1996 Ford Windstar Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1996 Ford Windstar. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Windstar 1995–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Reported issue: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Possible consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Windstar 1995–1996
Reported issue: On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact…
Possible consequence: Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. Owner…
- Exterior lightingCovers: Ford Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Possible consequence: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Ford Windstar 1996–1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
- Structure › Body › HoodCovers: Ford Windstar 1995–1996, Mustang 1994–1996
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Possible consequence: This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Ford Windstar 1996, Taurus 1996–1997, Mercury Sable 1996–1997 +1 more
Reported issue: The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.
Possible consequence: Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
- SeatsCovers: Ford Windstar 1996
Reported issue: The four fasteners securing the driver's seat to the floorpan were not torqued to proper specifications.
Possible consequence: The driver's seat may not properly hold in the event of a vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat fasteners and retorque to proper specifications.
- Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford Windstar 1996, Taurus 1996, Mercury Sable 1996
Reported issue: The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Possible consequence: This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
NHTSA investigations
- EA08021Engine compartment firesClosed · Sep 17, 2008
- PE08035Engine compartment firesClosed · May 13, 2008
- RQ04003Hydraulic brake line failureClosed · May 27, 2004
- RQ02011Fuel tank fatigue crackingClosed · Aug 29, 2002
- EA00027Suspension coil spring breakageClosed · Dec 8, 2000
- PE00024Suspension coil spring breakageClosed · Jun 23, 2000
- EA99020Fuel tank cracksClosed · Jul 26, 1999
- PE98056Rear axle trailing armClosed · Oct 28, 1998
- EA96026Brake pedal fade/extended stop distanceClosed · Oct 31, 1996
- PE96042Brake pedal fade/extended stoppingClosed · Jun 13, 1996
- PE96015Failure of auto trans park lock systemClosed · Feb 23, 1996
← 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.