2002 Ford Windstar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,353 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Windstar, 2% of the 1,353 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Getting lean code p0171 and p0174. Dealer analyzed and from what I can tell it's TSB 03-16-1 (NHTSA sb# 16920) I have searched the internet (as you can) and it's a widespread problem (I know 2 other people personally who may have it). It is my belief that there should have been (or should be) a recall on this defect. In my case, the van will lose RPM's, then rev up on cold startup. When it does this, the van executes a jerking motion which to me could be dangerous. In other cases, it will stall or nearly stall at traffic lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10216496, filed 2008-01, 25,000 miles“1. The car stops any time while driving 2. That happens between 2 and 5 times a week 3. When that happens, I put the car in park then restart it. I took the car to mullimax Ford dealer in apopka, fl several times. I paid for diagnostics, they cannot find the reason or the problem. They usually perform necessary repairs, but the problem is still not solved. Recently I was making a left turn when the car died. Several motorist stepped on their brake to avoid striking my vehicle. The problem was on initial stage, when the vehicle was repaired for another recall on 11-25-09.”
NHTSA complaint #10332473, filed 2010-05, 118,000 miles“Check engine light on - 2002 Ford Windstar - seems to be common complaint online service bulletin issued in 2003 - diagnostics says it's the o2 sensor, this is not the case vehicle idles erratically at stops - some hesitation - now hesitates and runs bad in rain I've replaced the transmission twice - engine once - crappy vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10402050, filed 2011-05, 50,000 miles“Abs brake light comes on when the car gets hot. When the car is cold there is no problem with the ABS system. The air bag light came on at about 75,000 miles, cost to replace circuit board 675 dollars. The engine intake manifold warped which turned on the engine repair light, cost 950 dollars to repair. Updated 01/20/11”
NHTSA complaint #10368838, filed 2010-11, 80,000 miles“2002 Ford Windstar. Engine warning light comes on. Test meter shows lean condition in bank 1 & 2. Resetting the mil light will work for a few days, then warning light comes on again. Engine runs well, no noticeable problems in driving. This has happened for at least 20,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10248275, filed 2008-11, 45,000 milesEngine 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 2002 Ford Windstar
643 complaintsSuspension
279 complaintsElectrical system
261 complaintsVehicle speed control
147 complaintsBody and structure
101 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsOther or unknown
64 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsExterior lighting
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsWheels
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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