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 2003 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The rear axle on my vehicle snapped while I was driving causing me to lose control and leave the roadway. I contacted Ford who told me there was a recall for the rear axle of my vehicle and that I would have no out of pocket expenses for the repairs and the towing of the vehicle to the service center. After they set up the towing I received a message saying I had to pay $381 for the towing before they would dispatch the tow truck. I called Ford customer service and they told me that now they can't find in their notes where they told me towing was covered. After asking to speak with a supervisor and being told they're not going to transfer me because they know their supervisor can't do anything more then what they can do I was placed on hold for an hour just to be told they can't find it in their notes and then I was hung up on. …
When driving my muffler broke loose and was dragging on the ground. My axel creaks when I stop or sit idle at a light. When several miles from home my ignition cylinder came out. I couldn't start or turn the ignition on nor operate the steering. I'm now afraid to drive my vehicle. Since acquiring it. I've put a lot of money into repairs. In addition to purchasing this vehicle, I've spent well over $2,000 in repairs. Once I learned of the recall and viewed the risks (Video) of the dangers I became grossly disturbed by what I am facing at the thought of driving. I have contacted 4 Ford Service Centers and none of them contacted back regarding fixing my 'recall'. I NEED HELP!! I have a disability and now I don't have transportation besides this car. How come no one is returning my calls? I am stranded at my home knowing that my safety is at risk. …
Our 2003 Ford Windstar began experiencing intermittent electrical failures. On May 27, after driving normally, we stopped for about 30 minutes. Then the van stalled several times on a short trip. After another 10 minute stop, it operated normally again. Several times during the next week, although the car did not stall, the power to the steering and brakes went out. We had an appointment with our local Ford dealer to service the van on June 7. However, on June 6 the power systems failed, causing the car to crash into a road side mailbox. No personal injuries occured. Nothing was done to correct the failure. At our expense, Ford would have had someone look at the vehicle to see if they could determine the exact cause of the accident. We choose to deal with our insurance company instead. The car was totaled and repossessed by state farm insurance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly swerved to the left and right and the contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle. The contact crashed into ditch. The contact was reported injured. A police report was available (carroll township police department 10-0910). The vehicle was towed from the ditch and the tow driver advised that the steering bracket was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a tow yard where the contact was awaiting the completion of an investigation through her insurance company. The failure and the current mileage were 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, there was a noise underneath the vehicle. In addition, the steering wheel became loose and the contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to keep it in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the cradle fractured due to corrosion and the rack and pinion was protruding through the fractured site. The mechanic stated that the cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 273,000.
Approximately two months ago I noticed fluid leaking under the vehicle I looked at it and thought it was oil I checked the oil it was fine, a friend mentioned rack and pinion so I looked there and that's where the leaking came from. I took the vehicle to a garage for professional opinion was told it would cost approximately$1.200 to repair, he also found a bad motor mount. I don't have that kind of money at this time to invest into the needed repairs. Please contact me about any recalls that relate to this problem.thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 40 MPH down a hill, the brake pedal was applied, but was stiff and failed to respond. Also, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering pulled towards the left. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: cas14205849. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while in park, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle had corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the cradle was previously glued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While attempting to turn into the driveway, the contact heard a clunking noise and a snap. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the subframe fractured and the tie rod snapped. The vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 20 MPH, the power steering failed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local garage and the mechanic stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was seeking reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 3% of the model year's 1,510 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Windstar steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 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.