Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, an abnormal sound emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle kept gaining forward momentum. The contact stated that the power steering also failed to operate as intended. As a result, the vehicle jumped the sidewalk and struck two small trees. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by turning the ignition to the off position. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained whiplash and muscle spasms, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the subframe fractured, which caused the throttle to seize in the open position. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a fire hydrant and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries but did not require medical attention. The passenger sustained wrist injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/12/16 updated 05/14/18
Leaving parking lot at work my car fully accelerated, lost steering and crashed into steel post. Inspection revealed both rear engine cradle mounts were completely rusted through causing rear engine cradle to drag on the ground. Which caused loss of steering, full throttle and crashed right front of vehicle.
Total sudden loss of steering the car went off the road totally out of control. No notification of recall subframe collapse. Entire steering parts destroyed and coolant leaked from engine this is incredible that no one was injured I was about to get on the highway!!!
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately between 35-40 MPH on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the brake pedal the front btakes locked and the driver was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle also skidded without warning. The failure continued to occur intemittently. The "brake" and "ABS" warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was shut off by the driver. The contact was able to drive the vehicle with caution; however, there was an increase in the engine rpms. An authorized dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket and the alternator. On a separate occasion, the the air bag system failed to deploy with a level of impact to the rear of the vehicle. There were no personal injuries. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. …
Vehicle currently at the dealership for more than two months awaiting from Ford customer relationship center to resolve the issue as the dealer wont fix the corroded sub frame instead they want the crc dept send the parts to them, according to crc dept they escalated the issue to the second level but no action until now has been taken...I feel that they're ignoring my request or has been sitting there without taking any action. We almost died on this as the passenger side wheel fell off..I'm trying my luck if you can help us to resolve the issue with them...thanks [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle had a front end alignment and other repairs performed but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 04/14/16 the consumer stated the subframe was completed corroded.
Complete deteriation of the front left and right sub frame attaching to the lower control arm attachments at the rear of subframe holding the rack and pinion assembly. This steel is flaking and appears to have laminte separations (looks like flakey pie crust). Cannot get a mechanic to replace leaking rack and pinion assembly due to the poor condition that will leave no material when it breaks off.
I lost control on the highway I was driving I hit a pothole and my car when its own way I was coming home from the hospital from just giving birth two day earlier and I kept hearing a weird noise so I took my car to the shop and they said it was the lower control arm.
Ford Windstar van, which was already subject to rear axle recall, and the rear axle did break on it in May, and was replaced and I received reimbursement for the replacement from Ford. However, another incident happened in December. My 21 year old son was in an accident driving this van on Thursday, dec. 16. The van lost traction and pulled to the right, pulling him into a ditch and down a steep embankment. The front of the van was ripped off, tires slashed, van almost flipped over, and the airbags never deployed. He hit a dirt embankment head on going about 30-35 MPH. The roads were icy that day, and he was on a curve... The van would not respond to steering to correct the direction the van was going. I experienced something similar last winter; the van seemed to pull to the right, going off the road without allowing the driver to control the vehicle. …
Steering complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Windstar, 3% of the model year's 1,353 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Windstar steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Ford Windstar, though it has 8 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 2002 Ford Windstar steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.