1996 Ford Windstar Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,275miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 1% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,275 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Replaced rack and pinion for the second time 8/01 ( by dealership) and 5/03. Also replaced front end bearing in 1999 and transmission. Wiring harness in 2000. Rear A/C does not work and that's only the items I can remeber.”
NHTSA complaint #10030855, filed 2003-08, 85,550 miles“Original transmission failed at 37900 mi. - detected when trans fluid leaked onto hot engine part and smoked. Original warranty expired at 36,000 mi. Dealer told me that fmc would sell me an extended powertrain warranty for $250. The warranty would cover the previously diagnosed transmission failure and would cover any other major trans/engine problems up to 75,000 miles, provided I am still the owner of the vehicle. I purchased the extended warranty and was glad I did when the replaced trans failed ta 42,952 miles. The dealer replaced that trans, I had to pay a $50 deductible. In jan. …”
NHTSA complaint #747919, filed 2001-07“While traveling on the interstate, check engine light appears on dashboard, and vehicle was leaking antfreeze. Dealership is aware of problem. Dealer found head gasket had blown, replaced head gasket and thermostat, on several occasions the air conditioning leaks, brakes making grinding sound, dealer found anti-lock sensor failed, rear fender is rusted on passenger side.”
NHTSA complaint #8004208, filed 2002-02“Problems with gas fumes coming from the exhaust system. ( doris stewart on behalf of her parents robert stewart and jacqueline stewart). . The vehicle overheated at idle, the dealer replaced the head gaskets, the air condition stopped working and there was a problem with the power train control module.”
NHTSA complaint #10040361, filed 2003-09“According to the manual and sales staff the built in child safety seats are supposed to accomidate a child up to 60 lbs., however the seat belt only fits around a child appr. 30-35 lbs, the consumers children are both appro 35 lbs or less and are unable to fit in the seat comfortably, the consumer believes that the pamphlets and manual are false and misleading. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #561586, filed 2001-06Related service bulletins
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 26 | 2% |
| 2000 | 16 | 1% |
| 1999 | 23 | 2% |
| 1998 | 26 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 8 | 1% |
| 1995 | 43 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 33% |
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 30, 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