2000 Ford Windstar Problems and Recalls (1,651 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2000 Ford Windstar is Suspension (18% of 1,651 owner reports). There are 16 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Suspension — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,651 complaints · 16 recalls

What problems show up on the 2000 Ford Windstar?

292 of 1,651 filings named Suspension (18% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Brakes (286 reports).

There are 16 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras, Fuel system, Electrical, Cruise / speed control, Suspension, Body / frame, and Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1999 has 1,493 reports on file; this year has 1,651. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2000 Ford Windstar

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 16 campaigns on file below.
  2. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  3. Brakes. Have a shop check pads, rotors, fluid and whether the pedal feels firm.
  4. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Suspension. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Suspension 292 complaints · 17.7% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 62
  • Fires 55
  • Injuries 61
  • Deaths 0
All Ford Windstar years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Suspension (SUSPENSION) appears in 292 of 1,651 owner complaints (17.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. Suspension (SUSPENSION): 292 complaints, 17.7% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 10 crash reports 1 fire reports 292 · 17.7% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 286 complaints, 17.3% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 9 crash reports 5 fire reports 286 · 17.3% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 237 complaints, 14.4% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 7 crash reports 5 fire reports 237 · 14.4% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 182 complaints, 11.0% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 3 crash reports 182 · 11.0% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 157 complaints, 9.5% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 crash reports 13 fire reports 157 · 9.5% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 101 complaints, 6.1% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 7 crash reports 19 fire reports 101 · 6.1% Engine (ENGINE): 77 complaints, 4.7% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 fire reports 77 · 4.7% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 57 complaints, 3.5% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 3 fire reports 57 · 3.5% Steering (STEERING): 48 complaints, 2.9% of reports Steering (STEERING) 3 crash reports 48 · 2.9% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 1,100 complaints, 66.6% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 50 crash reports 31 fire reports 1,100 · 66.6% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 292 17.7% 10 crashes · 1 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 286 17.3% 9 crashes · 5 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 237 14.4% 7 crashes · 5 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 182 11.0% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 157 9.5% 3 crashes · 13 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 101 6.1% 7 crashes · 19 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 77 4.7% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 57 3.5% 0 crashes · 3 fires
Steering (STEERING) 48 2.9% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 1,100 66.6% 50 crashes · 31 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 1999; the first recall shown was reported in Jan 2000. 1999-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2000-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2000-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2000-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2000-Q4: 34 owner reports 34 2001-Q1: 32 owner reports 32 2001-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 2001-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2001-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2002-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2002-Q2: 32 owner reports 32 2002-Q3: 25 owner reports 25 2002-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2003-Q1: 28 owner reports 28 2003-Q2: 30 owner reports 30 2003-Q3: 32 owner reports 32 2003-Q4: 27 owner reports 27 2004-Q1: 30 owner reports 30 2004-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 2004-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2004-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2005-Q1: 28 owner reports 28 2005-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2005-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2005-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2006-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2006-Q2: 8 owner reports 8 2006-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2006-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2007-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2007-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2007-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2007-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2008-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2008-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2008-Q3: 48 owner reports 48 2008-Q4: 30 owner reports 30 2009-Q1: 25 owner reports 25 2009-Q2: 47 owner reports 47 2009-Q3: 37 owner reports 37 2009-Q4: 43 owner reports 43 2010-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 2010-Q2: 79 owner reports 79 2010-Q3: 141 owner reports 141 2010-Q4: 75 owner reports 75 2011-Q1: 44 owner reports 44 2011-Q2: 22 owner reports 22 2011-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2011-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2012-Q1: 15 owner reports 15 2012-Q2: 19 owner reports 19 2012-Q3: 41 owner reports 41 2012-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2013-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2013-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2013-Q3: 22 owner reports 22 2013-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2014-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2014-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2014-Q3: 30 owner reports 30 2014-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2015-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2015-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2015-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2015-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2016-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2016-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2016-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2016-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2017-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2017-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2017-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2017-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2019-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Oct 1999 Apr 2025 Recall campaign 00V020000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V020000 Recall campaign 00V164000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V164000 Recall campaign 00V228001 ◆ Recall campaign 00V228001 Recall campaign 00V351000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V351000 Recall campaign 01V207000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V207000 Recall campaign 01V261000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V261000 Recall campaign 01V262000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V262000 Recall campaign 02V072000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V072000 Recall campaign 06E056000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E056000 Recall campaign 09V399000 ◆ Recall campaign 09V399000 Recall campaign 10V385000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V385000 Recall campaign 11V030000 ◆ Recall campaign 11V030000 Recall campaign 12V193000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V193000 Recall campaign 12V194000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V194000 Recall campaign 12V195000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V195000 Recall campaign 15V608000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V608000 Investigation PE02085 ● Investigation PE02085 Investigation EA03004 ● Investigation EA03004 Investigation PE04022 ● Investigation PE04022 Investigation PE08035 ● Investigation PE08035 Investigation EA08021 ● Investigation EA08021 Investigation PE10016 ● Investigation PE10016 Investigation PE10026 ● Investigation PE10026 Investigation EA10007 ● Investigation EA10007
  • Campaign 00V351000 was reported 285 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01V207000 was reported 438 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01V261000 was reported 478 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01V262000 was reported 637 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 10V385000 was reported 3,859 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 11V030000 was reported 3,919 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12V193000 was reported 4,356 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12V194000 was reported 4,475 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12V195000 was reported 4,475 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V608000 was reported 5,719 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1999-Q4 Owner reports 1
2000-Q1 Owner reports 8
2000-Q2 Owner reports 11
2000-Q3 Owner reports 23
2000-Q4 Owner reports 34
2001-Q1 Owner reports 32
2001-Q2 Owner reports 20
2001-Q3 Owner reports 17
2001-Q4 Owner reports 12
2002-Q1 Owner reports 17
2002-Q2 Owner reports 32
2002-Q3 Owner reports 25
2002-Q4 Owner reports 16
2003-Q1 Owner reports 28
2003-Q2 Owner reports 30
2003-Q3 Owner reports 32
2003-Q4 Owner reports 27
2004-Q1 Owner reports 30
2004-Q2 Owner reports 20
2004-Q3 Owner reports 28
2004-Q4 Owner reports 12
2005-Q1 Owner reports 28
2005-Q2 Owner reports 24
2005-Q3 Owner reports 17
2005-Q4 Owner reports 16
2006-Q1 Owner reports 10
2006-Q2 Owner reports 8
2006-Q3 Owner reports 12
2006-Q4 Owner reports 9
2007-Q1 Owner reports 5
2007-Q2 Owner reports 9
2007-Q3 Owner reports 12
2007-Q4 Owner reports 8
2008-Q1 Owner reports 13
2008-Q2 Owner reports 24
2008-Q3 Owner reports 48
2008-Q4 Owner reports 30
2009-Q1 Owner reports 25
2009-Q2 Owner reports 47
2009-Q3 Owner reports 37
2009-Q4 Owner reports 43
2010-Q1 Owner reports 33
2010-Q2 Owner reports 79
2010-Q3 Owner reports 141
2010-Q4 Owner reports 75
2011-Q1 Owner reports 44
2011-Q2 Owner reports 22
2011-Q3 Owner reports 23
2011-Q4 Owner reports 12
2012-Q1 Owner reports 15
2012-Q2 Owner reports 19
2012-Q3 Owner reports 41
2012-Q4 Owner reports 10
2013-Q1 Owner reports 17
2013-Q2 Owner reports 14
2013-Q3 Owner reports 22
2013-Q4 Owner reports 11
2014-Q1 Owner reports 12
2014-Q2 Owner reports 13
2014-Q3 Owner reports 30
2014-Q4 Owner reports 14
2015-Q1 Owner reports 9
2015-Q2 Owner reports 13
2015-Q3 Owner reports 14
2015-Q4 Owner reports 11
2016-Q1 Owner reports 5
2016-Q2 Owner reports 6
2016-Q3 Owner reports 8
2016-Q4 Owner reports 6
2017-Q1 Owner reports 8
2017-Q2 Owner reports 11
2017-Q3 Owner reports 4
2017-Q4 Owner reports 1
2018-Q2 Owner reports 2
2018-Q4 Owner reports 3
2019-Q1 Owner reports 3
2019-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q3 Owner reports 7
2019-Q4 Owner reports 2
2020-Q2 Owner reports 1
2020-Q4 Owner reports 1
2021-Q1 Owner reports 1
2021-Q4 Owner reports 1
2023-Q2 Owner reports 2
2023-Q3 Owner reports 1
2024-Q2 Owner reports 1
2025-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 00V020000
Recall campaign 1 00V164000
Recall campaign 1 00V228001
Recall campaign 1 00V351000
Recall campaign 1 01V207000
Recall campaign 1 01V261000
Recall campaign 1 01V262000
Recall campaign 1 02V072000
Recall campaign 1 06E056000
Recall campaign 1 09V399000
Recall campaign 1 10V385000
Recall campaign 1 11V030000
Recall campaign 1 12V193000
Recall campaign 1 12V194000
Recall campaign 1 12V195000
Recall campaign 1 15V608000
Defect investigation 1 PE02085
Defect investigation 1 EA03004
Defect investigation 1 PE04022
Defect investigation 1 PE08035
Defect investigation 1 EA08021
Defect investigation 1 PE10016
Defect investigation 1 PE10026
Defect investigation 1 EA10007
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (16)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras, Fuel system, Electrical, Cruise / speed control, Suspension, Body / frame, and Transmission / driveline.

  1. Recall campaign 00V020000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    IF THE BOND DETERIORATES, IT COULD PROVIDE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF GLASS RETENTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND LIFTGATE GLASS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 00V164000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 00V228001

    Safety recall 00V228001

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 00V351000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    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:
    DEALERS WILL RECONFIGURE THE VEHICLE FRONT END ELECTRONIC MODULE.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 01V207000

    Cruise / speed control

    Report date
    Component:
    Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
    Consequence:
    THIS CAN RESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 01V261000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    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:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 01V262000

    Safety recall 01V262000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    THE MOTOR COULD POTENTIALLY CATCH ON FIRE.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 02V072000

    Safety recall 02V072000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 06E056000

    Safety recall 06E056000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
    Remedy:
    UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 09V399000

    Safety recall 09V399000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 10V385000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 11V030000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 12V193000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 12V194000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 12V195000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 15V608000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 1,651 complaints · page 1 of 67
2025-06-11Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
NHTSA ODI 11666369
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 panel and anti-theft system were inoperable. The service engine, anti-theft, overdrive, speedometer, ABS system, and door ajar warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V351000 (Electrical System) and 00V020000 (Visibility). The contact called the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there were no associated recalls with the VIN and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
2024-05-28WHEELS
NHTSA ODI 11590976
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 speeds, the rear wheels could have locked up or perhaps broken free causing loss of control. The axle problem has been known to Ford, but it is concerning that this is the second one to fail. I have not yet contacted ford or a a repair facility to evaluate. There were no warning lamps or other indication. The axle simply broke abruptly. I thought it was a tire blow out until I saw the wheels tilted in. The vehicle is older, but I maintain it well.
2023-08-08Suspension (SUSPENSION)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11537073
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
2023-04-26Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11519086
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2023-04-26Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11519084
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Car overheats even though it does not shown on the meter and when stopped and cut off it bubbles severely
2021-11-06Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11439573
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Sliding rear door drivers side opened own it's own while i was driving. would not close, kept reopening, had to muscle closed. it has continued to happen frequently. I have seen many complaints on the year, model, for this issue. Why has there been no safety recall done? This is very dangerous.I have not taken for repairs, I have a very modest SS income and jut can not afford that. Car can be inspected at any time.
2021-03-16Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11403234
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A SQUEALING NOISE AND THEN STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BURNING RUBBER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO COVER-JONES MOTOR (403 W. 3RD ST, ALLIANCE, NE 69301, ([redacted]) WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AXLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,481.
2020-12-18Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11384006
CrashFireInjuryDeath
GOING DOWN THE ROAD TRACTION CONTROL WILL GO OFF AND ON . IT WILL MAKE THE STEERING VERY HARD. THEN WHEN YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT IS VERY HARD TO START UP . SOME TIMES YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT TWO OR THREE HOURS THEN IT WILL START RIGHT UP. THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IS VERY BAD. SOMETIMES WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL STARTS TO HAVE A PROBLEM THE VAN IS VERY HARD TO EVEN KEEP IT IN CONTROL I'M DISABLED AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET A BETTER VAN. I'VE TRIED TO TAKE IT BACK TO FORD BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. ALL THEY TALE ME IS TO GET ANEW ONE .BUT I CAN'T. THE POWER ON THE DOOR LOCKS ARE BAD THE LOCKS WILL GO LOCKED AND UNLOCK AS YOU DRIVE IT DOWN THE ROAD. BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT. 3 YEARS. OR MORE. HAD IT IN TO FORD MANY TIMES.
2020-05-13Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11324389
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY MY REAR AXLE BROKE I SAFETY MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER BUT WHILE DOING THAT MY TIRE BLEW AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE HIGH WAY. *TR
2019-12-02Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11286339
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THE STEERING STARTED TO FAIL TO RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. I HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL BRACKET PUT ON MY VEHICLE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PHOTO BUT THIS DID NOT ACTUALLY MAKE THE STEERING ARM ANY BETTER AND PROBABLY MADE IT WORSE BY ALLOWING THE BRACKET TO COLLECT ROAD SALT. FORD AS BEEN EVASIVE TOWARD PROVIDING ANY HELP. I BELIEVE THAT FORD'S EVASIVENESS IS RESULT OF THE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTED FIX WHICH WAS UNPRODUCTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED TO HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY EFFECTIVE IN TERMS OF THE STEERING ARM. I BELIEVE RECALLS EA10007 AND PE10026 MAY PROVIDE SOME GUIDANCE. I AM AWAITING ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO WITH MY VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PROBABLY NOT COST WORTHY TO FIX.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2000 Ford Windstar?

Owners named Suspension most often — 292 of 1,651 reports (18%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2000 Ford Windstar?

NHTSA lists 16 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras, Fuel system, Electrical, Cruise / speed control, Suspension, Body / frame, and Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2000 Ford Windstar?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources