Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Top speed (175 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2003
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by widespread and severe reliability issues.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Very frequent reports of complete failure, slipping, harsh shifting, and design flaws. Cited as a "maintenance item" and "faulty by design." Specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are referenced for torque converter clutch and valve body issues.
- Very frequentSevere structural rust/corrosion
Recalls mentioned for subframe corrosion that could lead to loss of steering control. Described as a primary reason for the vehicle's disappearance from roads, with bodies "falling apart" prematurely. One owner reported a manufacturer buyback program for rust issues.
- RecurrentEngine problems
Includes oil consumption/blow-by, head gasket failure indicated by white exhaust smoke, rough idle, stalling, and complete engine block replacement. The 3.8L V6 is specifically mentioned.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical system failures
Multiple, disparate issues including malfunctioning instrument clusters (gauges reading inaccurately or going "crazy"), inoperative interior lights, power locks, tail lights, fuel gauges stuck on half-tank, and general "electrical issues.".
- RecurrentChronic vacuum leaks and intake manifold gasket failures
Causing rough idle, stalling, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the EGR system.
- IsolatedBrake system problems
Includes brake fluid leaks linked to a dangerous cruise control vacuum canister failure (noted in a recall context), soft brake pedals, and hissing from the brake booster.
- IsolatedSliding door mechanism failures
Motors and manual operation mechanisms breaking, rendering doors inoperative.
- IsolatedFront end/suspension component failure due to rust
Specifically mentioned is an engine mount bracket rotting out.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific model year or trim level is recommended as superior. Discussions focus on universal flaws across the model range rather than identifying a "good" version.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by widespread and severe reliability issues. The vehicle is frequently described as a "rolling deathtrap" and a source of significant frustration. While a small number of owners report surprisingly reliable service over high mileage (e.g., 202,000 miles, 325,000 km), these are exceptions against a backdrop of pervasive mechanical failures. The primary consensus is that the Windstar is prone to catastrophic and expensive problems, particularly with its transmission, engine, and structural integrity, leading to premature failure and low long-term survival rates compared to contemporary Japanese minivans.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an affordable, mainstream American family minivan. Universally regarded as inferior in reliability and longevity to the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, which are consistently cited as superior, longer-lasting choices. Compared to other American vans like the Dodge Caravan, the Windstar is often viewed as equally or more problematic, with specific, severe flaws (notably structural rust and transmission design) that set it apart negatively. The Nissan Quest from the same era is noted as sharing some issues due to platform collaboration.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations (engine, drivetrain, trim) are recommended. The only purchase advice present is to avoid the model entirely or to secure an extended warranty if purchase is unavoidable.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase due to high likelihood of major, costly repairs. If considering as a cheap, used vehicle, buyers are advised to have significant mechanical aptitude and access to affordable parts, as repairs are frequent. An extended warranty is strongly suggested if purchased, as one owner reported it paid for multiple major failures. Thoroughly inspect for structural rust, particularly on the subframe and rear axle, and verify transmission operation. Budget for imminent transmission replacement or engine work. For family use, a contemporary Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna is consistently recommended as a more reliable alternative, despite a higher initial cost.
Remarks
The Ford Windstar is frequently cited as a quintessential example of poor automotive reliability from its era. A specific, dangerous defect is noted where brake fluid could leak onto the cruise control vacuum canister, causing sudden unintended acceleration and potential fire: this issue is linked to a fatal accident in owner discussions. The vehicle's reputation is so negative it is used as a benchmark for unreliability in discussions about other brands. The model was discontinued and subject to major recalls for rust and safety defects. Analysis based on owner experiences spanning the first-generation (1995-1998) and second-generation (1999-2003) models, with no significant generational improvement in core reliability noted in the data.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,725 | 16 | service brakes |
| 2000 | 1,693 | 16 | service brakes |
| 1999 | 1,588 | 13 | power train |
| 1996 | 1,484 | 9 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices54 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2001 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 15V608000
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.
2001 · power train:axle assemblycampaign 12V193000
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.
2001 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 12V195000
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.
2001 · suspension:front:control armcampaign 12V194000
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.
2001 · structure:frame and members:underbody shieldscampaign 11V030000
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.
2001 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
2001 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 10V385000
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.
2001 · vehicle speed controlcampaign 09V399000
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.
2001 · trailer hitchescampaign 02V072000
IN SOME MINIVANS, WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS (DIRT, SALT, ETC.) CAN ENTER INTO THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO A MISSING BODY SEALER.
2001 · air bagscampaign 00V270000
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.
2001 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 01V207000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE PEDAL OPTION. THE DRIVER FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
2001 · seat belts:front:buckle assemblycampaign 01V227001
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.
2001 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 03V459000
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.
2001 · air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactivecampaign 00V412000
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.
2001 · equipment:appliance:air conditionercampaign 01V262000
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.
39 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.8 V6
3.8L 6-cylinder · 200 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1999–2001