2003 Ford Windstar Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 8% of the 1,510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,000 miles. 3 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.
“When I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a busy highway I could smell rubber burnig and I heard and felt a big loud bang,.then there was smoke all around van.it was the rear axle/ sub-frame fracture and yes there were recalls and work was done by Ford dealer thank god me and my children were not hurt or killed this was very scary..”
NHTSA complaint #10955688, filed 2017-02, 120,000 miles“The rear axle on my vehicle cracked and caused my tires to rub against my vehicle, damaging brand new tires. When bringing the vehicle to the shop, was told that a patch had previously been made on the vehicle, but it was done badly and did not hold. Ford would do nothing to right this and denied that there was a recall on the vehicle. I was driving to school while this occurred on city streets.”
NHTSA complaint #10948773, filed 2017-01, 150,000 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“Our engine cradle recently broke and needs to be replaced. We just found out this falls under recall number 15v608 (Ford recall # 15s27). We would like this to be resolved at little or no cost to us, but we are unsure how to start the process with a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10938024, filed 2016-12, 160,000 miles“Windstar van doors will lock and unlock while driving. Right passenger slide door will not lock/ unlock have to do it by hand. Left rear passengers door slide open it self after I shut it. Will lock it self. I can pull the lock up and it will lock it self again. The drivers door will not unlock have to use key.. Keyless remotestop working. Plus battery . Still nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10398876, filed 2011-05, 45,000 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 2003 Ford Windstar
655 complaintsElectrical system
280 complaintsSuspension
254 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
225 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