Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1999 Ford Windstar, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train278
- Structure276
- Electrical system209
- Suspension208
- Steering184
- Service brakes, hydraulic130
- Engine and engine cooling129
- Vehicle speed control99
- Service brakes72
- Visibility60
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 46 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 6 1999 Windstar vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 1999 Ford Windstar failed the safety check 3.95% of the time — 125% more often than the average 1999 passenger car (1.76%). Median odometer at inspection: 119,124 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 13.2–13.5 L/100 km (about 17–18 mpg US), CO₂ 304–311 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windstar Van · Van: Cargo · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.2 | 13.2 |
| Windstar Van · Van: Cargo · Regular gasoline | 15.6 | 11.0 | 13.5 |
| Windstar Wagon · Minivan · Regular gasoline | 15.6 | 11.0 | 13.5 |
| Windstar Wagon · Minivan · Regular gasoline | 15.5 | 11.1 | 13.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
10 Transport Canada recalls for the 1999 Ford Windstar.
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2015437 29 Sept 2015 | Structure On certain vehicles that had rear axle reinforcement brackets installed as part of safety recall 2010-284, the brackets may not have been installed properly, wh… |
| 2011038 26 Jan 2011 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the subframe may not have been properly e-coated during the manufacturing process. As a result, the subframe of vehicles originally sold, … |
| 2010284 24 Aug 2010 | Suspension On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, Ne… |
| 2009292 14 Oct 2009 | Other On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur ei… |
| 2004170 20 May 2004 | Label Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The Standard specifies that for vehicles other than passenger cars, the label information sh… |
| 2001213 22 Aug 2001 | Electrical On certain vehicles contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior o… |
| 2001214 22 Aug 2001 | Electrical On certain vehicles, if the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the … |
| 2000274 21 Nov 2000 | Accessories Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 118 - Power-operated windows, power-operated partitions and power-operated roof panels. If the ke… |
| 1999126 23 Jun 1999 | Brakes Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 105 - Hydraulic Brake Systems. The brake fluid warning statement embossed on the side of the brak… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 1999 Ford Windstar: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 637704 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF POPPING OR GRINDING NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. *TT |
| 637558 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WHEN STOPPING. *TT |
| 636376 | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0171 / P0174. *TT |
| 636361 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT |
| 636348 | INFORMATION ON VEHICLES WITH PROGRAMMABLE MODULES. *TT |
| 636312 | EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM AND / OR RED BRAKE LAMP ON AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. *TT |
| 636112 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FRONT SEAT BACK FRAME(S) BENDING. *TT |
| 636065 | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT |
| 636000 | BATTERY DRAIN SERVICE TIPS. *TT |
| 635987 | GRUNT / POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AT SPEEDS BELOW 20 MPH WHEN TURNING. *TT |
| 635966 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POPPING / GRINDING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR MAKING TURNS. *TT |
| 630665 | SOME VEHICLES WITH THE REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE CONDITION. *TT |
| 630567 | CONCERNS WITH INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER READING. *TT |
| 630515 | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT |
| 630475 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE REAR WIPER MOTOR CONDITION. *TT |
| 630460 | CONCERNS WITH THE HEADLAMPS THAT TURN ON AND A BLOWER MOTOR THAT WILL OPERATE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION. *TT |
| 630458 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INOPERATIVE/FLICKERING DOME LAMP, LAMP STAYING ON ALL THE TIME, COMING ON BY ITSELF, OR INOPERATIVE WITH ANY DOOR AJAR INPUTS TO THE DOME LAMP. *TT |
| 630398 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FRONT BRAKE LINING CLICK OR RATTLE NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR ROUGH ROADS. *TT |
| 630366 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT UNCOMMANDED ACTIVATION OF THE PERIMETER ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. *TT |
| 630356 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A PARK PULLOUT CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO ANOTHER GEAR POSITION. *TT |
| 630354 | SOME VEHICLES MAY RUN ROUGH AT CRUISE OR MOMENTARILY AFTER STOPPING, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,AND P030X CODES. *TT |
| 630351 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK. *TT |
| 630266 | EXHIBITING INSTRUMENT PANEL BEEPING SOUND, TRAC-CONTROL OFF LAMP ON, AND CODE B2477 STORED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE. *TT |
| 630210 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE REAR WIPER MOTOR CONDITION. *TT |
| 630188 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON, NO START OR ERRATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONDITION. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
Rear Axle Cracking
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
WHEEL STUD FRACTURE
WHEEL STUD FRACTURE
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation