1999 Ford Windstar: recalls and complaints

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• 15V60800029 Sep 2015Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 12V1950003 May 2012Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 12V1940003 May 2012Suspension / Front / Control Arm
• 12V1930003 May 2012Power Train / Axle Assembly
• 11V03000026 Jan 2011Structure / Frame and Members / Underbody Shields
• 10V38500026 Aug 2010Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 09V39900013 Oct 2009Vehicle Speed Control
• 01V26100015 Aug 2001Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
• 01V26200015 Aug 2001Equipment / Appliance / Air Conditioner
• 00V35100030 Oct 2000Electrical System / Wiring / Interior/Under Dash
• 99V14700014 Jun 1999Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

1. 15V608000Received 29 Sep 2015. 283,413 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 15S27. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Oct 2015.

2. 12V195000Received 3 May 2012. 9,192 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 12S30. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Jun 2012.

3. 12V194000Received 3 May 2012. 23,000 units.

   Suspension / Front / Control Arm

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 11S16. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Jun 2012.

4. 12V193000Received 3 May 2012. 27,000 units.

   Power Train / Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 10S13. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Jun 2012.

5. 11V030000Received 26 Jan 2011. 425,288 units.

   Structure / Frame and Members / Underbody Shields

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 11S16. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Feb 2011.

6. 10V385000Received 26 Aug 2010. 492,650 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 10S13. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Oct 2010.

7. 09V399000Received 13 Oct 2009. 4,500,000 units.

   Vehicle Speed Control

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 09S09. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Oct 2009.

8. 01V261000Received 15 Aug 2001. 598,256 units.

   Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 01S25. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Aug 2001.

9. 01V262000Received 15 Aug 2001. 413,245 units.

   Equipment / Appliance / Air Conditioner

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   The motor could potentially catch on fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 01S26. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Aug 2001.

10. 00V351000Received 30 Oct 2000. 180,000 units.

    Electrical System / Wiring / Interior/Under Dash

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.

    Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 00S42. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 24 Jan 2001.

11. 99V147000Received 14 Jun 1999. 789,723 units.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

    Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 99S17. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Jun 1999.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 1999 Ford Windstar
• All 1999 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 32.

Complaints that report a crash

50

Complaints that report a fire

61

Injuries in the complaints

46

Deaths in the complaints

1

Date of the newest complaint

2 Apr 2025

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19850
2. 19900
3. 19910
4. 19920
5. 19930
6. 19940
7. 19956
8. 19968
9. 19975
10. 199811
11. 199911
12. 200015
13. 200115
14. 20028
15. 20038
16. 20040
17. 20050

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Ford Windstar: all model years
• Ford: 202 model lines

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• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
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• NHTSA page of the 1999 Ford WindstarThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1999 Ford Windstar?

7,741,767 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Ford Windstar have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the Ford Windstar, model years 1985 to 2005. 11 of them name the 1999 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 1999 Ford Windstar name most often?

Power Train: 292 of 2,040 component mentions, or 143.1 per 1,000. For all 1999 vehicles the figure is 91.9 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1999 Ford Windstar open?

No. Each of the 8 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.