10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
121,777 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.

2002 Ford Windstar miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Ford Windstar:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Ford Windstar Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Sep 162015

Windstar

  • 88,087 miles

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

Took vehicle to dealership for routine service. Was told that the rear axle is cracked, repair to be $918.63. Vehicle was recalled in 2010 for this problem. Ford Motor Company installed brackets and patched the axle at that time. Upon calling the company, I was told that the warranty on the patch job had expired and the expense of replacement is ours. We contend that they should have replaced the axle in 2010 in lieu of a "patch job". we purchased this vehicle new in 2002, and have never taken it anywhere but the dealership for service. Being in very good condition, with only 88,000, we feel that this is a repair that Ford Motor Company should cover.

- Plymouth, MI, USA

problem #20

Nov 132014

Windstar

  • 135,000 miles
I was not aware that there were recalls on the 2002 Ford Windstar. My mom purchased the vehicle 3 years ago from ralph thayer dealership in livonia Michigan. The ABS brake light has been on and now the gauges are just flipping.

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #19

Jun 152014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 99,690 miles
From a stop, started making a left hand turn when the brake warning light and the ABS warning light came on. There may be a possible leak from the scds which could end up causing a fire. I will have it inspected.

- Roseville, MI, USA

problem #18

Feb 012012

Windstar

  • miles

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

The ABS and red brake light as well as the traction control light, and now my battery light come on and off intermittently. The ABS system kicks in at unnecessary times making it difficult to stop. The speedometer is now also bouncing up and down intermittently, but no other gauges seem to be affected.

- East Jordan, MI, USA

problem #17

Feb 122011

Windstar

  • miles
Van won't go into gear or drive. I don't know if it the corrosion fractures of front lower control arm or transmission. Trying to find out if any recalls would be on the van on what's going on with it.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #16

Aug 272013

Windstar

  • 100,200 miles
Vehicle making strange noise, taken to repair shop. They said frame was rusted and rear end had a crack.

- Hillsboro, NH, USA

problem #15

Sep 072010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 79,289 miles

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

About 2 years ago I have noticed that the ABS and brake light would come on sometimes now after driving a few miles they come on constantly now. I spoke to a Ford service advisor and was told it would cost me over $600 to repair and that there was a recall only for certain states. This does not seem fair to other Ford owners to have to pay for something that Ford has a default on and seems to be a problem with in a lot of these vehicles. I can not afford this repair and I'm sure most people can not afford. Please look into this.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #14

Jan 152012

Windstar

  • 192,000 miles
I was driving my 2002 Ford Windstar at approximately 60mph when it began to shake violently. Suddenly the rear axle snapped. I almost went into a spin but fortunately I was able to keep control of the vehicle and not hit or kill anyone. God was watching. The axle snapped to the left of center just like countless other Windstar that I have read about.

- Clifton, NJ, USA

problem #13

May 272011

Windstar

  • 72,384 miles
While driving we noticed a loud popping sound and the car pulled to the side. We stopped at a Firestone and they showed me that the subframe had rusted through on the passenger side and the motor mount was completely broken loose. They recommended that we go to Ford. We took it to the Ford dealer and they said they knew of the problem but our minivan was not included in the recall because it is here in Florida. I have serious problems with my spine and the doctor told me that a small accident could be fatal. I called the number Ford service manager gave me. Ford refused to help. Even though the subframe corroded and broke on the passenger side as was the concern with recalled vans, they flatly refused to do anything -- not even provide a discount on labor! since this car is here in Florida, it is very obvious that the corrosion must have been caused by a defect in manufacture. I need the van to get to physical therapy and to take care of my family. It is not just that I should pay the $1700-$1800 that Ford estimates will be the cost to fix their error and am left without transportation. If I had not noticed the popping sound, I could have had a serious accident and been dead or paralyzed from my neck down!

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #12

Oct 012010

Windstar

  • 188,700 miles
Ford Motor Co. Recall #10S13 NHTSA #10V385000 recall inspection performed at casco bay Ford yarmouth Maine 04096 on 10/01/10. No cracks found. Technician removed large areas of paint from rear axle. Maine winter weather. Unpainted rear axle has rusted badly since inspection. Ford Motor Co. Has assigned case #0333002594.

- Raymond, ME, USA

problem #11

Jan 072011

Windstar

  • 132,000 miles

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

I'm one of the lucky folks that has a 2002 Windstar sitting in my local Ford lot waiting on the rear axle to come in so it can be repaired. What I wanted you to know is that my subframe is very rusty too. I haven't had a failure yet, but my mechanic suggested I get it undercoated to try to stop it from deteriorating even more. I'm very concerned as it's my wife's car usually, and I think Ford should be required to inspect each one of these cars while they're sitting in their lots to determine if failure is imminent (like what they did with the axles). That would be very little to ask and easily done since they're still telling us the axles won't be available till possibly late March. Thank you./cgs

- Walpole, NH, USA

problem #10

Aug 232009

Windstar

  • miles
In September 2009 the mechanic at the dealer where I bought my Windstar told me the ABS module is bad and that I need a new one and have to go to the Ford dealer directly and pay around $800 and have it reset by their computer. This has cost me lots of money because I already spent $600 on rear brakes because of not knowing this is a common problem with Ford Windstar.also, immediately after purchasing this vehicle in 2007, the locks on the van don't work. Sometimes it locks by remote and sometimes the locks all work, but, the driver side. This is a pain. Now, I have a problem with the 'check engine' light coming on and I have had various mechanics try to reset the light and it will come back on again and again! I have spent hundreds on this van to have it in shape, but always something arises. Despite the cruise control recall, I have not had any problem with it and use it all the time, but will have to have it done. I wish Ford to fix all the problems this type of van has and so I won't have to spend hundreds, again, or I will have to get rid of it, which is a shame because I really love the tv, even though the screen give me problems and the vcr no longer works.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #9

Jul 182010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
Stopped in visitor center in gettysburg, pa. Put van in reverse and it locked up. Looked under van and noticed rear axle broke in half. Had to tow it home and had local Ford dealership install new axle at my expense.

- Monroe Township, NJ, USA

problem #8

Aug 072010

Windstar

  • miles
My passenger side rear brake pads wear out - down to bare metal each year and I keep asking that they look into it being something other than my braking habits because it is only one brake. I just saw on the news that the rear axle's on my particular make and model are breaking and there is supposed to be a recall. I drive through rural areas long distance and I am very concerned for my safety. I wonder if there may be a connection between the faulty axle and my brake not fitting right and wearing out every year. Now I have a strange sound coming from the back of my van either the middle or passenger side and I am afraid I will suffer a terrible accident. I have been unemployed over 2 years because I couldn't get a job while in college and graduated in a recession....I have no credit cards and can't afford the mechanic's charge to inspect it or fix it.

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA

problem #7

May 082010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 75,398 miles
I own a 2002 Ford Windstar. I bought the vehicle new in 2002. It currently only has only 75,398 miles. Approximately, 1 week age my wife drove my son to his soccer and baseball practice. While she was driving home with my 2 other sons in the van, she noticed that there was suddenly a problem with the back wheels. Luckily, she made it home without any injuries. After she parked the van, she noticed that the wheels were smoking and were slightly turned in. I had it towed to our mechanic. A few days later, the mechanic called and stated that the rear axel was cracked. He said that he never seen anything like it, especially on a vehicle with only 75, 398 mile. He said that he was going to call around and try to find a used part. After a week (of not having a vehicle), the mechanic called and stated that he called everywhere for a used part. However, he was not successful in locating the part. Once again, he stated that he never experienced not being able to locate a part. He said that it was probably due to the fact that so many other vehicles had the same problem. He said that he could put a new part on, but it would cost approximately $1,000. I called the dealer where I purchased the van and they stated that since the warranty has expired, there is nothing they could do for me. After doing research and trying to find a used part on my own, I have noticed that I am not alone with this problem. In fact, there is a class action law suit filed against Ford Motor Company. I think that this matter could easily be resolved if Ford were required to have a recall to rectify the problem. I realize that I am only 1 of a few thousand that have made this problem known. However, I wonder how many Ford Windstar owners who have not experienced this problem yet or who have elected to do nothing about it. It make me very furious to know that this problem exists and was made aware of, and nothing is being done about it. How many lives will it cost before something is done?

- Monessen, PA, USA

problem #6

May 182010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 112,000 miles
2002 Ford Windstar; the rear axle broke in two while driving at 40 mph. Both tires tilted out, axle cracked a little to the left of center while looking at it from the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately my wife was able to control the van. I understand this has happened in hundreds of Windstar, and something needs to be done before people die, if they have not already.

- Pompton Plains, NJ, USA

problem #5

Mar 172007

Windstar

  • 107,700 miles
Upon braking the ABS light and the brake light comes on (on the dash panel) and stays on until vehicle is turned off. Replacement of sensor did not solve problem, Ford dealer showing codes dtc 1185,1194,1198,1210,1214,1242,1246,1250,1254,1446, U1262 all related to ABS module assembly.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #4

May 102007

Windstar

  • 58,000 miles
Orange ABS and red brake light on while driving 02 Ford Windstar le. This can cause fire and death according to about 5000 posts on website : www.2carpros.com/forum/14-VT49767.html?postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=130. My van has been doing this for a year.

- Wellsburg, NY, USA

problem #3

Jun 082008

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 0 miles
On June 8, 2008, our 2002 Windstar experienced the following: ABS light went red: Brake red light went on. Speedometer, and tachometer stopped working. All will require repair to prevent the possibility of fire, crash or break down.

- Burke, VA, USA

problem #2

Jan 152008

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
Getting lean code P0171 and P0174. Dealer analyzed and from what I can tell it's tsb 03-16-1 (NHTSA sb# 16920) I have searched the internet (as you can) and it's a widespread problem (I know 2 other people personally who may have it). It is my belief that there should have been (or should be) a recall on this defect. In my case, the van will lose RPM's, then "rev" up on cold startup. When it does this, the van executes a "jerking" motion which to me could be dangerous. In other cases, it will stall or nearly stall at traffic lights.

- Old Hickory, TN, USA

Read the next 1 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?