1999 Ford Windstar Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11652242

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

103,000 mi

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

NHTSA ID

11602338

Incident

Jul 14, 2024

Mileage

214,000 mi

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started pulling to one side, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mounts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance because the vehicle was not under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11594421

Incident

May 22, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard the rear driver’s side tire rubbing against the axle and then saw smoke coming from the tire. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the rear driver's side axle had fractured and was on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11484439

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

Mileage

130,000 mi

If my vehicle is not used for a few days (3 to 4 days), when I start the vehicle, all the needles of the instrument cluster oscillate violently between extremes. However, this does not affect drivability and I can slowly move the car out of my driveway and get on the street. About 30 to 45 seconds after this, the needles stop moving and resume normal function.

NHTSA ID

11454902

Incident

Mar 2, 2022

Went into a curve and vehicle swayed and went into the other lane as if had a flat tire. I had it checked at an independent garage and found rear axle is breaking

NHTSA ID

11451811

Incident

Jan 2, 2022

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle made screeching sounds. The contact saw smoke and detected a burning odor. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over and park the vehicle in a parking lot, where it remained. The contact's boyfriend inspected the vehicle and related the failure to the rear axle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,724.

NHTSA ID

11443927

Incident

Dec 15, 2021

Mileage

70,724 mi

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while attempting to move the vehicle up her driveway, the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle without shifting into the park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,457.

NHTSA ID

11434901

Incident

Sep 28, 2021

Mileage

156,457 mi

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PALLOTTA FORD LINCOLN (4199 CLEVELAND RD, WOOSTER, OH 44691, (330)439-0835) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.

NHTSA ID

11414312

Incident

Apr 7, 2020

Mileage

250,000 mi

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE HIGHWAY SPEEDS 3/21/21. LEFT REAR TIRE COLLAPSED AGAINST FRAME OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP 4/1/21. THEY CONFIRMED AXLE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT COVER UNDER RECALL 15S27. (SEE ATTACHED ESTIMATE TO REPLACE) THEY CONFIRMED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY 4/1/21 800-392-3673 REGARDING RECALL 15S27. THEY WILL NO LONGER COVER RECALL. MAILED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REQUEST TO HONOR RECALL 15S27 4/5/21. NO REPLY YET AS OF 4/13/21. THE WINDSTAR ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, BODY ARE SOUND AND WAS USED DAILY. IF NOT FOR THEY REAR AXLE FAILURE IT WOULD SILL BE USED. I FEEL IF THE RECALL WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND THE "FIX" FAILED. FORD SHOULD BE REASONABLE TO MAKE IT ROAD READY AGAIN BEING IT WAS A RECALLED PART.

NHTSA ID

11407864

Incident

Mar 21, 2021

Mileage

250,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A 50 MPH ZONE WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM THE SUB FRAME BUT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL. VAN IS NOW USELESS AND I ONLY HAVE 125K MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11364256

Incident

Oct 12, 2020

Mileage

125,000 mi

THIS WAS MY MOTHERS . NOW MINE THE SPEED ODOMETER JUST GOES EVERY WHERE SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. AND IT DOES IT DOES SHOW THE RIGHT SPEED ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES THE SAME . AND WHEN THAT STARTED THE WINDOWS STOP WORKING TOO. ANY MORE NOR THE RADIO. THEY SAID ITS A MAIN CONTROL MOLECULE. I JUST DON'T KNOW I GOT A TICKET CAUSE IT SAID I WAS GOING 89 IN 65 WOW.. HELP

NHTSA ID

11349136

Incident

Jul 25, 2020

Mileage

1 mi

THE AXLE ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE IS TERRIBLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NO REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT IT WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO NOT FIT OR STAY ON CORRECTLY CAUSING IT TO RUB ON THE VANS SURFACE CAUSING A BLOWOUT AND MAKING DRIVING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AND DANGEROUS. THANK GOD MY SON DROVE IT AND NOT MYSELF. THANK GOD THAT HE IS OKAY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I AM A FOSTER MOM AND DRIVE CHILDREN IN THIS VAN AND IT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEMS AND REPAIRED. MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE KIDS AND I WERE GOING TO HIT THE HIGHWAY AND GO TO A FOOD PANTRY IN THE ADJOINING CITY. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE MY SON TOOK THE CAR TO PUT GAS IN BEFORE THE KIDS AND I WERE TO LEAVE OUT. WE HAD ALREADY STATED THAT THE WHEEL WASN'T FITTING ON WELL AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO BECAUSE OF THE CORROSION AND THEN INFORMED US ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEMS THIS MODEL WAS HAVING WITH THE AXLES AND RUST AND CORROSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS. THANK GOD THIS WAS ON A CITY STREET AND AT THE TIME THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC, OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS MESS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11325615

Incident

May 21, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

BRACING ON REAR AXLE DID NOT WORK, THE BRACING RETAINED ROAD SALT AND MOISTURE CAUSING THE AXLE TO FAIL. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE AXLE BROKE AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DICH.

NHTSA ID

11297689

Incident

Dec 12, 2019

Mileage

154,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH ENTERING A RAMP TO THE FREEWAY, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FATHER'S HOUSE. KOCOUREK FORD LINCOLN (2727 N 20TH AVE, WAUSAU, WI 54401, (715) 298-3673) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11289839

Incident

Dec 17, 2019

Mileage

130,000 mi

I HAVE 3 PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 60,000 MILES. ONE OF THEM IS THE GLASS IN FRONT WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE RAIN I HAVE TO TURN ON THE WIPERS THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE MIDDLE PART OF THE WIPER STAYS WET WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE CLEANS VERY WELL. THE OTHER PROBLEM I'VE ALWAYS HAD IS THE POWERSTEERING WHEN I'M DRIVING, I'M GOING TO TURN TO THE SIDE AND THE CAR TURNS OFF THE GUIDE GETS HARD AND I CAN'T STRAIGHTEN IT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN. THE LAST PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION, ONE DAY THE FAMILY WENT ALL TOGETHER IN THE CAR AND SHORTLY AFTER WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING WE PARKED IN THE GRASS WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PART OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE REALIZED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LIQUEFIED OIL. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AND BEGAN TO GIVE SOME TIRESOME EVERY TIME I CHANGED GEARS. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED WITH THE DAMAGED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION

NHTSA ID

11282498

Incident

Sep 16, 2014

Mileage

60,000 mi

I HAVE 3 PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 60,000 MILES. ONE OF THEM IS THE GLASS IN FRONT WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE RAIN I HAVE TO TURN ON THE WIPERS THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE MIDDLE PART OF THE WIPER STAYS WET WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE CLEANS VERY WELL. THE OTHER PROBLEM I'VE ALWAYS HAD IS THE POWERSTEERING WHEN I'M DRIVING, I'M GOING TO TURN TO THE SIDE AND THE CAR TURNS OFF THE GUIDE GETS HARD AND I CAN'T STRAIGHTEN IT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN. THE LAST PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION, ONE DAY THE FAMILY WENT ALL TOGETHER IN THE CAR AND SHORTLY AFTER WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING WE PARKED IN THE GRASS WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PART OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE REALIZED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LIQUEFIED OIL. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AND BEGAN TO GIVE SOME TIRESOME EVERY TIME I CHANGED GEARS. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED WITH THE DAMAGED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION

NHTSA ID

11282494

Incident

Sep 16, 2014

Mileage

60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2015. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND, WHEN INSPECTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WHERE CAVED INWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROOVE FORD (10039 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, (720) 523-9154) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ID

11279070

Incident

Oct 20, 2019

Mileage

134,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) BY AN UNKNOWN FORD DEALER IN CIRCLEVILLE, OH THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE RECALL REQUIRED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID THE LATTER, CAUSING THE FAILURE TO RECUR AFTER FIVE YEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS HIS DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE SWERVED BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE CROOKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE PERFORMED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11266140

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

Mileage

130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THEN TURNED DARK. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. KLABEN FORD LINCOLN OF WARREN, INC (I3853 YOUNGSTOWN RD SE, WARREN, OH 44484, (888) 428-3823) STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING AND AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11171624

Incident

Jan 21, 2019

Mileage

82,000 mi

VEHCULO DA CANTASOS Y JALONES AL CONDUCIR. UN DA NOS BAMOS DE CAMINO A UN RESTAURANTE LA TRANSMICIN EMPEZ A DAR CANTASOS NOS ESTACIONAMOS EN LA GRAMA, LA TRANSMICIN PARECE QUE LIQUEABA ACEITE Y EL ACEITE CALIENTE CAY EN LA GRAMA Y LA GRAMA SE ENCENDIO EN FUEGO Y HOY EN DA LA TRANSMICIN AUNQUE SE ARREGLE SIGUE LIQUEANDO Y DANDO CANTASOS

NHTSA ID

11166709

Incident

Jun 15, 2003

Mileage

12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11140596

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

109,000 mi

1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRACKET RECALL THAT WAS NOT HONORED FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.*JS

NHTSA ID

11103128

Incident

May 4, 2018

SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WILL NOT PASS THE SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TREATED BY THE RECALL 11S16-S4.IN 2012. I WENT FOR A VOLUNTARY SAFETY CHECK AND THE VEHICLE STAYED AT THE SERVICE AS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11098729

Incident

Feb 16, 2018

Mileage

167,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A THUD. WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE TIRE THAN BECAMED SLANT AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS COCKED TO ONE SIDE.

NHTSA ID

11084744

Incident

Apr 2, 2018

Mileage

160,000 mi