1996 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 111about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,450miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 111 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 8% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,450 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I brought kids to school and I was pulling out. I heard a noise and my tire went flat. I had to have it towed home. My husband checked it out and found the drivers side front coil spring broke and stabbed the tire. I saw there was a recall so hopefully it is still covered because I don't have 100.00 to fix something that's already been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10379894, filed 2011-02, 168,000 miles“The stabilizer bar broke about 5 inches from the tire after the bend and into the straight part of the bar. Efforts I have made to find a replacement part new or used is proveing difficult because every single place has been out of them, this would indicate to me that there is a rash of brakeages of this part and not an isolated incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10116219, filed 2005-04, 109,458 miles“I have a 1996 Ford Windstar 3.8l engine with a broken front stabilizer bar. About 12 inches of it are hanging near the right front wheel. I checked a friends Windstar of similar vintage and he has the same problem! That's two out of two. I know Ford has recalled similar problems with other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10140328, filed 2005-10, 155,000 miles“I just paid our local Ford dealership (van was in for a nys inspection) to perform weld repair on the front strut/control arm support rod bushings because they were loose and, in the dealers words, a safety hazard (loose due to corrosion and questionable weld quality by Ford manufacturing). Degradation of welds on a major suspension component under normal wear & tear conditions- isn't that a significant safety issue? How many windstars has this happened to? I can see replacing components (I.e. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078998, filed 2004-06, 161,066 miles“My wife and I own a 1996 Windstar. Great vehicle, we now have 140000 miles. Complaint: Ford campaign #01i007000 (front coil springs) my request for reimbursement was denied via lloyd-manwell Ford dealership. The spring broke on the highway, lucky I (or family) not injured. Took vehicle for repair to 3rd party. Ford has the file details. Incredible that Ford would deny a $200 claim on a technicality and thus risk a lifetime customer. I will appeal all the way to bill Ford if necessary.”
NHTSA complaint #10049592, filed 2003-12, 100,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9 | 38% |
| 2003 | 254 | 17% |
| 2002 | 279 | 21% |
| 2001 | 416 | 25% |
| 2000 | 356 | 21% |
| 1999 | 208 | 14% |
| 1998 | 229 | 16% |
| 1997 | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 | 111 | 8% |
| 1995 | 145 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Windstar
470 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
322 complaintsBrakes
229 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 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