Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) and 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal and driving slowly, the vehicle shook, and the engine shifted. The contact stated that the engine shifted to the right. In addition, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the RPMs became elevated. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle, and upon inspection, became aware that the subframe had detached and was dragging. The contact believed that the motor mounts were fractured. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the tow yard unrepaired. …
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) and 11V030000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded. The failure mileage 59,839.
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought back from the customer
The driver and passenger side sliding doors tend to not open or close correctly sometimes you have to manually pull them open or they do not completely close and you have to bump the back end of it to close right
Driving on hwy 49 driving approximately 40 MPH when I lost control with my children in the car. Luckily we came to a stop off the hwy. I could see my tire was almost sideways and blown. My finance picked us up and said the axle had snapped and took a picture. It is Saturday and I'm without a car. I found out this was recalled. I just want to make sure Ford will fix the issue and in a timely manner since I have no other car.
The van took off without my control and the brakes stopped working and the fuel system it caused me to have two accidents within a week of each other
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving 40 MPH, the rear of the vehicle began veering to the right and left. The contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle, but managed to pull over to the side of the road. The contact drove to an independent mechanic who quickly diagnosed that the rear axle was rusted and fractured in half. The contact took the vehicle to dorian Ford (35900 gratiot ave, clinton twp, mi 48035, [phone]) in 2016 for an unknown recall repair regarding the brackets for the rear axle. The dealer confirmed that they inspected the vehicle and passed it on February 9, 2016. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer, but they were only concerned that the vehicle was no longer covered by a warranty and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 113,643. …
To whom it May concern, I am seriously concerned about this vehicle and the way I am treated by Ford motors. The car suddenly while driving on highway came to a complete stop and almost flipped. Thank god that injuries were not that serious but the car is now total loss. After taking the car to private mechanics, it was determined that subframe broke and the axles, control arms all broke. It was then discovered that this was part of a recall. Car was towed to Ford motors dealership. A request has been made to provide me with safety report on the vehicle. Ford and its dealership forced me out of their dealership and kicked me out. The car is their for months and I have been sending Ford online messages via email and phone but they are not willing to buy the car or give me its value nor fix the car. …
The sweigh bar links have been replaced twice. Breaks and rosters too! The tires are new with inlinement and rotation done! I have went through several sets of tires! The vehicle just doesn't drive correctly! The vehicle is also missing with no found reason and will randomly die! It feels very lose and unsafe on the road! The coil pack, plugs and plug wires replaced! All new fluids including antifreeze, break fluid, power steering fluid, oil and transmission fluid! The air filter and other filters! New fuel pump and it's still not right! Break light comes on and off and emergency break isn't set nor is it low on fluid! New breaks and caliber and rotor! Seriously have invested slot of money in this vehicle! Also motor for windows being replaced now! Gage hand will periodically go all the way to the right the after a few seconds go back to normal! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while stopped, the contact heard an unknown part detach from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel then became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted by phone and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension) and 11V030000 structure). The vehicle was taken to metro Ford chicago (6455 s. Western ave, chicago, il 60636, [phone], to have the recall repairs performed. The contact was informed that an unknown bushing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Related recalls
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in Salt Belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the…
Power sliding door opening
The subject vehicles are equipped with single or dual power sliding doors (psd).approximately 111,000 vehicles have dual power sliding doors.the psd is opened by any of 5 methods, the inside or outside manual door handle, the key fob, the overhead console switch and the b-pillar switch.the door May be opened only under these conditions: ignition key is in off/accessories/on/start position, gear selector in park,…
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe in approximately 425,288 model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles…
Body complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 101 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Ford Windstar, 7% of the model year's 1,353 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Windstar body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-030 (underbody shields, Jan 26, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Windstar body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to body & structure 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.