10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,836 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1999 Ford Windstar steering problems

steering problem

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1999 Ford Windstar Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #53

Sep 162014

Windstar

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have 3 problems with my 1999 Ford Windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. The car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. I understand there is a recall for this transmission

- San Juan, PR, USA

problem #52

Sep 162014

Windstar

  • 60,000 miles
I have 3 problems with my 1999 Ford Windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. The car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. I understand there is a recall for the transmission

- San Juan, PR, USA

problem #51

Dec 132017

Windstar

  • miles
I had the rear axle replaced by the recall, and which I paid $300 for the work. The axle now does not align properly and I have been told that shims are required. Without them the rear axle eats my tires. Ford has a policy to my understanding that new parts installed by Ford have a lifetime warranty. I believe that Ford should fix or pay for this work so as to make my van safe, why should I have to repair an axle that was just replaced less then 10000 miles ago.

- Elliott, MD, USA

problem #50

Oct 162017

Windstar

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving 60 mph, there was an abnormal popping noise and the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to sunset Ford (11700 gravois rd, saint louis, mo 63127) where it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that they would not repair the vehicle due to threats made by the contact and to have the vehicle towed from the premises. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Fenton, MO, USA

problem #49

Apr 122017

Windstar

  • 134,350 miles
This vehicle was serviced at 102,654 miles, in March-April of 2011 by koons Ford of Maryland, (invoice#W70829, dated May 5, 2011) in response to Ford recall, related to "broken front subframe" and "collapsing rear axle".--front subframe was, at that time, broken on the right side, due to rusting. Replacement was not done, instead it was patched via a bolted together "clamshell" reinforcing device. It now has become apparent that after using the vehicle after this initial frame separation, the metal of the left side was unduly stressed, and has now broken at its weldment point, resulting in an unsafe vehicle, that swerves to the left, if brakes are applied while in motion on the street or other roadway. Wheels are no longer kept in alignment, with left front wheel free to move to the front or rear, in response to applied stress! this subframe failure affected many such vehicles, and it has become evident that inspection and repair was inadequate, resulting in a new, unsafe condition! (subframe should have been replaced, due to stress!)-photos are attached, showing displaced frame, and separated weld joint.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

problem #48

Oct 072015

Windstar

  • 155,319 miles
Too make a long story short.I had about three recall on my Ford Windstar and now my whole van shut down on me.my computer I guess got it on auto theft lock and I can't even turn over now.it's just sitting in my parking lot just helpless.I have another recall but I cant take it to the Ford dealership because I cant turn over.oh yea.it kept cutting off while im driving, don't let me stop at a light it will cut off on me there alot.it does that alot.I bought it from a car lot but he doesn't want to do anything about it.so I lost out of my money.when I turn it also cut off.

- Pahokee, FL, USA

problem #47

Dec 012014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 225,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11V030000 (structure). While driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the subframe fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000...updated 05/21/15 the consumer stated that the recall was incorrectly performed. He signed over the title. Updated 11/19/15

- Worthington, OH, USA

problem #46

Jun 112014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 121,098 miles
Was driving around 40 mph, realized the van had a weird odd steering problem swerving to left and then to the right. I made it home then looked towards the back rear axle I seen a real large crack in the rear axle. The van back side was sitting really low like the axle was about to completely crack. Im not risking driving being a safety hazard. I seen there was a recall for it but Ford says its not valid. I found many other people having the same issue similar to mine. Would like this issue resolved, I shouldn't have to repair a issue that is Ford problem with salt on roads during the winter corrodes the metal of the rear axle for it to crack was the recall I found.

- Kansas City, KS, USA

problem #45

Nov 142013

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles
Driving along when right front started to veer right and wobble. These models are not safe. Ford is aware of this yet, will not honor a recall which affects these models. Although there is a corrosion sub frame break on 1999 Ford Windstar's and that is exactly what happened( mechanic will testify) to mine, they keep making excuses and will not honor the expenses for their faulty design. My vehicle is a 99 Ford Windstar in very good shape, new tires battery, etc. It is now sitting in my driveway because of a frame broken thru by corrosion. The front right almost put me into the ditch on the way home. This is a design flaw which was is or should be covered by recall. Ford previously recalled the same models 99-2003 for this exact problem. I have contacted my Ford dealer (rapids Ford, wis rapids), they said the recall no longer applies. How can this be? this is a very unsafe situation.

- Wis Rapids, WI, USA

problem #44

Apr 012011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward violently. The failure would occur sporadically and at any given speed. The vehicle would sway abnormally when being driven and the steering wheel would often seize without warning. Additionally, the contact experienced the vehicle lunging forward and violently jerking when in drive or reverse on multiple occasions. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11V030000 (structure) however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer advised the contact that the timeframe had expired for the contact to have additional repairs performed that had not been scheduled within the required timeframe for the recall repairs. The vehicle was to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Updated 8/14/14 updated 8/22/2014

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #43

Feb 252014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 1999 Ford Windstar front lower control arm and sub frame (chassis) major corrosion-related fractures. Failure resulted in the loss of steering. In its report to the N.H.T.S.a. Ford said it did not conclude that the low rate of reported incidents involving the control arm indicated a greater safety problem, but the recall would be undertaken anyway to confirm our commitment to safety and to address any potential vehicle owner concerns.

- Kaukauna, WI, USA

problem #42

Apr 262013

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
The engine carriage is rusted out, and the rear axle is cracked due to rust. The main arm of the ball joint is completely pulled away from the frame because of the rust. I contacted baab Ford in reed city Michigan, because I was told by the mechanic I took it to originally that this was a recalled product. Baab Ford told me yes it is a recall issue, but no they wont fix my vehicle because the VIN doesn't come up as one of the vehicles effected by the recall. I contacted Ford Motor Company as they had advised me, Ford Motor Company told me, my vehicle isn't on the recall list, regardless of the fact that it has both of the problems that 1998 - 2003 Ford Windstar was recalled for. The vehicle speeds up whenever it hits a bump and also pulls towards the center line especially on slippery roads or where loss of traction occurs. It also wears out tires every 2 weeks.

- Big Rapids, MI, USA

problem #41

Aug 182012

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
Lived in the salt belt state of il. When I was driving, front subframe falling off and some components were touching the ground due to severe front subframe rusted out. I lost steering control and gear control on a multiple lane road. Ford has never sent any notice to me regarding any recall. This is a known issue via NHTSA action number: PE10026 and I would like Ford to repair the rusted subframe and all other broken components directly caused by subfram falling off. Ford refused to provide any car rental by saying "this is an old recall and we do not give car rental now".

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #40

Feb 212008

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 85,243 miles
Subframe gave out, engine dropped and car was towed to my home.I had just exited a highway going 55mph. I was driving the to car to attend a work related event early evening. I drove past the entrance and proceeded to turn around on the road. As I approached the intersection the van lost power. I stopped being able to steer and brake. I turned hard on the steering wheel to move off the road. I was able to pull into a turn lane and fortunately there was very limited traffic on the road. The car came to a full stop on its own and there was a loud scrapping noise coming from under the front of the car. I was towed to my home. The tow driver stated the " subframe had given away and was dragging on the ground. It required a flat bed truck to tow. My mechanic confirmed the subframe had collapsed. The cost to fix was prohibited and I was concerned about the safety of the vehicle I contacted Ford about the problem and they responded that there was no recall at that time. The car remained in the driveway in the event there was a recall on the vehicle for over one year. I finally decided to donate the car having not been contacted by the manufacturer. I was contacted that there was a recall identifying the problem in 2011 I am filing this complaint due to the fact that I was financially disadvantaged by the delays of the manufacturer to identify and notify me of the recall in a timely fashion.

- Babylon, NY, USA

problem #39

Mar 172012

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 156,219 miles
Lived in the salt belt state of pa. Frame rusted out and I lost steering control and almost had an accident.this is a known issue via NHTSA action number: PE10026 and I would like Ford to recall and fix this at thier cost.

- San Angelo, TX, USA

problem #38

Feb 102010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 143,000 miles
My ABS light started to flash and is now on constant, my brakes work but not the greatest. My air bag light will start to flash and then come on constant once the vehicle is shut off and restarted the light usually stays off but will do this at random. I have had on several occasions where I hear a popping noise in the front end while making turns. We have replaced most of the front end and still have the issue. I also have a problem with it idling real fast then down to nothing it bucks and sputters when plugged into a computer it says the vehicle runs lean so we replaced the O2 sensors and things and it did not help. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle at all most of the time however I need to get to and from work and the scary part is I have to haul my children and the elderly person I care for around it. Very disappointed Ford[xx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Jersey Shore, PA, USA

problem #37

Mar 082011

Windstar

  • 119,101 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle and steering wheel began to wobble excessively. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 119,101.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #36

Feb 022011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the vehicle began pulling to the right abnormally. The contact then received notification of a manufacturers steering recall and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the vehicle was not repairable. The dealer offered to buy back the vehicle but later advised that the vehicle was able to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 105,000 and the failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 03/31/11 the consumer also stated the rear axle cracked. For offered to buy the vehicle back. Updated 07/01/11

- Reading, PA, USA

problem #35

Aug 102010

Windstar

  • 216,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the entire front suspension and steering mechanism malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The failure mileage was 216,000.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #34

Oct 012010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
I bought a 1999 Ford Windstar LX it had 130000 miles on it when I bought it it was making a weird noise when I would turn so I had the power steering pump replaced but it continued to make the noise then a couple months later it became very hard to steer almost impossible to turn and still making the noise so I am now being told its the rack and pinion and also being told by a few different mechanics that they have seen this problem before its very unsafe because its all of a sudden you cant turn the wheel as im investigating further about this problem there is other similar complaints something has to be done now im going to try to replace it but am looking at purchasing a used one and am concerned that it will have the same problem and I might not be able to turn causing a major accident so to me this is a major safety issue that should be addressed to Ford.

- Seattle, WA, USA

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