1996 Ford Windstar Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 2% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 17 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On june 7 I was outside of our home and noticed I smelled gas near my wife's van. After inspecting I saw the tank was leaking fuel. I took the tank off and noticed there was pressure to the tank from the front strap. The pressure caused what appears to be a stress crack where the strap holds the tank. It appears to me the strap is too small for the tank. Ford refuses to fix this and would rather my wife and children ride around in a gas leaking danger machine. This vehicle has less than 95000 miles and I feel the same problem has occurred here as in the 1995 Windstar.”
NHTSA complaint #10230440, filed 2008-06, 92,000 miles“Engine check light and the air bag light would intermittentl/simutaneously come on and cause loss of acceleration while traveling at highway speed. Dealer notified. Consumer was informed that vehicle had a transmission leak, the speedometer was acting erractically, parking brake and brakes were inoperative,also the power windows were inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #899517, filed 2001-11“While driving 55 mp both frontal air bags deployed unexpectedly. Driver and passenger sustained minor injuries, and were transported to a hospital by ambulance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10089944, filed 2004-08“Consumer was attempting to stop about 15-20 feet behind of other vehicle when ABS became inoperative, causing consumer to rearend vehicle ,half of engine destroyed, all front end damaged, airbags did not deploy .consumer had extended stopping distance to 40-50 feet.”
NHTSA complaint #820658, filed 1998-01“Was traveling 40-45mph in foggy weather when a deer appeared in the road. Hit deer & both air bags deployed,causing the driver to suffer burns on the face & arms. Also, front seat belt failed to restrain the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #857723, filed 2000-03Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 30 | 2% |
| 2002 | 36 | 3% |
| 2001 | 51 | 3% |
| 2000 | 31 | 2% |
| 1999 | 28 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 25 | 2% |
| 1995 | 92 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Windstar
470 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
322 complaintsBrakes
229 complaintsSuspension
111 complaintsOther or unknown
86 complaintsElectrical system
83 complaintsVehicle speed control
82 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsWheels
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsBody and structure
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology