1996 Ford Windstar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 229about this part
- Share
- 17%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,215miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 229 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 17% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,215 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Abs light stays on continuously. Was told it was due to a problem on the right front wheel, replaced parts on right front wheel, ABS light still stays on. No other reasons found for light to be on. Numerous attempts to correct have not succeeded. Check engine light continues to stay on. I have paid $89 3 times to have 'diagnostics' run which show no reason for the light to be on, yet it continues to stay on which will not allow my car to pass state inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10199740, filed 2007-08, 25,000 miles“I have a 1996 Ford Windstar that has developed a leak in its brake line. I went on the internet to find a brake line for the car and I found out that this is a chronic problem with this vehicle. There was a recall for this exact problem from Ford. I contacted Ford and told them of the problem and they stated to me that my vehicle was seen by a Ford dealer for the recall in 2002. They then told me to contact my local dealer and find out if this would be covered by Ford. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157458, filed 2006-05, 78,000 miles“The brake & ABS lights were coming on intermittently then the brakes started squeaking and eventually started at least scrubbing on the right side. Also, when you push the brake pedal down, it felt soft. This started happening again at the beginning of october of this year and the right front brakes are scrubbing. And, the brake pedal feels soft, again. My husband replaced the brakes on 12/28/09 and we had to have the right front axle and spindle replaced on 01/13/10. We had the recall no. 09s09 work performed at richard haney Ford in carrollton, georgia on 12/17/09. …”
NHTSA complaint #10366328, filed 2010-11, 180,609 miles“My 1996 Ford Windstar was parked in park in my driveway, without the keys in the ignition, and just rolled downed the driveway and crashed into a stone wall. There is significant undercarriage damage to the car and wall damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10023504, filed 2003-06, 141,000 miles“Our 1996 Ford Windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. We have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, ABS and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. The cost has been astronomical. According to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. Please investigate whether Ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10051280, filed 2003-12, 118,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V101000Apr 4, 2002On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland…Covers: Ford Windstar 1995–1996
- 99V147000Jun 14, 1999Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement…Covers: Ford Windstar 1996–1999
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 13% |
| 2003 | 655 | 43% |
| 2002 | 643 | 48% |
| 2001 | 544 | 32% |
| 2000 | 384 | 23% |
| 1999 | 223 | 15% |
| 1998 | 199 | 14% |
| 1997 | 28 | 15% |
| 1996 | 229 | 17% |
| 1995 | 505 | 15% |
| 1994 | 2 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 18% |
| 1990 | 1 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Windstar
470 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
322 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 complaintsAir bags
25 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