1996 Ford Windstar Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 1% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Headlight assembly has clear plastic lens. Over time plastic has discolored which degrades lighting . Also lamp assembly collects moisture inside unit further degrading lighting this condition prevalent not only on my vehicle but also on other cars I have observed.”
NHTSA complaint #10110480, filed 2005-02“Disc brakes are warping from excessive heat buildup within the ABS brakes. Dealer contacted, and stated the design of car has small brakes. Repair work done at owner's expense. Also, headlights are filling up with water when raining, could cause major problems/speedometer does not work properly. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #833475, filed 1999-01“The left outer tie rod was replace. The fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced . The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated”
NHTSA complaint #565966, filed 2002-06“Outer hood panel separated from body of vehicle prior to recall (97v-180). In addition, replaced front electric door latch/multifunctioned wiper switch/windshield wiper switch/engine cylinder head gaskets due to coolant leak, and differential seal.”
NHTSA complaint #534624, filed 1998-04Related recalls
- 00V168000Jun 19, 2000Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet…Covers: Ford Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
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