1996 Ford Windstar Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 1% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When you put the car in park, engage the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal, the car lurches forward or backward (depending upon incline of vechicle on a hill) and the sliding door, if opened, forcefully rolls and slams shut. Someone exiting the vehicle can be seriously injured, as can anyone (especially children) standing in front or behind the vehicle when it lurches. My son was injured when the door slammed shut as he was exiting the car after I put the car in park and engaged the emergency brake but before I took my foot off the brake pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #719610, filed 2000-03“The vehicle's door locks locked and unlocked on their own. There were problems with the front driver side wheel and the engine light and the ABS light was intermittent. The consumer experienced an accident which may be due to the brake lines. Refer to recall#02v101000. The sway bar rattled, the tie rods were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10109574, filed 2005-01“Door locks activate while exiting vehicle (as to close a garage door) with engine running after backing up . This leaves driver locked out of vehicle with engine running and key in ignition. Imagine the situation if an infant is in the car and mom is locked out!!! Dealer says it is the way vehicle is designed.”
NHTSA complaint #703375, filed 1999-02“Can't open the rear front from inside. * ak consumer states the only way people can get out is through the driver's side door, passenger and sliding door can not open rear door or rear window from inside off van hit on right side or rolls on right side, then the only escape for all occupants is the driver's door.”
NHTSA complaint #987091, filed 1996-07“Consumer has gotten brakes repaired over 15 times. Each time brakes only lasted one month. Also ruining rotors and pads. Also, vehicle pulls to one side, shakes and acts like it is stuck in neutral. Door sliding locks and unlocks on its own, no exit at times.”
NHTSA complaint #827620, filed 1998-10Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 33 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 1% |
| 2001 | 20 | 1% |
| 2000 | 52 | 3% |
| 1999 | 35 | 2% |
| 1998 | 17 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 10 | 1% |
| 1995 | 29 | 1% |
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