2003 Ford Windstar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 280about this part
- Share
- 19%of 1,510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 280 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 19% of the 1,510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 4 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.
“My ABS and brake lights on the dashboard come on and off at different times. Sometimes they stay for a while (days) and then go off for (days). Also, I have been having problems with the gauge arms on the dashboard all of sudden will go back and forth in a quick motion. Then sometimes stick in one position and then back to normal and then sometimes not move at all for a while.”
NHTSA complaint #10807677, filed 2015-12, 100,000 miles“My ABS and brake light keep coming on. I have had several items done to fix problem including tune up, cleaning of contacts. I am now told that the ABS circuit controller may be bad. This is a $1,500 job that just may fix the problem. I have already spent about $600. Judging from the hits I get on the internet this is not an isolated problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10468408, filed 2012-07, 166,000 miles“Car quits running while in motion. The interior lights flicker, the ABS light comes on and the car dies. I have replaced the alternator and they say the battery is ok, but it will not run for more than a few miles at a time. I have to repeatedly get a jump start. I just replaced the transmission with only one hundred thousand miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10393712, filed 2011-03, 110,000 miles“My 2003 Ford Windstar has been continuously giving my electrical problems. First the rear parking sensors disengage when in reverse. While driving the ABS, brake and traction control lights come on the dashboard. I'm not sure what it does, but the vehicle does then not function properly. The traction control and brakes don't seem to be working properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10314974, filed 2010-02, 85,000 miles“My 2003 Ford Windstar limited edition has major electrical problems. The hazzard lights will not go off therefore draining my battery. I have to disconnect it whenever I shut it off. It is currently at bay ridge Ford for the recall involving the rear axle. However it has failed emissions for code 171 and 174. I believe there is a major flaw in the design of the Windstar van.”
NHTSA complaint #10392698, filed 2011-03, 149,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 13% |
| 2003 | 280 | 19% |
| 2002 | 261 | 19% |
| 2001 | 223 | 13% |
| 2000 | 222 | 13% |
| 1999 | 209 | 14% |
| 1998 | 111 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1996 | 83 | 6% |
| 1995 | 168 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Windstar
655 complaintsSuspension
254 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
225 complaintsBody and structure
127 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsExterior lighting
35 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
33 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsElectronic stability control
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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