2003 Ford Windstar problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (269) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (186) · Suspension (169)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Windstar model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
1,281 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (6)
Suspension:rear:axle:non-Powered Axle Assembly 2015-09-29 · campaign 15V608000 · 283,413 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:axle Assembly 2012-05-03 · campaign 12V193000 · 27,000 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:front:control Arm 2012-05-03 · campaign 12V194000 · 23,000 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-Powered Axle Assembly 2012-05-03 · campaign 12V195000 · 9,192 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields 2011-01-26 · campaign 11V030000 · 425,288 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-Powered Axle Assembly 2010-08-26 · campaign 10V385000 · 492,650 vehicles
Defect: 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
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (68)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure 2020-04-20 · 16-0065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for 1999-2003 windstar vehicles safety recall 11s16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (lca) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could separate from the vehicle subframe. separation of one lca a
Suspension:multiple Axle 2016-04-21 · TSB160070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
safety recall 10s13 - rear axle corrosion - requests for recall service action
Suspension 2016-04-21 · 16-0070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for 1998-2003 windstar vehicles safety recall 10s13 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear axle could potentially fracture. if the rear axle should completely fracture, vehicle handling may be affected which could increase the ri
Structure 2016-04-20 · TSB160065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
safety recall 11s16 - lca rear attaching flanges or rear subframe body mount corrosion - requests for recall service action
Suspension:rear:axle:non-Powered Axle Assembly 2015-09-29 · CSP-15-N-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
summary to be provided on a future date.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm 2014-09-09 · TSB-14-0168 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: safety recall on front subframe lower control arm (lca) rear attaching flange or rear body mount that can separate from subframe if vehicle is operated, for extended period, in high corrosion areas. model 1999-03 windstar.
Showing the 6 most recent of 68 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-07-27 · Structure · 132,000 mi“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 …”
2026-04-03 · Suspension · 237,000 mi“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 fa…”
2025-07-01 · Suspension · 160,263 mi“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…”
2025-04-08 · Structure“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…”
2024-12-11 · Suspension · 135,000 mi“the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side rear wheel. the traction control warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact sta…”
2024-07-05 · Vehicle Speed Control · 250,000 mi“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 wh…”
2024-06-06 · Suspension · 160,000 mi“the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor circulating inside the cabin of the vehicle. the contact stated the vehicle started losing motive power, and he was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnos…”
2024-05-06 · Suspension · 207,000 mi“the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving from the driveway, the front driver's side control arm detached from the vehicle. the vehicle made an abnormal scraping sound. while making a turn, an abnormal clicking noise was heard. there were no warning lights illuminated. the local dealer was not contacted. the vehic…”
2023-08-07 · Suspension · 180,000 mi“the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from an undisclosed location of the vehicle. the contact veered off the roadway. the contact notified a tow truck company and inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was towed to…”
2023-06-15 · Wheels · 💥 crash“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 messa…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.