1996 Ford Windstar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,550miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 4% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,550 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has been loosing coolant for many years. The vehicle was taken in for a routine oil change but ended up having major repairs. Approximately eight months after the repair, the engine quit and the consumer was informed by two dealers that the vehicle needed a short block installed. There was also noise in the steering and a coolant leak. The intake upper and lower manifold gaskets were also replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10074111, filed 2004-05, 66,000 miles“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“When we turned the car on, a loud grinding sound came from the engine along with large sparks/flames. We had it towed to our mechnaic who discovered the bottom bolt of the power steering assembly had never been tightned. The bolt had loosend itself, hit the pulley and caused flames. Could have started a fire if were on the road at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #718867, filed 2000-02“The speedometer starts moving erratically once speeds of 25 MPH are reached. Also, sometimes, the windshield wipers will only work on high speed. I have contacted the dealer, and am told it will be $500.00 for the speedometer. I feel this, as well as the problems with the wipers is a serious safety issue. I've read several complaints on this site about problems with speedometers on 1996 windstars, and I think Ford should be responsible for repairs, not me.”
NHTSA complaint #723235, filed 2000-05“Th speedometer does not accurately show the speed. This could be dangerous, espcially with my teenage driver. Johnson Ford is charging $333.00 for the part alone which incidently can only be purchased at Ford dealers. I feel that a speedometer should work.”
NHTSA complaint #714646, filed 1999-11Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 40 | 3% |
| 2002 | 35 | 3% |
| 2001 | 70 | 4% |
| 2000 | 72 | 4% |
| 1999 | 184 | 12% |
| 1998 | 143 | 10% |
| 1997 | 13 | 7% |
| 1996 | 50 | 4% |
| 1995 | 75 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
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 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 29, 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