FaultScore

Ford Windstar airbag problems

325 of the 19,460 complaints filed about the Ford Windstar are about the airbag system — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1995.

325

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

168

Crashes

5

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

1993 Windstar 1 0.3%
1994 Windstar 1 0.3%
1995 Windstar 99 30.5%

Median failure at 123,500 miles

1996 Windstar 25 7.7%

Median failure at 92,000 miles

1997 Windstar 3 0.9%
1998 Windstar 14 4.3%

Median failure at 103,000 miles

1999 Windstar 29 8.9%

Median failure at 95,600 miles

2000 Windstar 31 9.5%

Median failure at 80,068 miles

2001 Windstar 52 16.0%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

2002 Windstar 38 11.7%

Median failure at 80,750 miles

2003 Windstar 32 9.8%

Median failure at 107,000 miles

What owners said

2002 Ford Windstar at 120,000 miles Cleveland, OH

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11123200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 Ford Windstar Livingston, TN

AIR BAGS

1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRACKET RECALL THAT WAS NOT HONORED FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #11103128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Ford Windstar at 86,000 miles Glendale, AZ Crash

AIR BAGS

I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 30 MPH, 2 CARS IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES, I WAS APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 CAR LINKS BACK AND HIT THE BRAKES. ABS FAILED, AIRBAGS FAILED, AND SLID INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11023381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Ford Windstar Virginia Beach, VA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUED TO INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A FUSE BLEW AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10991257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 189,300 miles Salem, OR

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL UNCONTROLLABLE DRIVING WITH STEERING REAR END FISHTAILING.

NHTSA complaint #10936119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2000 Ford Windstar at 295,578 miles Memphis, TN

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. PROBLEMS WITH TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL. COULD NOT PERFORM COMPLETE TURNS. STEERING WILL STOP HALFWAY DURING TURNS. AFTER REVIEW IT APPEARS THAT THE AIRBAG IS COMING THROUGH STEERING COLUMN. VAN CURRENTLY NOT DRIVABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10887921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 85,000 miles SAN Marcos, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

ON MAY 24 WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I WAS A PASSENGER IN MY SONS CAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUS RATE OF SPEED AND WITH A LOUD NOISE AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, WHICH WAS PUSHED INTO OUR SHED. I SUSTAINED INJURIES OF 6 BROKEN RIBS, BRUISED LUNG AND CONTUSIONS TO MY CHEST. IF NOT FOR THE CAR AND SHED IN FRONT WE WOULD HAVE ENDED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL BEHIND OUR HOME. THE INSURANCE COMPANY, 21ST CENTURY, DID NOT SEND A CLAIM FORM AND IS FIGHTING PAYING FOR THIS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10884092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 133,251 miles Guayama, PR

AIR BAGS

YESTERDAY ( JULY 5, 2016) WHEN MY SON ARRIVED AT HOME, PLACED THE 2003 WINDSTAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF, TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, TOOK OUT THE SEAT BELT, OPENED THE DOOR AND WHEN CLOSED THE DOOR THE FRONT AIRBAGS (DRIVER & DRIVER SIDE) DEPLOYED SUDDENLY. MY WIFE CALL THE DEALER AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR OUR WINDSTAR VIN NUMBER AND THEY CAN QUOTE FOR THE REPAIR. FAILURE MILLAGE APROX. 133,251 AND THE WINDSTAR WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA complaint #10882912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Ford Windstar at 50,000 miles Scenectady, NY Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WRIST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ UPDATED 05/14/18*JB

NHTSA complaint #10811918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1995 Ford Windstar Libby, MT Crash

AIR BAGS

SMALL DAMAGE TO THE LEFT OUTSIDE OF THE LEFT FENDER, CAUSED BOTH AIR BAGS TO GO OFF. THIS BROKE THE REARVIEW MIRROR ON THE WINDSHIELD AND BOTH REAR WINDOW LATCHES TO BREAK THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #10789305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Ford Windstar at 116,967 miles Norfolk, VA

AIR BAGS

DURING INSPECTION INSPECTER 38573 REPORTED A DIAGNOSTIC FAULT AS AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. AFTER FAILED INSPECTION. I LOOKED FOR PART WITH THE AVAIL. CURRENT PART ON VEHICLE IS 1F2A-14B321-EE. I CANNOT FIND A PART NUMBER MATCHING. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC TO VERIFY IF HE INFACT WAS RIGHT. AND I LOOKED AT THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT SHOW UP HOWEVER WHAT DID SHOW UP AFTER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER A FULL MEMORY CLEAR WAS CODE B234 WHICH POINTS TO DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. OR IN LAMES TERMS SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH. THIS SHOULD NEVER IN A CARS LIFE EVER HAPPEN. IF THIS HAPPENED BEFORE A ACCIDENT THIS COULD CAUSE DEATH TO THE CONSUMER. IM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I BELIEVE SO IM NOT SURE IF THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AS I DO KNOW THERE'S ONE SIMILAR. MY REINSPECTION IS DUE WITHIN 6 DAYS. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR FOR A PART ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED TO REPLACED. ESPECIALLY WHEN LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

NHTSA complaint #10676342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Ford Windstar at 110,000 miles West Dummerston, VT Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL ON AN ICY ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A RIVER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS AND BRUISES ON ENTIRE BODY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #10672947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 80,000 miles Wichita, KS

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO COME TO A STOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND THE VACUUM HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10669005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 136,463 miles Bellflower, CA

AIR BAGS

ADD TO SAFETY COMPLAINT 106 649 11.... THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEMS 'STARTED AFTER VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH RECALL WAS DONE' (RECALL ID # 67506) AT THE FORD DEALER IN CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA.

NHTSA complaint #10664919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 136,463 miles Bellflower, CA

AIR BAGS

YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT COME ON DAILY. YELLOW AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WEEKLY. TOOK TO FORD DEALER 10/1/11, FOUND CODES C1185, 1198, 1194, 1254, 1246, 1250, 1248, 1214, 1210, B1869, B1470, U1262, B1676, B1246. INTERNAL MODULE FAILURE, RECOMMEND REPLACING ECU (VERBALLY QUOTED $1,000 OVER THE PHONE). IF RED BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, I THINK IT'S THE ABS MODULE, BUT IF SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG, THIS COULD CREATE AN 'UNSAFE' VEHICLE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #10664911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 158,000 miles Midlothian, IL Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

NHTSA complaint #10664495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 146,000 miles Plainview, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

DRIVING EAST BOUND AT 35 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAD A DIRECT HIT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME BACK AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10644396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 Ford Windstar at 160,000 miles Mulino, OR

AIR BAGS

ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND WILL NOT CLEAR WITH A SCAN TOOL. THERE ARE 11 CODES SHOWING, ALL TO DO WITH ABS/TRACTION CONTROL. NORMAL BRAKING SEEMS FINE, NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH A SKID OR LOSS OF TRACTION IN ICE OR SNOW. I AM TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THIS VAN. DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE WARNING LIGHTS?

NHTSA complaint #10629255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 54,000 miles Nashvill, TN

AIR BAGS

ABS, BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON FOR NO REASON. SPENT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS HAVING IT DIAGNOSED. REPLACE MANY PARTS. NO RESOLUTION. DRIVES OFTEN WITH A MISS ESPECIALLY DURING ACCELERATION.

NHTSA complaint #10592784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford Windstar at 118,000 miles Delmar, DE

AIR BAGS

ABS LIGHT ON AIR BAG LITTLE ON WON'T TURN OFF BRAKE LIGHT ALSO WILL COME ON AT TIME FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS STICKING LIKE DRIVING WITH BRAKE ON.

NHTSA complaint #10592597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Windstar problems