1999 Ford Windstar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 129about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,522 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 129 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Ford Windstar, 8% of the 1,522 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,750 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1999 Ford Windstar, which has badly rusted k cradle, which can cause the engine to fall down while being driven as told by the mechanic. I tried to find an used one but couldn't get as they were all rusted out. Looks like it has bad material or bad design. Its a real safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10360713, filed 2010-10, 154,000 miles“The check engine light in my 1999 Ford Windstar came on. Shortly after that, my coolant was disappearing, it was being sucked into my engine due to a blown head gasket. Eventually the engine locked up due to insufficient lubrication (coolant mixing with oil). I replaced the engine. The van had a 3.8l 6 cylinder engine made in canada.”
NHTSA complaint #10108478, filed 2005-02, 98,000 miles“There is a problem with Ford egines. When it is cold usually a temperature below 20 degrees the intake manifold gaskets don't seal correctly, causing a engine error in the computer. My dealer says over the last 3 years they will fix about 50 a season and already this short season they have fixed about a dozen including my 1999 Ford Windstar.”
NHTSA complaint #10100179, filed 2004-11, 73,208 miles“Driving along the nj garden state parkway at 60mph, I experienced a loud popping sound. I had my vehicle towed to my local repairman only to find that the spark plug at the rear of the engine had blown out causing a misfire in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10256261, filed 2009-01, 140,000 miles“Head gaskets on my Ford Windstar 3.8 liter are leaking coolant at 83.9k miles. Had a 1994 Ford taurus with same problem. Had to junk car at 70000. That was 20000 after I had it fixed for the same problem the first time at 38000. Ford has had many problems with this 3.8 v-6 but don't want to admit it.”
NHTSA complaint #10116739, filed 2005-04, 84,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026389May 16, 2008Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 47 | 3% |
| 2002 | 27 | 2% |
| 2001 | 66 | 4% |
| 2000 | 92 | 5% |
| 1999 | 129 | 8% |
| 1998 | 196 | 14% |
| 1997 | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 | 470 | 34% |
| 1995 | 1,610 | 48% |
| 1994 | 8 | 35% |
| 1993 | 5 | 45% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Windstar
278 complaintsBody and structure
276 complaintsBrakes
223 complaintsElectrical system
209 complaintsSuspension
208 complaintsSteering
184 complaintsVehicle speed control
99 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
62 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
35 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsAir bags
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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