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 2001 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Last night at approximately 8:30 pm, a pleasant evening at about 65 degrees and a light rain; for no reason whatsoever the rear quarter (automated) window exploded on the drivers side. The glass was on the inside of the vehicles back and middle seats as well as in the driveway. Because I have seen several other complaints about this issue, I think this qualifies as a safety hazard because of the shards of glass flying everywhere; if there would have been anybody in the van this could have caused them serious injury. Ford motor company needs to be held accountable for this issue and back it up with action by finding and fixing the problem; or at the very least cover the cost of the damages.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. When the contact first purchased the vehicle, it shut off. The rings in the engine had to be replaced. She also heard a rumbling sound when the brake pedal was depressed. An auto repair shop stated that the brakes were operating normally; however, after much complaining, the contact had the front brakes replaced. The windshield wipers stopped working after a new windshield was installed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the motor was found to be the cause of the failure. The motor was replaced. A couple of months later, the vehicle began leaking antifreeze and was towed to a repair shop. The contact was informed that the fuel injection hoses were leaking. The leak was repaired. Three weeks later, the vehicle would buck and shut off. She was informed that the catalytic converter was completely destroyed. …
I purchased a 2001 Ford Windstar in October 2001. I have had to have the transmission rebuilt in December 2003. I only have 46,640 miles on this vehicle. It has cost me $2158 to have this repaired. The transmission should not have been giving me problems with this few of miles on it. The transmission starting changing really hard and starting making loud clunking noises when shifting. It began to start slipping into neutral while driving down the road. The dealership has not helped me at all and Ford motor company has been informed of my problem. The state attorney general has also been notified. I think Ford motor should have a recall and pay for the repairs for these vehicles that have failed for those of us who trusted these to be reliable family vehicles. Go to www.carsurvey.org and see all the consumer complaints for the Ford windstars. …
Dt*: the contact stated that a recall on the replacement of the windshield wipers cover was not performed on the vehicle. An independent repair shop notified the contact of the recall and determined that the dealer should be contacted for repairs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the recall work had already been issued on the vehicle and no other service was performed. The vehicle was taken back to the independent repair shop who stated that the recall pertained to the replacement of the windshield wipers cover and the prior recall work that had been done on the vehicle was for the addition of silicone over the molding holes. The manufacturer was notified and would not assist the contact with recovery work to the recall.
Repeated failure and replacement of various parts of the electrical system including wiper motor, rear wiper motor, fuel pump, fuel pump fuses, alternator, repeated replacement of battery, repeated replacement of brake lights and light sockets and brake light switch, repeated failure and replacement of electric door locks, repeated replacement of coil wire, replacement of EGR valve. Constant stalling of vehicle in rain or humid weather. Vehicle stall when air conditioner is in use. Rough idle and stalling when vehicle is stopped and engine is running. All of these complaints have been constant and ongoing despite repeated replacement of electrical components since delivery of the vehicle in December of 2000.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 Ford Windstar's windshield wipers no longer work . The contact stated that they started with the intermittent wipers which would not completely wipe the window unless one continuedt o work the knob. She stated that now the windshield wiper doesn't wipe the windows at all. The contact found a recall 01V261000 for visibility: windshield wiper/ washer: motor. She called the manufacturer, and they informed her that this recall should have been taken care of by now, and would not help her with any other information. The contact felt that this vehicle should be apart of the recall since the vehicle only had 74,000 miles on it. The failure mileage was 70,000.
While idling at red light the rear quarter panel window on the driver's side of my 2001 Ford Windstar exploded. Nothing struck the glass from inside or outside of the vehicle to trigger the explosion. Glass flew into the interior of the vehicle covering the rear seat where my children are normally sitting. Fortunately I had not yet picked them up from school. I have owned the vehicle for three years and to my knowledge there were no cracks or other damage to the window prior to the explosion. The vehicle and windows are generally in good repair. I still do not know the cause of the explosion. These events occurred on April 21, 2011 in boise, idaho.
Problems encountered: rear windows not working,had motors replaced worked for about 6 months then intermittent then quit working within 6 months. ABS and brake light on dash goes on and off. A/C stops blowing for about 20 seconds then resumes blowing. Keyless entry works sometimes,sometimes it don't. Speedometer slower than it reads and mileage May not be correct. Windshield wipers not working properly. Intermittent settings on wipers quit working and when you turn off wipers they stop in middle of windshield. I have an 88 year old father with no legs and this is the vehicle I have to drive him around in. Do not feel safe!!
Regarding recall # 01V261000. My 2001 Ford Windstar [redacted] was not included in that recall. However, I am having the exact issue as described in this recall. I contacted Ford and they are unwilling to do anything about it. My vehicle is the same year as the year listed in the recall. It seems very odd that I am having this issue yet I some how missed the recall window by a small margin. This is a safety related issue and I am disappointed that Ford has not responded appropriately.
The door does not bounce back. My 2 year old daughter and myself got caught in the door while it was trying to close. My five year old had to push the button. I took the car to the manufacturer and they tested the door and said it was working fine. They said that is how the car is made. You have to have to put a lot force on the door in order for it to bounce back. There is no way to adjust the censors. There 2003 van requires even more pressure than mine. How is a 2 year old child suppose to apply a lot of pressure.
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.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2001 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2001 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,686 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-261 (motor, Aug 15, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 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.