Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2000 Ford Windstar recalls
Suspension: rear, axle, non-powered axle assembly
NHTSA campaign 15V608000 · reported September 29, 2015 · Ford Motor Company · 283,413 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
- The risk
- If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Power train: axle assembly
NHTSA campaign 12V193000 · reported May 3, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 27,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- The risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension: front, control arm
NHTSA campaign 12V194000 · reported May 3, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 23,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.
- The risk
- A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on june 18, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension: rear, axle, non-powered axle assembly
NHTSA campaign 12V195000 · reported May 3, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 9,192 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
- The risk
- A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Structure: frame and members, underbody shields
NHTSA campaign 11V030000 · reported January 26, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 425,288 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, utah, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.
- The risk
- This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge. If repairs cannot be made to a vehicle, ford will offer to repurchase the vehicle. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before february 21, 2011. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension: rear, axle, non-powered axle assembly
NHTSA campaign 10V385000 · reported August 26, 2010 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 492,650 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- The risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- The risk
- A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Trailer hitches
NHTSA campaign 02V072000 · reported March 11, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 417,037 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.
- The risk
- This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. Owner notification began april 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor
NHTSA campaign 01V261000 · reported August 15, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 598,256 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between february and august 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation.
- The risk
- Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain august 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Equipment: appliance, air conditioner
NHTSA campaign 01V262000 · reported August 15, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 413,245 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with auxiliary rear air-conditioning. If the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke.
- The risk
- The motor could potentially catch on fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. Owner notification began augsut 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
NHTSA campaign 01V207000 · reported June 22, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 45,800 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: minivans equipped with an adjustable pedal option. The driver floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal.
- The risk
- This can result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace both front driver and passenger side floor mats in the vehicle. Owner notification began july 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Electrical system: wiring, interior/under dash
NHTSA campaign 00V351000 · reported October 30, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 180,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: minivans built with instrument clusters without the message center, fail to comply with the requirements of standard no. 118, "power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." the power windows may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front doors are opened.
- The risk
- The standard requires that power operated windows may be closed only when the key is in the "on," "start," or "accessory" positions, or during the interval between the time the key is turned off, and the opening of either of the vehicle's front doors.
- The fix
- Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.
Seat belts
NHTSA campaign 00V228001 · reported August 18, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 144,435 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. Owner notification began october 26, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
NHTSA campaign 00V164000 · reported June 19, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles may have incorrectly fuel line end forms which could result in a lower than specified pull apart force for the installed fuel line connection.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a redundant fuel line clip on the fuel supply and return line connections at the rear of the chassis fuel line bundle.
Visibility: glass, side/rear
NHTSA campaign 00V020000 · reported January 31, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,475 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect urethane, resulting in an adhesive bond rather than the intended molecular bond for the front windshield and rear liftgate glass.
- The risk
- If the bond deteriorates, it could provide less than the intended level of glass retention in the event of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the windshield and liftgate glass.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jun 11, 2025 · Electrical system · 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start, and the rear glass was out of the frame by about three-quarters of an inch. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger’s side windows failed to go up or roll down and were inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument…
May 28, 2024 · Suspension
The rear axle broke for the second time on a Ford Windstar, after already breaking prior to a recall in 2010. It appears to have broken where a clamp was attached. This caused the rear wheels to fall into, and grind against the wheel well. This happened on a side street near my house. Had it happened at highway…
Aug 8, 2023 · Suspension · 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front spring had fractured and punctured the passenger’s side front tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local…
Apr 26, 2023 · Engine
Car overheats even though it does not shown on the meter and when stopped and cut off it bubbles severely
Apr 26, 2023 · Engine
Going down the road car starts to sputter and then we'll cut off while driving and black smoke goes every dangerous it's happened twice already got it checked says nothing
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 11, 2025.