2003 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 254about this part
- Share
- 17%of 1,510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 254 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford Windstar, 17% of the 1,510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a city street going about 30 miles an hour the van filled with smoke when I came to a stop I looked under the car and the back axle was broke I had it towed to the Ford dealership and they said it would cost $3200 to fix it they said it didn't fall under the recall they had for the back axle breaking”
NHTSA complaint #11412778, filed 2021-04, 147,000 miles“Although my van has been through all recall repairs/inspections as I pulled into my local gas station today my rear axle broke. Vehicle was towed to closest dealership (dave knapp Ford lincoln) where it was determined that the vehicle had passed inspection during the recall. As vehicle was being towed consumer noticed that the left bracket appeared to be placed incorrectly.”
NHTSA complaint #11342680, filed 2020-08, 128,000 miles“My 2003 Ford Windstar rear axle had reinforcement brackets installed for the recall 10s13. My rear axle beam still fractured under the bracket while I was driving. After paying over $300 in towing and service fees Ford told me there is nothing they can do. I was driving with my husband and 4 children in the van. We are lucky it happened on a back road and going slow.”
NHTSA complaint #11209141, filed 2019-05, 150,000 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Windstar that was repaired under the rear axle recall a couple years ago, today on my drive to work the rear axle broke right underneath the area that Ford repaired by placing a brace and bracket over, my car is now sitting along the side of the road, from what I have found out I am not the first person that has had the axle break after Ford fixed it.”
NHTSA complaint #11097870, filed 2018-05, 230,000 miles“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 milesRelated recalls
- 15V608000Sep 29, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
- 12V194000May 3, 2012Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related…Covers: Ford Windstar 1999–2003
- 12V195000May 3, 2012Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
- 10V385000Aug 26, 2010Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10205035Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 10S13 - Rear axle corrosion - requests for recall service action
- 10183771Apr 21, 2016For 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 10S13 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear axle could…
- 10074725Sep 29, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 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…
- 10058104Sep 9, 2014Ford: safety recall concerning rear axle fracturing if vehicle is operated in high corrosion areas for and extended period. Model 1998-03 windstar.
- 10056623Aug 11, 2014Ford: on some minivans, rear axle will fracture, in high corrosion area, after operating for an extended time period, and vehicle handling ability will be affected. Model…
- 10056612Aug 11, 2014Ford: a safety recall has been issued on minivans where lower control arm (lca) of front subframe attaching rear flange or rear body mount can separate due to corrosion. Model…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9 | 38% |
| 2003 | 254 | 17% |
| 2002 | 279 | 21% |
| 2001 | 416 | 25% |
| 2000 | 356 | 21% |
| 1999 | 208 | 14% |
| 1998 | 229 | 16% |
| 1997 | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 | 111 | 8% |
| 1995 | 145 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Windstar
655 complaintsElectrical system
280 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 29, 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