2002 Ford Windstar Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 101about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,353 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,678miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 101 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Ford Windstar, 7% of the 1,353 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,678 miles. 7 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.
“They had a recall in 2011 where they put support brackets on the rear axles. Mine did have the brackets put on and right behind the bracket the axle still broke driving down the street at 40 MPH where we almost hit another car with children inside her and my vehicle. Ford said the brackets are only warrantied for 12 months. These vans do not need brackets they need new axles.”
NHTSA complaint #10715920, filed 2015-05, 85,000 miles“Driving on hwy 49 driving approximately 40 MPH when I lost control with my children in the car. Luckily we came to a stop off the hwy. I could see my tire was almost sideways and blown. My finance picked us up and said the axle had snapped and took a picture. It is saturday and I'm without a car. I found out this was recalled. I just want to make sure Ford will fix the issue and in a timely manner since I have no other car.”
NHTSA complaint #10928050, filed 2016-11, 161,201 miles“West her Ford of amherst advised us to replace the front sub frame on our 2002 Windstar because it was cracked due to road salt. Although it passed nysi, they told us it wasn't safe to drive, so we spent $1600 to replace it (rather than replace the vehicle). Now, they've recalled the rear axle from the same model and year vehicle for the same problem (cracked due to road salt).”
NHTSA complaint #10374027, filed 2011-01, 89,000 miles“My 2002 Ford Windstar has a cracked rear axle! My fiance noticed it fishtailing alot and a noise from the rear of the van. I checked right away and saw the tire leaning in on the passenger side. Upon looking underneath I saw the axle cracked almost completely in two! Searched the internet and got hundreds of hits on windstars with the same problem!!”
NHTSA complaint #10268983, filed 2009-05, 125,000 miles“2002 Ford Windstar; the rear axle broke in two while driving at 40 MPH. Both tires tilted out, axle cracked a little to the left of center while looking at it from the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately my wife was able to control the van. I understand this has happened in hundreds of windstars, and something needs to be done before people die, if they have not already.”
NHTSA complaint #10331544, filed 2010-05, 112,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V030000Jan 26, 2011Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, the…Covers: Ford Windstar 1999–2003
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…
- 10205030Apr 20, 2016Safety recall 11s16 - LCA rear attaching flanges or rear subframe body mount corrosion - requests for recall service action
- 10058105Sep 9, 2014Ford: safety recall on front subframe lower control arm (lca) rear attaching flange or rear body mount that can separate from subframe if vehicle is operated, for extended…
- 10013062Oct 28, 2002Roof ditch material cracking. This includes 1997-2003 f-150 and 2002 blackwood models. *eh service tip.
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 2002 Ford Windstar
643 complaintsSuspension
279 complaintsElectrical system
261 complaintsVehicle speed control
147 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsOther or unknown
64 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsExterior lighting
29 complaintsEngine cooling
27 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