1996 Ford Windstar Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 6% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Other is the head gasket went and leaked oil in my engine causing it to be replaced. Ford denied any problems with this and I believed them until I read your web site article on the head gasket problem with 1995 windstars. I called Ford this morning again and read the article and they still will not step up to the plate on this. Nothing else has gone wrong with my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10070269, filed 2004-01, 111,092 miles“Repeat of a speedometer failure. This is the third failure since I have owned this 1996 Ford Windstar (purchased 1999). It cost me over $400 in 1999 to replace the speedometer head and now it is failing in the same manner - the needle bounces all over the place until it just pegs out at the far right. I submitted my last complaint regarding this problem in december, 2002 - ref#786265. I have been told by dealers, private repair shops and even your agency that there are obvious problems with Ford speedometers but there has yet been any assistance offered by Ford. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127856, filed 2005-07, 113,200 miles“Timing cover gasket failure allowed coolant to mix with engine oil. Gasket replaced but engine damage may have already been done. Speedometer wavers between 20 and 60 MPH at 30 MPH, headlight lenses have yellowed to the point that the headlights are useless. Most Ford vehicles from 1990 to 2000 have the yellowing headlight problems and should be recalled as a safety problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10070436, filed 2004-01, 52,000 miles“Head gasket failure . A common defect in Ford windstars, they were covered in the previous model years, but not the '96 model. Ford, so far, will not cover this. Also speedometer jumps around above 45 MPH. This too, is common in this and prior model windstars. Repairs are usually $500 and is a safety concern as driver does not know how fast they are traveling.”
NHTSA complaint #10010523, filed 2003-03, 70,000 miles“Misfiring and losing coolant. Am sure it is a head gasket problem. Father-in-law currently in dispute with Ford for same model/year and they won't reimburse him. May attempt repair myself if Ford unwilling to recall or put right. Also, speedometer failure intermittent or incorrect reading.”
NHTSA complaint #10069638, filed 2004-01, 20,000 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 44 | 3% |
| 2002 | 64 | 5% |
| 2001 | 61 | 4% |
| 2000 | 52 | 3% |
| 1999 | 59 | 4% |
| 1998 | 51 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 86 | 6% |
| 1995 | 133 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Windstar
470 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
322 complaintsBrakes
229 complaintsSuspension
111 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 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