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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Ford Windstar recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns and 14,108 owner complaints for the Ford Windstar, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 1995 model year drew the most complaints (3,326), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Ford Windstar VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 33 recall campaigns on file
  • 14,108 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 1995 (3,326 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (2,676 complaints)
  • latest recall 15V608000 (reported Sep 29, 2015)
  • 513 complaints reporting a crash (3.6%)
  • 425 complaints reporting a fire (3.0%)
  • 348 complaints reporting an injury (2.5%)
  • 10 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Ford Windstar complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1995 model year has the most complaints: 3,326 of 14,108, or 23.6%. Next come 2001 (1,686) and 2000 (1,675). The fewest are for 2005, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Ford Windstar owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 14,108 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 1995 with 3,326. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 3,326 complaints3,32619951996: 1,386 complaints1,38619961997: 192 complaints19219971998: 1,433 complaints1,43319981999: 1,522 complaints1,52219992000: 1,675 complaints1,67520002001: 1,686 complaints1,68620012002: 1,353 complaints1,35320022003: 1,510 complaints1,51020032004: 24 complaints2420042005: 1 complaint12005
Ford Windstar complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Ford Windstar complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19953,32613750762
19961,3866045421
19971926940
19981,4335465372
19991,5225062351
20001,6756255451
20011,6866662471
20021,3534548341
20031,5103327281
2004240200
200510000
All model years14,10851342534810

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Ford Windstar components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 2,676 complaints (19.0% of all 14,108), followed by Power Train (2,595) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2,137).

Components named most often in Ford Windstar complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Ford Windstar complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling2,67619.0%
Power Train2,59518.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2,13715.1%
Suspension2,04514.5%
Electrical System1,56711.1%
Structure1,2398.8%
Service Brakes9296.6%
Vehicle Speed Control8926.3%
Steering6824.8%
Unknown or Other4653.3%
Visibility3972.8%
Fuel System, Gasoline3342.4%
Air Bags3092.2%
Wheels2902.1%
Service Brakes, Electric2822.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Ford Windstar recalls

33 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Windstar, newest first. The 33 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. The 2000 and 2001 model years appear in the most campaigns (15 each).

  • 33 recall campaigns
Ford Windstar recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 6 campaigns1996: 8 campaigns1997: 5 campaigns1998: 11 campaigns1999: 11 campaigns
2000: 15 campaigns2001: 15 campaigns2002: 8 campaigns2003: 8 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V608000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 1998–2003

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.

    Consequence:
    If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 12V195000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 1998–2003

    Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, registered in Puerto Rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.

    Consequence:
    A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 12V194000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm

    Model years 1999–2003

    Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of Virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.

    Consequence:
    A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. The recall began on June 18, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 12V193000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly

    Model years 1998–2003

    Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in Virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.

    Consequence:
    A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 11V030000

    Reported

    Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields

    Model years 1999–2003

    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, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.

    Consequence:
    This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. If repairs cannot be made to a vehicle, Ford will offer to repurchase the vehicle. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 21, 2011. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V385000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 1998–2003

    Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997 through February 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.

    Consequence:
    A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 09V399000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1995–2003

    Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 SD through F-550 SD diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the Texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (SCDS). The SCDS may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

    Consequence:
    A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the SCDS. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking SCDS, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 27, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-888-222-2751.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 03V459000

    Reported

    Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

    Model years 2001–2003

    Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." During testing, a third row bench floor-to-seat latch released before the strength requirement was met. Identical latches are used in the second row of seats.

    Consequence:
    If the latches on TH4E second or third row seats of the vehicle release in a crash, the potential for occupant injury is increased.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the seat-to-floor latches on the second and third row of seats. Owner notification began on November 21, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 02V101000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 1995–1996

    On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with the dash panel insulator above the catalytic converter. This contact could abrade the brake line corrosion protection, consequently, salt or water absorbed in the dash panel insulator would promote corrosion. This corrosion could ultimately lead to a leak in the brake line.

    Consequence:
    Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. Owner notification began May 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 02V072000

    Reported

    Trailer Hitches

    Model years 2000–2001

    In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) Can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.

    Consequence:
    This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire.
    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 protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. Owner notification began April 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 23 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 01V262000

    Reported

    Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner

    Model years 1999–2001

    Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with auxiliary rear air-conditioning. If the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke.

    Consequence:
    The motor could potentially catch on fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. Owner notification began augsut 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 01V261000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

    Model years 1999–2001

    Vehicle description: mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between February and August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation.

    Consequence:
    Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain August 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 01V227001

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by TRW. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford Crown Victoria built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 Mercury Grand Marquis built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at Michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford F-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at Ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at Kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks built at Kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. Ford excursions built at Kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. Ford expeditions built at Michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began July 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 01V207000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model years 2000–2001

    Vehicle description: minivans equipped with an adjustable pedal option. The driver floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal.

    Consequence:
    This can result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace both front driver and passenger side floor mats in the vehicle. Owner notification began July 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V199000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs

    Model years 1997–1998

    On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and in the District of Columbia. The front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.

    Consequence:
    Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began September 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 00V412000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: minivans and passenger vehicles. A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected.

    Consequence:
    In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the RCM and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 00V351000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash

    Model years 1999–2000

    Vehicle description: minivans built with instrument clusters without the message center, fail to comply with the requirements of standard No. 118, "power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." The power windows may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front doors are opened.

    Consequence:
    The standard requires that power operated windows may be closed only when the key is in the "on," "start," or "accessory" positions, or during the interval between the time the key is turned off, and the opening of either of the vehicle's front doors.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 00V270000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2001

    Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and mini vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (RCM). In some cases, the RCM does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up.

    Consequence:
    This condition could result in personal injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the RCM in these vehicles. Owner notification began September 14, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V228001

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with TRW seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. Owner notification began October 26, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 00V168000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting

    Model years 1996–1998

    Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease Canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet Canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." According to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the U.S. erroneously.

    Consequence:
    The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by U.S. standards.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  11. NHTSA campaign 00V164000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles may have incorrectly fuel line end forms which could result in a lower than specified pull apart force for the installed fuel line connection.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a redundant fuel line clip on the fuel supply and return line connections at the rear of the chassis fuel line bundle.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  12. NHTSA campaign 00V020000

    Reported

    Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect urethane, resulting in an adhesive bond rather than the intended molecular bond for the front windshield and rear liftgate glass.

    Consequence:
    If the bond deteriorates, it could provide less than the intended level of glass retention in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the windshield and liftgate glass.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  13. NHTSA campaign 99V309000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 1995

    Vehicle description: minivans which were originally sold or currently registered in the following hot weather states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California (10 southern counties), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada (clark county only), Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas, can develop cracks in the fuel tank in the forward strap area of the standard 20 gallon tank due to a combination of factors that are present in certain very hot areas of the country.

    Consequence:
    These cracks could result in fuel leakage if they propagate through the wall of the tank.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a brace assembly at the strap bolt hole location and replace the tank strap with a revised, longer strap. Dealers will also inspect the tanks for leaks. If a leak exists and is the result of a crack in the fuel tank, the tank will be replaced in addition to the installation of a spacer and longer strap.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  14. NHTSA campaign 99V147000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model years 1996–1999

    Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 135, "passenger car brake systems."

    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  15. NHTSA campaign 97V180000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Hood

    Model years 1995–1996

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  16. NHTSA campaign 97V165000

    Reported

    Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.

    Consequence:
    This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for Windstar model vehicles are 97JB09 or 97JC08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97J09B or 97J08B.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  17. NHTSA campaign 97V097000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 1997–1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with AX4S automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.

    Consequence:
    The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  18. NHTSA campaign 97V051000

    Reported

    Child Seat

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: minivan equipped with second row bench seats with optional integrated child seat (ics). The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats may not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.

    Consequence:
    As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  19. NHTSA campaign 96V166000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (PRNDL)

    Model year 1996

    The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.

    Consequence:
    Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  20. NHTSA campaign 96V114000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model year 1996

    The four fasteners securing the driver's seat to the floorpan were not torqued to proper specifications.

    Consequence:
    The driver's seat may not properly hold in the event of a vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to the occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the driver's seat fasteners and retorque to proper specifications.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  21. NHTSA campaign 96V086000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1996

    The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.

    Consequence:
    This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  22. NHTSA campaign 94V223000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator

    Model year 1995

    The alternator output wire was not connected tightly to the power distribution box.

    Consequence:
    This can result in overheating of the connection and a possible vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection. Vehicles with visible damage to the plastic power distribution box housing will have the underhood harness, including the power distribution box, replaced.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  23. NHTSA campaign 94V222000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood

    Model year 1995

    The wiring harness insulation can abrade on a brace that runs from the instrument panel to the cowl.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in an electrical short and possibly a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a shield on the instrument panel to cowl brace, and installation of a piece of convolute wrap material on one of the adjacent harnesses.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Ford Windstar questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Ford Windstar have?

NHTSA lists 33 vehicle recall campaigns for the Ford Windstar, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 15V608000, was reported on September 29, 2015 and is filed under “Suspension”. The 2000 and 2001 model years are covered by the most campaigns (15 each).

Which Ford Windstar model year has the most complaints?

The 1995 model year, with 3,326 of the 14,108 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.6%). The next are 2001 (1,686) and 2000 (1,675). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Ford Windstar complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 2,676 complaints, or 19.0% of all 14,108. Power Train (2,595) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2,137) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Ford Windstar?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Ford dealer.

How many Ford Windstar complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 14,108 complaints, 513 report a crash, 425 a fire, 348 at least one injury and 10 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Ford models

8 models · most complaints first

The Ford models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Ford VIN decoder with every Ford model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Ford F-150 1995–2027 · 158 recalls · 35,790 complaints
  • Ford Explorer 1995–2027 · 131 recalls · 31,089 complaints
  • Ford Escape 2000–2026 · 95 recalls · 27,343 complaints
  • Ford Fusion 2006–2020 · 46 recalls · 22,383 complaints
  • Ford Focus 1999–2018 · 36 recalls · 22,086 complaints
  • Ford Edge 2004–2024 · 43 recalls · 14,009 complaints
  • Ford Taurus 1995–2019 · 52 recalls · 12,702 complaints
  • Ford Expedition 1995–2027 · 76 recalls · 9,327 complaints

All Ford models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.