RoadVitals

2003 Ford Windstar Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,510
Latest Jul 27, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
60

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Windstar, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

660
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. I would like to get my issue remedied with a $4,999.00 Reimbursement for this vehicle ASAP so I may invest in getting a safer one. Please give me a dealership address here in Los Angeles so I can have the vehicle towed there and be done with it. I no longer want a vehicle that I can not drive nor can get my 'recalls' remedied. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ID 11446673 · filed Jan 7, 2022

WHEN TRAVELING 15 MPH ON BRICK ROAD I PRESSED BRAKES TO STOP THEN LOUD NOISE AND CAR STILL ROLLED FORWARD - SCARY AND UNSAFE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS - THE ABS LIGHT IS ON IN MY VEHICLE

NHTSA ID 11266482 · filed Oct 5, 2019
All 660 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

278
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IT HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NEEDS WIRING HARNESS, NEEDS FRONT AND REAL AXLE REPLACEMENT. DANGEROUS. ALARM GOES OFF AT RANDOM. WON'T HOLD CHARGE. STEERING WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT. *TR

NHTSA ID 11324221 · filed May 12, 2020

STARTED HAVING WIPER ISSUES (INTERMITTENT DID NOT WORK) RANDOMLY FOR A COUPLE WEEKS, THEN HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ON HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH NO OTHER CARS, FIRST FOR A COUPLE SECONDS OFF THEN ON THEN OFF FOR GOOD AFTER A FEW MORE SECONDS. AFTER ANOTHER 10 MIN OR SO THEY WENT BACK ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO WIPERS DID NOT WORK, OR RADIO, WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS. ANOTHER TIME DURING HEAVY RAIN IN DAYTIME THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN, WIPERS WENT OFF. THIS WAS ON BUSY HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THEY WENT ON AGAIN AFTER 10S AND I WAS ABLE TO SEE AND PULL OVER. VERY SCARY. HAPPENED OFF AND ON AGAIN. TURNED OUT FORWARD CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD. DEALER REPLACED ONE I GOT FROM JUNKYARD, NO MORE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11165003 · filed Jan 7, 2019
All 278 reports naming electrical

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

254
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at 40 MPH, the rear axle snapped. The wheel hub to the axle was barely connected. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number:15V608000 (SUSPENSION); however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 237,000.

NHTSA ID 11729112 · filed Apr 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that steering wheel became difficult to turn. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,263.

NHTSA ID 11670538 · filed Jul 1, 2025
All 254 reports naming suspension

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

127
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My family and I went to pull out of an entersection when the 03 Ford Windstar I purchased suddenly stopped pulling .almost getting rearended

NHTSA ID 11487707 · filed Oct 3, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR, FILTER, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.

NHTSA ID 11389820 · filed Jan 25, 2021
All 127 reports naming powertrain (other)

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

127
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-20 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed the procedure was that the dealer would inspect the vehicle and escalate the findings to the special support center. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty on the repair had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID 11753134 · filed Jul 27, 2026

The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was punctured. The contact was advised that the front subframe was severely corroded; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would not be repaired due to the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11653439 · filed Apr 8, 2025
All 127 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

109
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and Brake warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, there was smoke, and a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the ABS fluid had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that fluid had leaked from the Speed Control Deactivations Switch causing damage to the ABS Control Module connector. The vehicle was not yet 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: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 250,000.

NHTSA ID 11599271 · filed Jul 5, 2024

Driver was stalking a pedestrian.

NHTSA ID 11430964 · filed Aug 30, 2021
All 109 reports naming driver assistance

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

99
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On May 23rd 2022 I was driving on interstate 45 the speed limit through where I was driving was 75 all of a sudden with no warning no engine light on my transmission stopped working and I could not break I was able to safely get over thank goodness but there is a recall on my transmission which almost killed me that needs to be replaced

NHTSA ID 11465824 · filed May 23, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 05/01/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAS SINCE FAILED AGAIN.

NHTSA ID 10502619 · filed Mar 13, 2013
All 99 reports naming transmission

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

69
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, WHITE SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THEN IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

NHTSA ID 11266713 · filed Oct 7, 2019

WAS ON THE STREET DRIVING, LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON DASHBOARD VAN SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, BLEW OUT, WAS DRIVING AGAIN VAN WAS ILDE UP REALLY BAD AND WHILE MY FEET WAS ON THE BRAKES IT STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO SOMEONE ELSE VEHICLE, AND ALSO VAN WAS ON THE ROAD STARTED RUNNING BAD BROKE DOWN ON A BUSY STREET ONCE I WAS PUSHED TO A SAFE LOCATION ALL MY FLUIDS WERE ON THE GROUND AND THE VAN WAS SMOKING REALLY BAD AND LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD WERE FLASHING.

NHTSA ID 11120027 · filed Aug 15, 2018
All 69 reports naming engine

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

63
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. MIDDLE SEAT WON'T GO BACK UP AND THE DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK HALF THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10641532 · filed Oct 5, 2014

THE INTERIOR LIGHTS IN THIS VEHICLE FLICKER ON AND OFF AT RANDOM WHEN DRIVING. IT DOES IT DURING THE DAY AND AT NIGHT. AT NIGHT IS THE WORST. SOMETIMES IT WON'T DO IT FOR A LONG TIME AND THERE IS TIMES WHERE IT DOES IT CONSTANTLY. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING CORRECTS IT BUT ONLY SOME OF THE TIME. I HAVE BEEN SEEING COMPLAINTS ON MANY DIFFERENT WEB SITES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE SEEN NO TSB ISSUED FROM FORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10621098 · filed Aug 9, 2014
All 63 reports naming interior & seats

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. I shouldn't have to pay almost $400 to have my vehicle that just had a catastrophic failure causing me to wreck towed for servic after I was lied to about the towing being covered

NHTSA ID 11527143 · filed Jun 15, 2023

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. I would like to get my issue remedied with a $4,999.00 Reimbursement for this vehicle ASAP so I may invest in getting a safer one. Please give me a dealership address here in Los Angeles so I can have the vehicle towed there and be done with it. I no longer want a vehicle that I can not drive nor can get my 'recalls' remedied. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ID 11446673 · filed Jan 7, 2022
All 40 reports naming steering

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. I shouldn't have to pay almost $400 to have my vehicle that just had a catastrophic failure causing me to wreck towed for servic after I was lied to about the towing being covered

NHTSA ID 11527143 · filed Jun 15, 2023

MY REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE AXLE BEAM REINFORCING FLANGE CRACKED WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP LIGHT. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, SO I TOOK MY VAN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN KNOX, INDIANA (BEST FORD). AFTER A FEW DAYS, THEY SAID THAT FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE REAR AXLE. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED, HOWEVER, I SEE ON THIS WEBSITE THAT A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE IS INCOMPLETE AND THAT FORD HAD AN ADDITIONAL RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11133193 · filed Oct 3, 2018
All 33 reports naming other / unspecified

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL UNCONTROLLABLE DRIVING WITH STEERING REAR END FISHTAILING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10936119 · filed Dec 19, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID 10884092 · filed Jul 11, 2016
All 30 reports naming airbags

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STARTED HAVING WIPER ISSUES (INTERMITTENT DID NOT WORK) RANDOMLY FOR A COUPLE WEEKS, THEN HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ON HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH NO OTHER CARS, FIRST FOR A COUPLE SECONDS OFF THEN ON THEN OFF FOR GOOD AFTER A FEW MORE SECONDS. AFTER ANOTHER 10 MIN OR SO THEY WENT BACK ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO WIPERS DID NOT WORK, OR RADIO, WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS. ANOTHER TIME DURING HEAVY RAIN IN DAYTIME THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN, WIPERS WENT OFF. THIS WAS ON BUSY HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THEY WENT ON AGAIN AFTER 10S AND I WAS ABLE TO SEE AND PULL OVER. VERY SCARY. HAPPENED OFF AND ON AGAIN. TURNED OUT FORWARD CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD. DEALER REPLACED ONE I GOT FROM JUNKYARD, NO MORE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11165003 · filed Jan 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHILE STATIONARY, THE HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHED AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS COULD NOT BE USED DUE TO THE INVOLUNTARY FLASHING OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS. IN ADDITION, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 10968332 · filed Mar 24, 2017
All 26 reports naming exterior lighting

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STARTED HAVING WIPER ISSUES (INTERMITTENT DID NOT WORK) RANDOMLY FOR A COUPLE WEEKS, THEN HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ON HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH NO OTHER CARS, FIRST FOR A COUPLE SECONDS OFF THEN ON THEN OFF FOR GOOD AFTER A FEW MORE SECONDS. AFTER ANOTHER 10 MIN OR SO THEY WENT BACK ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO WIPERS DID NOT WORK, OR RADIO, WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS. ANOTHER TIME DURING HEAVY RAIN IN DAYTIME THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN, WIPERS WENT OFF. THIS WAS ON BUSY HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THEY WENT ON AGAIN AFTER 10S AND I WAS ABLE TO SEE AND PULL OVER. VERY SCARY. HAPPENED OFF AND ON AGAIN. TURNED OUT FORWARD CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD. DEALER REPLACED ONE I GOT FROM JUNKYARD, NO MORE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11165003 · filed Jan 7, 2019

BATTERY WAS DEAD ALL OF A SUDDEN... JUMPED IT AND ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING... DOME LIGHT DASH LIGHTS... WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND THEY WERE TURNED OFF... DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN UNTIL THE GAS WAS PRESSED AND THEN IT ALL CAME BACK ON... CALLED SEVERAL PLACES AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG.

NHTSA ID 10512135 · filed May 1, 2013
All 19 reports naming visibility

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SIDEWALL SPLIT ON BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SE 200, SIZE 215X70R15, DOT # WBM3 E20 0210. MILEAGE ON TIRE 39K, STILL GOOD TREAD DEPTH. I STILL HAVE TIRE IF ANY AGENCY WOULD LIKE TO INSPECT. DIDN'T TAKE IT BACK TO BRIDGESTONE B/C FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10679723 · filed Jan 29, 2015

ABS/AIRBAG, TIRE GAUGE LIGHTS ON - EBCM MODULE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10535809 · filed Aug 16, 2013
All 11 reports naming tires & wheels

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VAN I PURCHASED. THE MILEAGE IS 081206.3. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE SLIDING DOORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VAN. THE DOORS ON THE SIDES AND BACK ARE VERY HARD TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AS WELL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT TURN OFF UNLESS YOU HIT THE BRAKES. THE SEATBELT ARE MAKING A HORRIBLE SQUEAKING NOISE AND DON'T REALLY ROLL UP RIGHT. I'D LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET A LIST OF RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. TO ME THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID 10702429 · filed Mar 29, 2015

AFTER LOOKING UP ALL OF THE SERVICE REPORTS ON THIS VEHICLE, I AM BEGINNING TO RECOGNIZE THAT FORD HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO. WE HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT OF SERVICE REPORTS ON OUR VEHICLE ALONE THAT OUR DEALERSHIP IS NOT REPORTING. WE HAVE PAID MORE FOR SERVICE REPAIRS THAN WE DID PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE. OUR AC/HEAT JUST CLICKS W/O WORKING, POWER WINDOWS FRONT AND REAR DO NOT WORK, POWER DOOR LOCKS, LEAKING ROOFS, LEAKING DOORS, ABS LIGHTS ON, ENGINE LIGHTS ON, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON, ENGINE SPUTTERS EVEN AFTER TWO COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED TUNE-UPS, COWL BROKEN, FRONT AND REAR AXLES SEVERELY CRACKED, SUB-FRAME CRACKED, REAR WIPER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, BRAKES NEED CONSTANT REPAIRS, ELECTRICAL SHORTS EVERYWHERE, HEAD LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS ALL NEED CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 6 TIMES IN ONE DAY BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL FAULTY, BRAKE SWITCH UNDER BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS CONSTANT REPLACEMENT, CONSTANT WHEEL ALIGNMENTS, WHEEL SENSORS MISSING OR BROKEN, POWER SEAT BROKE AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT IT WAS PETTY TO HAVE IT FIXED EVEN WITH A HEIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRIVERS, CONTROL MODULES REPLACED, MULTIPLE EXPENSIVE SENSOR FAILURES, SPARK PLUGS WITH WIRES REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE, STARTER REPLACED, PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE WATCHED FOR SLIPPAGE BECAUSE IT CAN'T HOLD ON HILLS, INTERIOR LIGHTS BLINK IN A PATTERN WHILE DRIVING, CAN'T HAUL IT'S OWN TAILGATE, BATTERY REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES BY DEALERSHIP, POWER MIRROR SWITCH BROKE, MANY MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE AT OUR COST, P0302, P0305, P0316, C1235, C1185, C1198, C1194, C1254, C1246, C1250, C1242, C1214, C1210, C1103, C1410, C1404, B1318. WE WERE TOLD BY MANY SERVICE DEPARTMENTS A WHILE BACK THAT THESE CODES WERE NOT IMPORTANT. THEY CLEARED THE CODES EVERY TIME. THEIR RESPONSE TO THESE CODES WERE TO CLEAR THEM EVERY SINGLE TIME. WE ONLY HAVE ONE VEHICLE AND THIS IS IT. I AM A MOM W/CHILDREN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10702306 · filed Mar 28, 2015
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED NEW IN 2003. THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND YET WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT WE HAVE TO EAT THE FINANCIAL BILLS INSTEAD OF FORD. FROM SENSORS FAILING, TO INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHING AT US, AND THE VEHICLE SPUTTERING WHILE WE DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. FORD KNOWS THAT THE 1999- 2003 WINDSTAR HAVE SERIOUS SAFETY AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES, YET THEY DO NOT WANT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. FORD WOULD RATHER PASS ON THEIR PROBLEMS ONTO THE CONSUMER AND AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. 2013 AT OUR COST OF $1,000.00+ WE REPLACED THE COIL ASSEMBLY PACK, EGR SYSTEM WITH BRACKETS, OXYGEN SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, AND WIRES. NOW WE ARE REPLACING THEM AGAIN. THE ABS SYSTEM, THE TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ALL INTERWOVEN AND ALL FAILED IN 2009 AND WE WERE TOLD THAT IT IS NOT IMPORTANT BY THE DEALERSHIPS. WE PLACED OUR OBD SCANNER ON OUR VEHICLE AND THIS IS WHAT WE PULLED. P0302, P0305, P0316, C1235, C1185, C1198, C1194, C1254, C1246, C1250, C1242, C1214, C1210, C1103, C1410, C1404, B1318. WE WERE TOLD BY MANY "SERVICE DEPARTMENTS" A WHILE BACK THAT THESE CODES WERE NOT IMPORTANT. THEY CLEARED THE CODES EVERY TIME. THEIR RESPONSE TO THESE CODES WERE TO CLEAR THEM EVERY TIME. WHY ARE WE HAVING TO REPLACE THE COIL ASSEMBLY PACKS, WIRES, EGR SYSTEM WITH BRACKETS, OXYGEN SENSORS,AND PLUGS SO OFTEN, WHEN WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT THESE PLATINUM PLUGS AND WIRES SHOULD LAST 150K? WE HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS VEHICLE YEARS AGO. FORD SHOULD COMPENSATE US FOR OUR TROUBLES, INSTEAD THEY INCREASED OUR FINANCIAL BURDEN, AND FORD SHOULD HAVE PLACED US INTO A SAFER VEHICLE ALL AT THEIR COST. THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE. WHEN IT FAILS, WE HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS TO GET IT REPAIRED AT OUR COST. FORD SHOULD TAKE ON THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THEY KNOW THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THESE ISSUES. MAJOR REPAIRS= 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, AND NOW 2015. *TR

NHTSA ID 10702303 · filed Mar 28, 2015

THE VEHICLE STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IT WILL STALL OUT WHEN STOPPED. THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART. IT IS NOT ANYTHING THAT PERTAINS TO A TUNE UP OR OIL CHANGE OR TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE RADIATOR GOT LOW A;LITTLE BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2003 FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED EDITION BUT MINE WAS NOT IN THIS RECALL. I FEEL THAT MY CAR SHOULD BE FIXED BECAUSE IT HIS A SAFETY HAZARD. PLUS THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD, WHICH CAUSES MY TIRES TO GO BALD. FORD WILL NOT FIX THE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10552786 · filed Nov 18, 2013
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NOISE IN POWER STEERING. *NM

NHTSA ID 10143283 · filed Nov 20, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .