Total Complaints
1926 filings
FORD WINDSTAR · model year
1926 NHTSA complaints, 72 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2002FORDWINDSTAR carries 1926 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 72 crashes, 73 fires, 71 injuries, and 2 fatalities. 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 2002 WINDSTAR is service brakes, hydraulic with 259 filings, followed by electrical system (235) and service brakes (233). 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. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 7 investigation files overlapping the 2002 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.
Total Complaints
1926 filings
Crashes Reported
72 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 259 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 235 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 233 |
| SUSPENSION | 170 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 129 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 87 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | 83 |
| POWER TRAIN | 44 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 43 |
| STEERING | 29 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 29 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 29 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 29 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 28 |
| WHEELS | 24 |
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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, MINN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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, N
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." DURING TESTING, A THIRD ROW BENCH FLOOR-TO-SEAT LATCH RELEASED BEFORE THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENT WAS MET. IDENTICAL LATCHES ARE USED IN THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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 LEA
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought back from the customer
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought back from the customer
Manufacture Recall # 09S09 NHTSA Recall # 09V399000 Instrument cluster has become faulty. Details listed below. Overdrive (O/D) light will randomly start flashing for no reason ABS will randomly engage Parking brake light will randomly turn on Speedometer with become sporadic Transmission has trouble shifting gears due to tachometer becoming sporadic Vehicle will randomly try to die/stall out at a prolonged stop or while coming to a stop, even after all charging components have been replaces i.e. battery, alternator, drive belt, and cables.
Manufacture Recall # 09S09 NHTSA Recall # 09V399000 Instrument cluster has become faulty. Details listed below. Overdrive (O/D) light will randomly start flashing for no reason ABS will randomly engage Parking brake light will randomly turn on Speedometer with become sporadic Transmission has trouble shifting gears due to tachometer becoming sporadic Vehicle will randomly try to die/stall out at a prolonged stop or while coming to a stop, even after all charging components have been replaces i.e. battery, alternator, drive belt, and cables.
Manufacture Recall # 09S09 NHTSA Recall # 09V399000 Instrument cluster has become faulty. Details listed below. Overdrive (O/D) light will randomly start flashing for no reason ABS will randomly engage Parking brake light will randomly turn on Speedometer with become sporadic Transmission has trouble shifting gears due to tachometer becoming sporadic Vehicle will randomly try to die/stall out at a prolonged stop or while coming to a stop, even after all charging components have been replaces i.e. battery, alternator, drive belt, and cables.
The rear axle passenger side broke.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the contact pulled over and noticed that the tire was not straight inside the wheel well. While hoisting the vehicle on a lift at the residence, the contact noticed that the tire was rubbing on the inside of the wheel well and that the rear axle had fractured. The contact stated that the failure occurred at the site of the repair on the patch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed about a recall. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Mileage: 160,000
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was wobbling uncontrollably and almost caused an accident. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Mileage: 142,000
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear driverâs side axle had fractured. The axle was replaced. On another occasion while driving 20 MPH over railroad tracks, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the rear driverâs side axle had fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the rear driverâs side axle had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 139,619.
Mileage: 139,619
Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechanic. I could have flipped or rolled or caused a major collision as this highway is very heavily traveled.
Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechanic. I could have flipped or rolled or caused a major collision as this highway is very heavily traveled.
Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechanic. I could have flipped or rolled or caused a major collision as this highway is very heavily traveled.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic to replace the water pump, the mechanic determined that the rear axle was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the previous owner had the vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Mileage: 116,000
The van took off without my control and the brakes stopped working and the fuel system it caused me to have two accidents within a week of each other
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Mileage: 125,000
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Mileage: 125,000
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) and 11V030000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded. The failure mileage 59,839.
Mileage: 59,839
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) and 11V030000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded. The failure mileage 59,839.
Mileage: 59,839
The gauges are acting crazy which causes the engine to jerk or the transmission and then it starts making the lights flicker in the interior and the gauges start sticking. It seems to make the overflow on the radiator to empty more because it is causing the sensors in the electrical for the parts to go crazy and run hot. Sometimes it only does it every so often but after getting the reserve hose on the power steering that connects to the reservoir to the coolant the battery was drained. Then going after getting it charged down the highway it caused the interior lights radio and seat and turn signals not to work when coming to a complete stop and it was idling the dashboard and all the lights were coming back on once given a guess it winded up not working again causing the battery to become hot or warm and acid you can smell in the air like rotten eggs. It is causing the overflow tank of the radiator to evaporate more or come out quicker and it is causing other component parts to react
The gauges are acting crazy which causes the engine to jerk or the transmission and then it starts making the lights flicker in the interior and the gauges start sticking. It seems to make the overflow on the radiator to empty more because it is causing the sensors in the electrical for the parts to go crazy and run hot. Sometimes it only does it every so often but after getting the reserve hose on the power steering that connects to the reservoir to the coolant the battery was drained. Then going after getting it charged down the highway it caused the interior lights radio and seat and turn signals not to work when coming to a complete stop and it was idling the dashboard and all the lights were coming back on once given a guess it winded up not working again causing the battery to become hot or warm and acid you can smell in the air like rotten eggs. It is causing the overflow tank of the radiator to evaporate more or come out quicker and it is causing other component parts to react
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
Rear Axle Cracking
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.