Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On May 24 while backing out of the driveway I was a passenger in my sons car when it suddenly accelerated at a tremendous rate of speed and with a loud noise and crashed into the vehicle in front, which was pushed into our shed. I sustained injuries of 6 broken ribs, bruised lung and contusions to my chest. If not for the car and shed in front we would have ended at the bottom of the hill behind our home. The insurance company, 21st century, did not send a claim form and is fighting paying for this accident.
I purchased this vehicle this morning, 4/29/15. I took it for a test drive last night, no problems. This morning when I left the house to get the title transferred and vehicle registered, the brake light came on. When I got to my destination and turned it off, then turned it back on, the light remained on, and the ABS light came one. Neither will go off. I had a 1998 Windstar that I sold due to age but loved. I am not happy to have this issue the first day I own its replacement.
The traction control turns on and off with switch in off position. On a clear dry day the system will turn on while driving straight . The car must be in motion for this to happen. The car does this very often. We can't find anything wrong. Sometimes you might hear a hum. It happens on all types of pavement and both day and night.
The ABS light, advanced trac control indicator light, and dash lights are flashing on and off intermittently for several seconds. Alarms beep and the engine loses power. This has occurred multiple times over the past several weeks. Then coming onto the freeway this morning it occurred again and the engine shut off. It would not restart. After almost getting hit by another vehicle as a result of the engine shutting off, I was able to pull over and turned off the key. Tried to start the van several times and after a few tries it started and I was able to get off highway without getting hit. This is a recurring problem many 03 Windstar van owners are experiencing. Called Ford and they said it is not a documented problem with them. I have read hundreds of comments from other owners experiencing these same problems. …
ECM module defected according to the brake shop. The brake shop pulled the codes and all the codes said to replace the ECM module. The reason I took my 2003 Windstar to the brake shop because my brake light, on by dash, comes on and my brakes makes noise like the brakes are on but they are not. This problem is intermittent and the brake light resets when the minivan is turned off. The brake shop said I had excellent brakes and the ECM module is defected. It will cost 600-800.00 dollars for repairs at my Ford garage. But I understand as of now, there is no recall for the ECM module, however there maybe a recall in the near future. A recall will be great for me saving me 600-800.00 dollars. Thanks
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was found that the rear axle was corroded and fractured. The contact also mentioned that the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic who stated that the electronic control module had failed. The contact also stated that the interior lights erroneously illuminated intermittently while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The approximate failure and current mileage was 149,000.
The ABS and brake light began to come on intermittently, followed soon afterwards by the power right passenger window failing to go and down, followed by the transmission o/d off light flashing. These would occur until the engine was shut down, then most of the time the symptoms would go away, always to return. When the o/d off light would come on, the transmission would fail to perform at speed and we would have to reduce our speed to under 50 MPH in order to not rev the engine above 3500 RPM. When this light is on, you cannot get to 60 MPH without redlining the engine. I have had dealers and mechanics look at this a number of times with no resolution.
Randomly, but with increasing regularity, the ABS and brake lights come on simultaneously and stay lit. Only way to "correct" issue is to turn off vehicle for a period of time(more than 10 minutes) and then start up again. No "noticeable" effects occur when lights come on, but I haven't had to "use" the ABS system as it is summertime and road conditions are optimal for braking. Also, not sure if it's related but, recently used the parking brake and even though it is "fully released" inside the vehicle.....the rear brakes appear to still be locked due to the fact of visual evidence of smoke and accompanying burning smell after driving for any distance.
Brake warning light and ABS warning light both come on and stay on, beginning at varying times after beginning driving. After testing at Ford dealership, mike fitzpatrick Ford in newnan, ga, diagnosis was ABS controller failure. Corrective action was to replace ABS control unit and the brake light switch operated by the brake pedal. Continued to operate vehicle until June 20, 2011 because brakes and brake light worked and the cost was prohibitive. Part numbers replaced were 2f2z-2c219-ba control and sw-6218 switch. The ABS control failure at 84,500 mileage on this vehicle indicates an inadequate reliability of design and/or manufacturing quality.
Tire pressure monitoring systems fails. After set, lights up although the tire pressure is properly set. Advance trac system - automatically engages in conditions that do not require it (e.g. Driving on the interstate). The vehicle immediately slows with a griding noise. Both incidents have been reported to the dealer who has said that these are sporadic problems that have occured and that they have not been able to replicate, therefore, they can do nothing. However, after reviewing your site, I see that I am not the only person experiencing the same problems.
Traction Control complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 1,510 complaints. The component named most often is automatic (asc) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Windstar traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2003 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 2003 Ford Windstar traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to stability & traction control 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.