1996 Ford Windstar Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 3% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The k frame rusted out where the control arms mount to the frame and the front driver's side coil spring broke while driving at 65 miles per hour on the interstate”
NHTSA complaint #10782238, filed 2015-10, 114,500 miles“While driving 65 MPH hood separated from the hinges and broke the windshield. Driver pulled the vehicle to the side of the road without incident. The hood was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10059458, filed 2004-02, 80,000 miles“Complete brake loss when the brake was applied. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor without warning. Luck had it we were pulling into a parking spot with a concrete stop. The metal brake line located above the gas tank rusted completely. While the rest of the brake lines look fine, it's the area of the brake line that passes over the gas tank that is rusted. Because of the location of the gas tank, the line are hidden from normal view of an inspection unless the gas tank is lowered. Had this occurred at a busy intersection or highway at high speeds this could have been catastrophic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218554, filed 2008-02, 132,000 miles“1996 Ford Windstar, speedometer malfunction. Speed is impossible to determine as the needle fluctuates wildly. Problem has persisted now for at least 50,000 miles , but I just learned that you should be notified so that Ford can be held accountable for poor quality and non support. As I was advised that repair would be about 600.00. As I have a tach, I simply use this to determine my speed. I was not about to spend that amount of money on what I consider a design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10021299, filed 2003-06“Front brake rotors: due to rotors warping, they have been replaced 3 times since I purchased the vehicle. All have been covered under original warranty. Now, my warranty has expired, and therefore, I am stuck with any future problems. Passenger side sliding door: rust was found on inside bottom of door. It was temporarily fixed; dealer is waiting for Ford to approve new door to be installed (under original warranty).”
NHTSA complaint #709392, filed 1999-07Related recalls
- 97V180000Oct 20, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can…Covers: Ford Windstar 1995–1996, Mustang 1994–1996
Related service bulletins
- 10183766Apr 20, 2020For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 127 | 8% |
| 2002 | 101 | 7% |
| 2001 | 293 | 17% |
| 2000 | 216 | 13% |
| 1999 | 276 | 18% |
| 1998 | 81 | 6% |
| 1997 | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 | 37 | 3% |
| 1995 | 99 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
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 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 27, 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