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 2001 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ABS and brake lights have been off and on for years. Have had the brakes looked at many times and they are always said to be fine. Today, while driving along, the radio went off when I rolled up the window...thought that was strange so opened window....radio back on, closed window....radio off. Thankfully I was very close to home as the windows stopped opening and closing, radio shut off, odometer reading disappeared, clock lights disappeared. I made it to the driveway, turned it off and it did not turn back on. Came inside and started to search "2001 Ford Windstar ABS and brake lights on"......I'm appalled at how many complaints I have found. Husband and friend did a check and it May be the alternator....but after what I've read we will definitely be checking for fluid in the ABS control module. …
In the fall of 2006 I began experiencing isolated instances where the brake lights stayed on after the release of the brake pedal. I first noticed it when the battery was dead by the end of the work day. Frequency increased over the next several months. I found I could resolve the problem by lifting the pedal slightly from behind. On March 12, 2007 the problem began happening with each stop, so I removed and examined the brake light switch. It appeared to be functioning correctly. I examined its placement on the brake booster rod. The wear pattern appeared to be very slightly off-center. I reinstalled the switch, but inserted the spacer insert from the opposite side. When dissassembling, the spacer was inserted from the passenger side. When I reassembled it, I inserted it from the driver side. I have driven the car approximately 1200 miles and the problem has not returned. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the vehicle surged forward until he abruptly applied to the brakes. The failure also occurred while the contact was stopped with the brakes depressed. In addition, the brake light would intermittently illuminate while the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was not taken to have the failures diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact stated that neither failure occurred until after the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The failure and current mileage was 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the rear center brake lights would illuminate for hours at a time and would not shut off. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the failure May be due to a sensor, but he was not sure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
2001 Ford Windstar sel my brake light and ABS light are on frequently . . . I notice this during and after rain or when conditions are wet outside . . . Also after I hit a bump in the road they seem to come on. My vehicle has been like this for at least a year and the dealership told me I needed new brake pads on the front. I replaced them and the problem continues to occur.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35mph on a street in rainy weather, the brake warning light illuminated. A bystander alerted the contact that the rear brake lights were inoperative. Upon initial inspection the contact determined the rear brake wiring harness was wet and corroded from rainwater and it needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were alerted.
My 2001 Ford Windstar has broken through 2 rear axles! Also the interior lights blink on and off as I am driving and sometimes come on and stay on and while turned off will sometimes drain the battery and the headlights and hazard lights will blink on and off and the horn will beep. Also at times my power windows will not function.
2001 Ford Windstar, ABS light and brake light constantly coming on. Mechanic says there are over 11 codes showing up. This is the third time I've attempted to have this problem fixed, nobody can fix it, just keeps happening. I've heard about fires occurring and am worried about the safety of my family.
Dt*: the contact stated the brake and tail lights will stay on while the vehicle is parked. The lights will go off temporally when the keyless entry is pressed. The dealer replaced the switch and actuator assemblies. This did not remedy the problem.
Intermittently, the brake lights stay on after brake pedal is released. This causes 2 problems: 1. The brake lights to stay on while driving, and 2. The brake lights stay on when the vehicle is parked, thus causing the battery to discharge.
Headlight complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,686 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Windstar headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2001 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 2001 Ford Windstar headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
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.