MotorDeets

Ford Windstar problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Windstar from 1990 to 2005: 14,153 owner complaints and 87 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (3326), 2001 (1686), 2000 (1675). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (1998).

Ford Windstar
Photo: Katarighe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling2688
Transmission & drivetrain2604
Brakes (hydraulic)2143
Suspension2049
Electrical1568
Body & structure1241
Brakes929
Speed control / throttle893

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199006–
199103–
199202–
1993011–
1994023–
19956332619
19968138618
1997519218
199811143319
199911152218
200015167517
200115168618
20028135318
20038151018
2004024–
200501–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Windstar.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Ford Windstar manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Ford Windstar manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Windstar?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (3326), 2001 (1686), 2000 (1675).

How many recalls has the Ford Windstar had?

Across 1990–2005, NHTSA lists 87 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).