2003 Ford Windstar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,332miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 3% of the 1,510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,332 miles. 4 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 replaced the control arms about 25,000 miles ago and they are shocked already and I only drive on the road no offroad and that will be the third set we put in to this van since we had it at 108,000 miles brand new parts were put in if you guys don't do anything of a free replacement on it my wife and I will never buy another Ford again you could hear the ball joint on at one in the go”
NHTSA complaint #11020453, filed 2017-08, 60,000 miles“My 2003 Ford Windstar was taken in for the rear axle recall and was repaired. The axle has cracked again we took it to the dealer who said that they contacted Ford about the problem and were told they would not repair or replace the axle the van only has 47000 miles on it we would like to have it repaired or replaced at Ford expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10548826, filed 2013-10, 47,200 miles“I own a 2003 Ford Windstar lx. It was at the mechanic for some repairs and he pointed out the issue with my rear axle being cracked and corroded. Which its very dangerous to keep driving like this.”
NHTSA complaint #11387689, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“On this date, I was driving my vehicle at speed when the sub frame failed. This caused the steering to drop out, leaving me with no control of the vehicle. I narrowly missed an 18 wheeler doing a turn and got stopped. Ford had my vehicle for over 2 weeks, and didn't provide a rental vehicle for 10 days. Ford refused to cover the steering mechanism, even though it plainly says on they're website that would be a consequence of sub frame failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659087, filed 2014-11, 200,000 miles“Approximately two months ago I noticed fluid leaking under the vehicle I looked at it and thought it was oil I checked the oil it was fine, a friend mentioned rack and pinion so I looked there and that's where the leaking came from. I took the vehicle to a garage for professional opinion was told it would cost approximately$1.200 to repair, he also found a bad motor mount. I don't have that kind of money at this time to invest into the needed repairs. Please contact me about any recalls that relate to this problem.thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11040946, filed 2017-10, 142,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021217Mar 23, 2007Power steering hose leak near cooler extreme cold climate areas only -4 degrees and cooler.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 40 | 3% |
| 2002 | 35 | 3% |
| 2001 | 70 | 4% |
| 2000 | 72 | 4% |
| 1999 | 184 | 12% |
| 1998 | 143 | 10% |
| 1997 | 13 | 7% |
| 1996 | 50 | 4% |
| 1995 | 75 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Windstar
655 complaintsElectrical system
280 complaintsSuspension
254 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
225 complaintsBody and structure
127 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsOther or unknown
44 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