1996 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Ford Windstar: 8 recalls, 1386 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #96V086000 · 1996 · 100,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin May not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Why it matters: This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
Seats Vehicle recall #96V114000 · 1996 · 200 vehicles
What's wrong: The four fasteners securing the driver's seat to the floorpan were not torqued to proper specifications.
Why it matters: The driver's seat May not properly hold in the event of a vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to the occupant.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat fasteners and retorque to proper specifications.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #96V166000 · 1996 · 40,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.
Why it matters: Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V180000 · 1997 · 769,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Why it matters: This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V147000 · 1999 · 789,723 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters:
The fix: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V101000 · 2002 · 250,283 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with…
Why it matters: Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: 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…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Recall #01I007000 · 2001 · 948,492 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1998 Ford windstar minivans. The front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Note: the 1997-1998 windstar MINI vans are also covered by NHTSA safety recall 01v-199/Ford recall 01s19. The MINI vans covered by the safety recall were originally…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 45 mention a fire, 52 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (470): the most common themes are leaks (111), warning light on (74), stalls / loses power (35).
- Transmission & drivetrain (322): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (60), noise or vibration (31), leaks (21).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (218): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (61), warning light on (30), noise or vibration (28).
- Suspension (111): the most common themes are noise or vibration (22), steering problems (5).
The 1996 Ford Windstar has 1386 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (1.6× the average Windstar year). Complaints peaked in 2001 (266 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 86,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (3326 complaints, 6 recalls), 1997 (192 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
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 1996 Ford Windstar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Ford Windstar, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 1386 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (470), transmission & drivetrain (322), brakes (hydraulic) (218).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Ford Windstar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.