FORD WINDSTAR · model year

1999 FORD WINDSTAR

2040 NHTSA complaints, 64 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1999FORDWINDSTAR carries 2040 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 64 crashes, 86 fires, 49 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 WINDSTAR is power train:automatic transmission with 184 filings, followed by structure:frame and members (156) and electrical system (109). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 7 investigation files overlapping the 1999 WINDSTAR. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

2040
Complaints
64
Crashes
86
Fires
49
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

2040 filings

Crashes Reported

64 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION184
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS156
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM109
SUSPENSION82
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL78
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC76
SERVICE BRAKES72
SUSPENSION:REAR69
STEERING:RACK AND PINION64
STEERING53
UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN45
POWER TRAIN45
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING38

Recent Complaints

20250402SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

20250402POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

20240715SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

Mileage: 214,000

20240614ENGINE

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started pulling to one side, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mounts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance because the vehicle was not under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20220914SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard the rear driver’s side tire rubbing against the axle and then saw smoke coming from the tire. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the rear driver's side axle had fractured and was on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20220302ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If my vehicle is not used for a few days (3 to 4 days), when I start the vehicle, all the needles of the instrument cluster oscillate violently between extremes. However, this does not affect drivability and I can slowly move the car out of my driveway and get on the street. About 30 to 45 seconds after this, the needles stop moving and resume normal function.

20220214SUSPENSION

Went into a curve and vehicle swayed and went into the other lane as if had a flat tire. I had it checked at an independent garage and found rear axle is breaking

20211215FireSUSPENSION

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle made screeching sounds. The contact saw smoke and detected a burning odor. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over and park the vehicle in a parking lot, where it remained. The contact's boyfriend inspected the vehicle and related the failure to the rear axle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,724.

Mileage: 70,724

20210929VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while attempting to move the vehicle up her driveway, the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle without shifting into the park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,457.

Mileage: 156,457

20210428SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PALLOTTA FORD LINCOLN (4199 CLEVELAND RD, WOOSTER, OH 44691, (330)439-0835) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.

Mileage: 250,000

20210413SUSPENSION

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE HIGHWAY SPEEDS 3/21/21. LEFT REAR TIRE COLLAPSED AGAINST FRAME OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP 4/1/21. THEY CONFIRMED AXLE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT COVER UNDER RECALL 15S27. (SEE ATTACHED ESTIMATE TO REPLACE) THEY CONFIRMED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY 4/1/21 800-392-3673 REGARDING RECALL 15S27. THEY WILL NO LONGER COVER RECALL. MAILED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REQUEST TO HONOR RECALL 15S27 4/5/21. NO REPLY YET AS OF 4/13/21. THE WINDSTAR ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, BODY ARE SOUND AND WAS USED DAILY. IF NOT FOR THEY REAR AXLE FAILURE IT WOULD SILL BE USED. I FEEL IF THE RECALL WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND THE "FIX" FAILED. FORD SHOULD BE REASONABLE TO MAKE IT ROAD READY AGAIN BEING IT WAS A RECALLED PART.

Mileage: 250,000

20201014SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING IN A 50 MPH ZONE WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM THE SUB FRAME BUT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL. VAN IS NOW USELESS AND I ONLY HAVE 125K MILES ON IT.

Mileage: 125,000

20200813ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS WAS MY MOTHERS . NOW MINE THE SPEED ODOMETER JUST GOES EVERY WHERE SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. AND IT DOES IT DOES SHOW THE RIGHT SPEED ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES THE SAME . AND WHEN THAT STARTED THE WINDOWS STOP WORKING TOO. ANY MORE NOR THE RADIO. THEY SAID ITS A MAIN CONTROL MOLECULE. I JUST DON'T KNOW I GOT A TICKET CAUSE IT SAID I WAS GOING 89 IN 65 WOW.. HELP

Mileage: 1

20200813VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THIS WAS MY MOTHERS . NOW MINE THE SPEED ODOMETER JUST GOES EVERY WHERE SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. AND IT DOES IT DOES SHOW THE RIGHT SPEED ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES THE SAME . AND WHEN THAT STARTED THE WINDOWS STOP WORKING TOO. ANY MORE NOR THE RADIO. THEY SAID ITS A MAIN CONTROL MOLECULE. I JUST DON'T KNOW I GOT A TICKET CAUSE IT SAID I WAS GOING 89 IN 65 WOW.. HELP

Mileage: 1

20200522WHEELS

THE AXLE ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE IS TERRIBLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NO REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT IT WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO NOT FIT OR STAY ON CORRECTLY CAUSING IT TO RUB ON THE VANS SURFACE CAUSING A BLOWOUT AND MAKING DRIVING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AND DANGEROUS. THANK GOD MY SON DROVE IT AND NOT MYSELF. THANK GOD THAT HE IS OKAY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I AM A FOSTER MOM AND DRIVE CHILDREN IN THIS VAN AND IT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEMS AND REPAIRED. MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE KIDS AND I WERE GOING TO HIT THE HIGHWAY AND GO TO A FOOD PANTRY IN THE ADJOINING CITY. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE MY SON TOOK THE CAR TO PUT GAS IN BEFORE THE KIDS AND I WERE TO LEAVE OUT. WE HAD ALREADY STATED THAT THE WHEEL WASN'T FITTING ON WELL AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO

Mileage: 100,000

20200522SUSPENSION

THE AXLE ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE IS TERRIBLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NO REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT IT WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO NOT FIT OR STAY ON CORRECTLY CAUSING IT TO RUB ON THE VANS SURFACE CAUSING A BLOWOUT AND MAKING DRIVING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AND DANGEROUS. THANK GOD MY SON DROVE IT AND NOT MYSELF. THANK GOD THAT HE IS OKAY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I AM A FOSTER MOM AND DRIVE CHILDREN IN THIS VAN AND IT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEMS AND REPAIRED. MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE KIDS AND I WERE GOING TO HIT THE HIGHWAY AND GO TO A FOOD PANTRY IN THE ADJOINING CITY. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE MY SON TOOK THE CAR TO PUT GAS IN BEFORE THE KIDS AND I WERE TO LEAVE OUT. WE HAD ALREADY STATED THAT THE WHEEL WASN'T FITTING ON WELL AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO

Mileage: 100,000

20200107SUSPENSION

BRACING ON REAR AXLE DID NOT WORK, THE BRACING RETAINED ROAD SALT AND MOISTURE CAUSING THE AXLE TO FAIL. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE AXLE BROKE AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DICH.

Mileage: 154,000

20191218SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH ENTERING A RAMP TO THE FREEWAY, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FATHER'S HOUSE. KOCOUREK FORD LINCOLN (2727 N 20TH AVE, WAUSAU, WI 54401, (715) 298-3673) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20191126FirePOWER TRAIN

I HAVE 3 PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 60,000 MILES. ONE OF THEM IS THE GLASS IN FRONT WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE RAIN I HAVE TO TURN ON THE WIPERS THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE MIDDLE PART OF THE WIPER STAYS WET WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE CLEANS VERY WELL. THE OTHER PROBLEM I'VE ALWAYS HAD IS THE POWERSTEERING WHEN I'M DRIVING, I'M GOING TO TURN TO THE SIDE AND THE CAR TURNS OFF THE GUIDE GETS HARD AND I CAN'T STRAIGHTEN IT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN. THE LAST PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION, ONE DAY THE FAMILY WENT ALL TOGETHER IN THE CAR AND SHORTLY AFTER WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING WE PARKED IN THE GRASS WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PART OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE REALIZED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LIQUEFIED OIL. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AND BEGAN TO GIVE SOME TIRESOME EVERY TIME I CHANGED GEARS. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED WITH THE DAMAGED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION

Mileage: 60,000

20191126FireSTEERING

I HAVE 3 PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 60,000 MILES. ONE OF THEM IS THE GLASS IN FRONT WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE RAIN I HAVE TO TURN ON THE WIPERS THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE MIDDLE PART OF THE WIPER STAYS WET WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE CLEANS VERY WELL. THE OTHER PROBLEM I'VE ALWAYS HAD IS THE POWERSTEERING WHEN I'M DRIVING, I'M GOING TO TURN TO THE SIDE AND THE CAR TURNS OFF THE GUIDE GETS HARD AND I CAN'T STRAIGHTEN IT TO TURN IT ON AGAIN. THE LAST PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION, ONE DAY THE FAMILY WENT ALL TOGETHER IN THE CAR AND SHORTLY AFTER WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATING WE PARKED IN THE GRASS WE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PART OF THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE REALIZED THAT THE TRANSMISSION LIQUEFIED OIL. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AND BEGAN TO GIVE SOME TIRESOME EVERY TIME I CHANGED GEARS. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED WITH THE DAMAGED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION

Mileage: 60,000

Compare 1999FORDWINDSTAR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1999 FORD WINDSTAR have?
The 1999 FORD WINDSTAR has 2040 NHTSA complaints, 64 crashes, 86 fires, 49 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 FORD WINDSTAR?
The most-complained component for the 1999 FORD WINDSTAR is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 184 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 1999 FORD WINDSTAR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.