws - [phone]) iws first agreed to cover the repairs to the burned out wiper motor. Ford [phone]) called iws to get an additional cable to be covered as well since the pins that were attached to that cable where also attached to the wiper motor and broke off. They got corroded with water and rust build up. Iws then decided to reject coverage since water damage is not covered in their policy. I spoke with iws and they gave me recall #01s25 and advised me Ford would have to cover the repairs. I called Ford back and they advised me that no recalls show up for my VIN#. However, I find that the same issue of this recall is affecting my vehicle as well and feel it needs to be covered by Ford or iws. …
The ABS and check engine lights went on (again, after I had numerous items repaired or replaced on this van). I went back to my mechanic who found that a part was needed, called the c1185 and is part of the ABS module system. I then went to Ford dealership to see if this part could be replaced, and they told me that the manufacturer for this part had gone out of business and the part was no longer made! I have had these items repaired/replaced on this 2000 Windstar since I bought the vehicle in December 2013: 1) Ford dealership replaced ten-speed control deactivation switch per recall 2) my mechanic then repaired the electronic braking system, speedometer and odometer, which was tied in with the speed control deactivation switch (repairs were over $420) 3) my mechanic reinstalled improperly installed rear windshield wiper 4) my mechanic installed new battery
The ABS light began coming on intermittently for no known reason; gradually it has been on more. In recent weeks, have also begun having problems with the speed control working only intermittently, and last week the speedometer stopped working incorrectly; the highest speed it registers is 28-29 MPH, even though I know I'm going faster. The windshield wipers now suddenly work only on low or, if turned up to the highest possible setting, they go half speed. Two weeks ago a brake set up for no known reason, to the point that I smelled 'burning.' I stopped to investigate when traffic allowed and could see nothing wrong. I drove to a hospital where son was working and he investigated and found the frozen-up brake. He was able to eventually get it freed up. A vehicle that once was a very dependable workhorse has suddenly become erratic and downright scary.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id numbers: 10V385000 (suspension: rear:axle: non-powered axle assembly), 00V351000 (electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash) and 01V261000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The vehicle was left with the dealer for over a month and once the vehicle was released to the contact, the power steering would abnormally pull the vehicle to the right. In addition, the windshield washer would only spray to one side instead of both. The anti-lock brake warning light was also illuminating on a consistent basis. The dealer was contacted and they advised him to junk the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and smoke began to emit from under the hood. The contact did not see flames, but poured water under the hood to put out the smoke. The windshield wiper motor stopped functioning after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test and the technician stated that water entered the wiper motor and started a fire. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 01V261000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor), that May be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. Updated 02/22/12
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was parked in the driveway and the keys were out of the ignition while the windshield wipers engaged by themselves. Black and white smoke erupted from under the hood. The contact raised the hood and disconnected the windshield wiper motor which stopped the wipers. Although smoke was present, no visible flames or fire was observed. Upon further inspection, heat damaged the wiring harness and throttle body. The contact determined the windshield wiper motor shorted out. Although the dealer was alerted, the vehicle was not inspected.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Vehicle description: Mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain August 27, 2001.
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Vehicle description: Mini vans. These vehicles May have been built with incorrect urethane, resulting in an adhesive bond rather than the intended molecular bond for the front windshield and rear liftgate glass.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield and liftgate glass.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2000 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2000 Ford Windstar, 4% of the model year's 1,675 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-261 (motor, Aug 15, 2001); NHTSA recall 00V-020 (glass, side/rear, Jan 31, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.