Equipment complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have a 2003 Ford Windstar with 94,000 on it. Bought it second owner with 18,000 miles only on it and a 75,000 mile warranty. My entire frame is rusting from the door panels to the under frame, supports. Heck I have a hole that developed the size of my fist in the side frame near the passenger sliding door in the rear. My hitch wont even hold cause the metal just bends inwards. There are cars on the road with 150,000 that do not have the rust my car does. Why do I have to pay for the cheap metal they used during this process. Now I have to buy a new car that I cannot afford at this time. I was hoping to keep my car for at least a couple more years but now I cannot, its dangerous. They even told me my rear axle is bending. I will continue to drive my car cause I cannot afford another and if I die so be it I guess cause I guess its all about business as usual. …
With no prior problems to report, I was suddenly unable to put my vehicle in gear after starting it. The gear-shifter felt somewhat loose as if I were parked at an incline without putting the hand brake on. However, I was parked on level ground. After turning the vehicle off, I was finally able to get the vehicle out of park and into neutral where I was able to start it and put it into drive. Whenever I placed it in park it was extremely difficult to get it back into any other gear however, it would randomly go into gear as if there was no problem. But once placed back into park it would get stuck again. Now there is all kinds of wacky electrical stuff going on...window swithches aren't functioning, no tail lights, fuel gage is not functioning and the remote alarm entry only unlocks the drivers side door. …
A car accident occurred on January 9, 2004. Car was hit behind, and the bags did not deploy, but airbag light came on. Van was taken to repair shop twice to fix light. They came to the decision that a code needed to be put in and could only be done at Ford. The van was taken to Ford 4 times, and the light still comes on. First they put in code. 2 weeks passed then light came on again. Van taken back to Ford. It was released to us. After about 5 weeks light came on. They put in the code again. Light came back on as soon as we got to the driveway. We went to Ford again, and they said there was a problem with module. They replaced the module and a whole new air bag system in July. The replacement was done twice due to the first air bag system was defective, the light came on and stayed on the next morning. A complete new system place in the next day. …
2002 Ford Windstar sel with VIN [redacted], I am the third owner of this vehicle. The ABS and traction control system is damaged and has a recurring warning when the engine is started with the ABS / brake and traction control warning lights on. The person I purchased this van from (2nd owner) stated that he had all the recalls completed on this vehicle however he believed that the defect identified in Ford safety recall 09s09 for the speed control system has resulted in damage to the ABS system computer and/or associated harness wiring or harness connections. He (2nd owner) did not keep the repair orders for any of the recall repairs so I do not have any records to review. I believe that the wire harness, related wire harness connectors and the ABS system computer are damaged resulting from brake fluid leaking and/or corrosion related to the defect found in Ford safety recall 09s09. …
Product recall made on personal vehicle in February 2011 ( notification sent ) however vehicle was turned in for repair because hood and engine was smoking and overheating ! I was informed then that the car could be potential danger and could relate in vehicle detachment. I turned car into Ford dealership and check engine light still appears and car can not pass inspection. I feel very unsafe.
While driving consumer smelled a burning aroma. The smell was coming from inside of the vehicle. Consumer pulled over to investigate the smell, and noticed that the rear passenger door speaker was on fire. Consumer was able to put out the fire.
My 2000 Ford Windstar sel with only 40,000 miles placed my family in extreme danger due to mechanical failure, on December 30, 2003. The transmission literally "broke" while I was in the process of taking a left turn onto a 5 lane highway. I had four children in the van with me, and my van gave no indication of transmission trouble prior to this incident. I thought I had been rear-ended, that is how strong the impact was. After searching the internet for answers, (why would a vehicle with only 40,000 miles violently quit?) it became quite obvious to many consumers that the Ford company has known for many years the deficits with their Windstar transmissions. It is a crime for the Ford company to continue to sell their product as a family safe vehicle, when they know full well the danger families are in. …
I have a Ford Windstar with 93,000 miles on the odometer and was shocked when the vehicle tires were slanted on an angle on day! This was very odd looking, as you can only imagine and after a review of the vehicle was told that the rear axle housing was cracked (and rusted) right in the middle, closer to one side; leaving the care non-drivable due to possible blow-out occurrence. After having no choice but to repair the vehicle and after putting over $600 dollars into the vehicle have only found that other Ford windstars are also having this problem. I was fortunate enough not to be involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, however this was damaging to my savings account! I would still however buy Ford vehicles and would like to make my case known in this situation.
Related recalls (1)
Trailer hitches
In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Windstar years have equipment problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (20), 2001 (17), 1998 (13), 1999 (12) and 2000 (12) model years. Equipment complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Windstar equipment problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 02V-072 (trailer hitches, Mar 11, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Windstar equipment problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (16 mentions), followed by the electrical (13).
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.