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U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Ford WINDSTAR: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1,674 owner complaints analyzed

15 distinct recall campaigns

104,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data snapshot: . 1,152 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 172 of 1,674 complaints (10.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior54032.3%
Transmission and shifting19911.9%
Electrical and battery issues1016.0%
Steering behavior764.5%
Engine operation321.9%
Fuel system concerns110.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
172
Suspension:Rear
156
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
148
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
131
Suspension
129
Service Brakes
124
Vehicle Speed Control
105
Structure:Frame And Members
92
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System172
Suspension:Rear156
Power Train:Automatic Transmission148
Service Brakes, Hydraulic131
Suspension129
Service Brakes124
Vehicle Speed Control105
Structure:Frame And Members92

Electrical System: 172; Suspension:Rear: 156; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 148; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 131; Suspension: 129; Service Brakes: 124; Vehicle Speed Control: 105; Structure:Frame And Members: 92

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
39
25,000 to 49,999
101
50,000 to 74,999
152
75,000 to 99,999
224
100,000 to 149,999
452
150,000 and above
184
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00039
25,000 to 49,999101
50,000 to 74,999152
75,000 to 99,999224
100,000 to 149,999452
150,000 and above184

Under 25,000: 39; 25,000 to 49,999: 101; 50,000 to 74,999: 152; 75,000 to 99,999: 224; 100,000 to 149,999: 452; 150,000 and above: 184

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (452). 522 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000
77
2001
88
2002
95
2003
119
2004
91
2005
86
2006
40
2007
35
2008
116
2009
154
2010
329
2011
101
2012
85
2013
64
2014
69
2015
47
2016
26
2017
24
2018
5
2019
14
2020
2
2021
2
2023
3
2024
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
200077
200188
200295
2003119
200491
200586
200640
200735
2008116
2009154
2010329
2011101
201285
201364
201469
201547
201626
201724
20185
201914
20202
20212
20233
20241
20251

2000: 77; 2001: 88; 2002: 95; 2003: 119; 2004: 91; 2005: 86; 2006: 40; 2007: 35; 2008: 116; 2009: 154; 2010: 329; 2011: 101; 2012: 85; 2013: 64; 2014: 69; 2015: 47; 2016: 26; 2017: 24; 2018: 5; 2019: 14; 2020: 2; 2021: 2; 2023: 3; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 540 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 199 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 101 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000941 · 2003-01-11 (January 11, 2003)

THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR VEHICLE, A 2000 FORD WINSTAR SEL, WENT ON US WHILE DRIVING THE ON A BUSY SIX LANE ROAD. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE 68,000 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER, I'VE PRODUCED MAINTENANCE RECORDS FOR FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP WHICH CLEARLY SHOW WE'VE FOLLOWED FORD'S MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS; INCLUDED HAVING THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP (AT 42,000). THIS SEEMS TO BE ONE EXAMPLE IN A LONG LINE OF FORD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHEN WILL THE NHTSA, OR ANOTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY, FINALLY STEP IN AND CONFRONT FORD? TS

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000941 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001335 · 2002-12-20 (December 20, 2002)

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE INDICATION LIGHT FLASH SPEED DROP AND OVER DRIVER LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED TECHICIAN NOTICE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACE TRANSMISSION IS ON THE THIRD REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001335 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001337 · 2002-12-20 (December 20, 2002)

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACE STEERING RACK PUMP AND PULLEY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001975 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AS CONSUMER MERGED WHILE ACCELERATING IN THE PASSING GEAR, THE SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH BUT RAPIDLY CLIMBING. CONSUMER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING, WHICH MADE A LOUD MAXIMUM RPM ENGINE SOUND. THERE WAS A DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF THE PEDAL, AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, THE CONSUMER STOMPED THE PEDAL, BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP. THE POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES WENT OFF WITH THE ENGINE. (COASTING AT 85 MPH WITH NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING) SCC *JB…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001975 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002113 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SELF-SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOCKED GARAGE WITH ALL DOORS LOCKED. PH

Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002113 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002448 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)

THE SLIDING DOOR DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING, THE DOOR WOULD OPEN AND REMAIN OPEN. *NLM THE CONSUMER HAS DEMANDED FORD TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. *SCC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002448 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002783 · 2003-01-16 (January 16, 2003)

2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH POWER SLIDING DOORS HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL REOPEN AFTER IT HAS CLOSED. FORD HAS LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM, CHANGED PARTS, SENT AN ENGINEER, ETC. IT STILL HAPPENS. CONTINUOSLY CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AFTER MY DEALER HEARD NOTHING FROM REGIONAL (WHICH WAS WHERE THE PROBLEM IS NOW DIRECTED) CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING, BECAUSE REGIONAL IS OVER THEIR HEADS. MY DEALER TOLD FORD AND I HAVE TOLD FORD THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002783 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003471 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR HAD TO HAVE A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN IT HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES DUE TO A DEFECT CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO RUN TOO LEAN. THE CODE WAS 0171. IT IS RIDICULOUS TO HAVE TO REPLACE A PART OF THIS NATURE WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY THIS MANY MILES ON IT AND ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003471 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

15 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

00V020000 · Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear

Reported: 2000-01-31 (January 31, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
00V164000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery

Reported: 2000-06-19 (June 19, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
00V228001 · Seat Belts

Reported: 2000-08-18 (August 18, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
00V351000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash

Reported: 2000-10-30 (October 30, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
01V207000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Reported: 2001-06-22 (June 22, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
01V261000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Reported: 2001-08-15 (August 15, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
01V262000 · Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner

Reported: 2001-08-15 (August 15, 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
02V072000 · Trailer Hitches

Reported: 2002-03-11 (March 11, 2002)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 2009-10-13 (October 13, 2009)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V385000 · Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Reported: 2010-08-26 (August 26, 2010)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V030000 · Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields

Reported: 2011-01-26 (January 26, 2011)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V193000 · Power Train:Axle Assembly

Reported: 2012-05-03 (May 3, 2012)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V194000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm

Reported: 2012-05-03 (May 3, 2012)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V195000 · Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Reported: 2012-05-03 (May 3, 2012)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V608000 · Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Reported: 2015-09-29 (September 29, 2015)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗