2003 Ford Windstar: recalls and complaints
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Windstar. The newest campaign is 15V608000. NHTSA received the report on 29 Sep 2015. The NHTSA record gives the component Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly. NHTSA has 1,458 complaints on file for this model year. 6 NHTSA investigations name this model year.
The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.
This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.
Remedy of the newest campaign, 15V608000, 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.
Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on . Complaint file through . Recall file through .
Since the last update
No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks
Recall campaigns
8 campaigns, newest first. 6,017,662 units in total.
- 15V608000Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
- 12V193000Power Train / Axle Assembly
- 12V194000Suspension / Front / Control Arm
- 12V195000Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
- 11V030000Structure / Frame and Members / Underbody Shields
- 10V385000Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
- 09V399000Vehicle Speed Control
- 03V459000Seats / Mid/Rear Assembly
15V608000Received . 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: .
12V193000Received . 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: .
12V194000Received . 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: .
12V195000Received . 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: .
11V030000Received . 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: .
10V385000Received . 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: .
09V399000Received . 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: .
03V459000Received . 257,119 units.
Seats / Mid/Rear Assembly
- Defect, in the NHTSA record
Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." during testing, a third row bench floor-to-seat latch released before the strength requirement was met. Identical latches are used in the second row of seats.
- Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the latches on th4e second or third row seats of the vehicle release in a crash, the potential for occupant injury is increased.
- Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the seat-to-floor latches on the second and third row of seats. Owner notification began on november 21, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 03C05. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .
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.
Complaints by component
1,458 complaints, 1,992 component mentions.
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.
- 2003 Ford Windstar
- All 2003 vehicles
| Component | 2003 Windstar | All 2003 vehicles | Windstar, all years | Mentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 148.1 | 58.7 | 121.7 | 295 |
| Service Brakes | 147.1 | 30.5 | 47.8 | 293 |
| Electrical System | 142.6 | 123.7 | 84.1 | 284 |
| Power Train | 111.9 | 121 | 141.5 | 223 |
| Suspension | 110.9 | 57.2 | 102.8 | 221 |
| Structure | 60.2 | 62 | 65.1 | 120 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 41.7 | 42 | 46.8 | 83 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 34.6 | 2.1 | 14.7 | 69 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 23.6 | 77.7 | 157.5 | 47 |
| Steering | 18.1 | 47.3 | 38.1 | 36 |
The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 32.
- Complaints that report a crash
- 31
- Complaints that report a fire
- 25
- Injuries in the complaints
- 34
- Deaths in the complaints
- 1
- Date of the newest complaint
- 3 May 2019
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.
Investigations
| Number | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Campaign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA10007 | Engineering analysis | Front Subframe Corrosion Failures | Structure / Frame and Members | 20 Dec 2010 | 17 Mar 2011 | 11V030000 |
| DP10005 | Defect petition | Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope | Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly | 15 Dec 2010 | 21 Dec 2010 | |
| PE10026 | Preliminary evaluation | Front Subframe Corrosion Failures | Structure / Frame and Members | 20 Jul 2010 | 20 Dec 2010 | 11V030000 |
| PE10016 | Preliminary evaluation | Rear Axle Cracking | Suspension | 13 May 2010 | 22 Sep 2010 | 10V385000 |
| EA08021 | Engineering analysis | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | Electrical System | 17 Sep 2008 | 14 Oct 2009 | 09V399000 |
| PE08035 | Preliminary evaluation | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | Electrical System | 13 May 2008 | 17 Sep 2008 |
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.
Other model years
The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.
A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.
Follow by RSS:Ford recallsVehicle recalls
Official channels
- NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
- NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
- NHTSA page of the 2003 Ford WindstarThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.
Cite this page
Recall Register. 2003 Ford Windstar: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/ford/windstar/2003/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through .
Sources
- Source
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
- Licence
- US government work, public domain
- Recall file through
- 29 Sep 2026
- Complaint file through
- 15 May 2019
- First complaint in the file
- 1 Jan 1995
- Manufacturer in the recall file
- Ford Motor Company
The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.
Questions
- How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Windstar?
- 6,017,662 units in 8 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. 8 of them name the 2003 model year.
- Which component do the complaints about the 2003 Ford Windstar name most often?
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 295 of 1,992 component mentions, or 148.1 per 1,000. For all 2003 vehicles the figure is 58.7 per 1,000.
- Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2003 Ford Windstar open?
- No. Each of the 6 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.