Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 2,763 of 3,326 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 218 of 3,326 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
A minivan that arrived with a well-liked V6 and a head gasket problem that defined its reputation.
Engine & cooling
1,849 complaint records11 fire reports12 crash reports
One frequently described issue: 3.8L V6 head gasket failure
The 3.8-liter V6 in the 1995 Windstar is known for head gasket failure: overheating, white exhaust smoke, coolant vanishing with no external leak, and in the worst cases a milky oil cap from coolant in the crankcase. Ford extended coverage on the head gaskets for this model year after the pattern became clear. Any survivor should be checked for evidence of the repair.
"ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE AFTER NOTIFICATION, HOWEVER CONSUMER HAD TO PAY PORTION OF REPAIR EVEN THOUGH RECALLED. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts named in the editorial file
Head Gasket Set
Buy it now on eBayNamed by the editorial note above, not by the federal record. Opens a live eBay search for this vehicle; confirm fitment.
Power train
924 complaint records5 fire reports22 crash reports
One frequently described issue: Transaxle failure
The second cluster is the automatic transaxle, with owners reporting slipping, harsh engagement, and outright failure at moderate mileage. A used transmission is the most expensive single part on this page.
"THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO HIGHER GEAR CAUSING ENGINE TO REV HIGHLY, AS DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts named in the editorial file
Automatic Transmission Assembly
Buy it now on eBayNamed by the editorial note above, not by the federal record. Opens a live eBay search for this vehicle; confirm fitment.
Brakes
589 complaint records5 fire reports47 crash reports
"WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING APPLIED BRAKES, AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA08021 opened Sep 2008 | closed Oct 2009 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 09V399000 EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD... |
| PE08035 opened May 2008 | closed Sep 2008 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES... |
| RQ04003 opened May 2004 | closed Oct 2004 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL... |
| RQ02011 opened Aug 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK FATIGUE CRACKING - led to recall 99V309000 SEE ATTACHED REPORT. |
| EA00027 opened Dec 2000 | closed Jul 2001 | Suspension | SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE - led to recall 01V199000 There is no summary currently available |
Show 9 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE00024 opened Jun 2000 | closed Dec 2000 | Suspension | SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE There is no summary currently available |
| EA99020 opened Jul 1999 | closed Dec 1999 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK CRACKS - led to recall 99V309000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE99025 opened Apr 1999 | closed Jul 1999 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK CRACKS There is no summary currently available |
| PE98056 opened Oct 1998 | closed Feb 1999 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM There is no summary currently available |
| DP98004 opened May 1998 | closed Jul 1998 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| EA97018 opened Sep 1997 | closed Oct 1997 | Structure | OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT - led to recall 97V180000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97011 opened Mar 1997 | closed Sep 1997 | Structure | OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE... |
| EA96026 opened Oct 1996 | closed Feb 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE PEDAL FADE/EXTENDED STOP DISTANCE There is no summary currently available |
| PE96042 opened Jun 1996 | closed Oct 1996 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE PEDAL FADE/EXTENDED STOPPING ODI HAS RECEIVED SIXTY-EIGHT (68) CONSUMER REPORTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTARS, WHICH RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL FADE AND IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING BRAKINGTHESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09V399000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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... | Normally free |
| 02V101000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY,... | Normally free |
| 99V309000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING HOT WEATHER STATES: ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA (10 SOUTHERN COUNTIES), FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA,... | Normally free |
| 97V180000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. | Normally free |
| 94V223000 | Electrical System | THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE WAS NOT CONNECTED TIGHTLY TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. | Normally free |
| 94V222000 | Electrical System | THE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION CAN ABRADE ON A BRACE THAT RUNS FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO THE COWL. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009292 2009-10-14 | Other | 492,877 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
| 2002066 2002-04-05 | Brakes | 43,426 | On certain Windstars the crossover brake line above the catalytic converter may contact the dash panel insulator. The salt and water absorbed by the insulator may promote corrosion. |
| 1997183 1997-10-22 | Structure | 62,645 | UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS CAN BEGIN TO SEPARATE. HIGHWAY DRIVING CAN CAUSE AIR TO ENTER BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS WHICH CAN FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD, AND COULD RESULT IN TOTAL... |
| 1995032 1995-02-21 | Seats And Restraints | 398 | THE PASSENGER SIDE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG) MAY HAVE A CRACKED INFLATOR BODY. IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A DEPLOYMENT LEVEL CRASH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN REDUCED OCCUPANT... |
| 1994196 1994-12-14 | Electrical | 9,268 | A BRACE THAT RUNS FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO THE COWL MAY CONTACT, AND IN SOME CASES, ABRADE INSULATION ON A WIRE HARNESS WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND A POSSIBLE FIRE. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994197 1994-12-14 | Electrical | 15,055 | THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE MAY NOT BE TIGHTLY CONNECTED TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. THIS COULD RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE CONNECTION DUE TO HIGH ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AND A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-0065 Apr 2020 | Structure | For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could separate from the vehicle subframe. | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16987 Jul 2003 | Service Brakes | SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FLUID RESIDUE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER DUST BOOT ON VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02132 Jul 2002 | Suspension | GRUNT / POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AT SPEEDS BELOW 20 MPH WHEN TURNING. *TT | |
| 15767 Apr 2002 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING POWER STEERING LINE PART ORDERING INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 15682 Mar 2002 | Service Brakes | EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM AND / OR RED BRAKE LAMP ON AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 15719 Mar 2002 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01171 Sep 2001 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - AX4S - REPLACEMENT APPLICATION CHART - WINDSTAR VEHICLES ONLY. *NLM | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 011701 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING REPLACEMENT APPLICATION CHART. *ET | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT | |
| 14811 Apr 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL PARTS REQUIRED WHEN REPLACING TRANSFER CASE ON VEHICLES EQUIPPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE. *TT | |
| 14773 Mar 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON INDEXING ORANGE DOT ON TORQUE CONVERTER TO FLEXPLATE. *TT | |
| 14656 Feb 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 00M10 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH | |
| 00M09 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS. *JB | |
| 00M09 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMERS WITH PRIOR AFTER WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT (AWA) HEAD GASKET REPAIR. *TT | |
| 14222 Jun 2000 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH SUBFRAME CLUNK ON ACCELERATION / DECELERATION FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 8249 Mar 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE METAL TABS ON THE LIFTGATE INNER PANEL THAT BOND TO THE OUTER SKIN SEPARATING AND CAUSING A RATTLE IN THE LIFTGATE. *TT | |
| 00M09 Mar 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PREMATURE HEAD GASKET(S) FAILURE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE, WHICH IF NOT DETECTED, CAN CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING. *MJS | |
| 13931 Mar 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE METAL TABS ON THE LIFTGATE INNER PANEL THAT BOND TO THE OUTER SKIN SEPARATING AND CAUSING A RATTLE IN THE LIFTGATE. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 00M09 Jan 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 607465 Sep 1999 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL IS INVESTIGATING CONCERNS OF BROKEN AND OR BINDING BLEND DOORS ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99195 Sep 1999 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 99184 Sep 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3 DOWNSHIFT MAY OCCUR WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN ACCELERATING. *TT | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 996735 Aug 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT | |
| 9913073 Aug 1999 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL IS INVESTIGATING CONCERNS OF BROKEN AND / OR BINDING BLEND DOORS. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 13024 Jul 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 6392 Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) LOW SPEED FALSE ACTIVATION WITH NO (DTC) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *TT | |
| 12808 Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) LOW SPEED FALSE ACTIVATION WITH NO DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE). *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 9943 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT | |
| 12559 Mar 1999 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH REVERSE CLUTCH THAT COULD BECOME SHEARED OR TORN IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 12616 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON TRANSAXLE SERVICE CASE REPLACEMENT WITH OSS (OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR) HOLE. *TT | |
| 982511 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIPS ON COMPOSITE FUEL RAIL. *YC | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 5312 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH HESITATION ON ACCELERATION AFTER CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 12244 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A HESITATION ON ACCELERATION AFTER CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 98L20 Dec 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SPECIAL FIELD ACTION REGARDING REVISED WARANTY INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK |
Showing 60 of 175 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Windstar →