Engine
3.8L 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 1,499 of 1,510 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,268 of 1,510 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.
Brakes
665 complaint records5 fire reports7 crash reports
"YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTANTLY AND DEALER SAYS IT IS THE ABS DIAGNOSTIC MODULE FAILURE. *TR..."- 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 →
Electrical system
285 complaint records8 fire reports4 crash reports
"LIGHTS TURN ON AND OF INSIDE THE CAR. THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ON AND OFF. WINDOWS STOP WORKING GET STUCK. *TR..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
257 complaint records4 fire reports4 crash reports
"2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING RECALL NOTICE *TGW THE REAR AXLE FAILED, PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. *JB..."- 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 suspension 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA10007 opened Dec 2010 | closed Mar 2011 | Suspension | Front Subframe Corrosion Failures - led to recall 11V030000 In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear... |
| DP10005 opened Dec 2010 | closed Dec 2010 | Suspension | Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope On November 5, 2010, NHTSA received a Defect Petition from the owner of a MY 2003 Ford Windstar vehicle registered in the state of New York requesting that the scope of Recall 10V-385 be expanded to include additional MY 2003 vehicles experiencing the defect... |
| PE10026 opened Jul 2010 | closed Dec 2010 | Suspension | Front Subframe Corrosion Failures - led to recall 11V030000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these... |
| PE10016 opened May 2010 | closed Sep 2010 | Suspension | Rear Axle Cracking - led to recall 10V385000 In a letter dated August 26, 2010, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report notifying NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. |
| 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... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V608000 | Suspension | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. | Normally free |
| 12V195000 | Suspension | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. | Normally free |
| 12V194000 | Suspension | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. | Normally free |
| 12V193000 | Power Train | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. | Normally free |
| 11V030000 | Structure | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE,... | Normally free |
| 10V385000 | Suspension | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,... | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 03V459000 | Seats | CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." DURING TESTING, A THIRD ROW BENCH FLOOR-TO-SEAT LATCH RELEASED BEFORE THE... | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2015437 2015-09-29 | Structure | 58,858 | On certain vehicles that had rear axle reinforcement brackets installed as part of safety recall 2010-284, the brackets may not have been installed properly, which could limit the effectiveness of the recall service repair in addressing... |
| 2011038 2011-01-26 | Suspension | 119,021 | On certain vehicles, the subframe may not have been properly e-coated during the manufacturing process. As a result, the subframe of vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months... |
| 2010284 2010-08-24 | Suspension | 146,289 | On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), the... |
| 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. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004170 2004-05-20 | Label | 192,621 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The Standard specifies that for vehicles other than passenger cars, the label information shall display after each GAWR, the size designation and, if applicable, the type... |
| 2003273 2003-11-07 | Seats And Restraints | 58,921 | On certain vehicles, the 2nd and 3rd row bench seat-to-floor latches do not meet FMVSS 225 load requirements and can release under load. Correction: Dealer will replace the seat latches on the 2nd and 3rd row seats. |
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. | |
| 16-0070 Apr 2016 | Suspension | For 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 10S13 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear axle could potentially fracture. | |
| TSB160070 Apr 2016 | Suspension | Safety recall 10S13 - Rear axle corrosion - requests for recall service action | |
| TSB160065 Apr 2016 | Structure | Safety recall 11s16 - LCA rear attaching flanges or rear subframe body mount corrosion - requests for recall service action | |
| CSP-15-N-02 Sep 2015 | Suspension | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB-14-0167 Sep 2014 | Suspension | FORD: SAFETY RECALL CONCERNING REAR AXLE FRACTURING IF VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR AND EXTENDED PERIOD. MODEL 1998-03 WINDSTAR. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0168 Sep 2014 | Structure | FORD: SAFETY RECALL ON FRONT SUBFRAME LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) REAR ATTACHING FLANGE OR REAR BODY MOUNT THAT CAN SEPARATE FROM SUBFRAME IF VEHICLE IS OPERATED, FOR EXTENDED PERIOD, IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS. MODEL 1999-03 WINDSTAR. | |
| TSB-14-0145 Aug 2014 | Suspension | FORD: A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON MINIVANS WHERE LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) OF FRONT SUBFRAME ATTACHING REAR FLANGE OR REAR BODY MOUNT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO CORROSION. MODEL 1999-2003 WINDSTAR. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0146 Aug 2014 | Suspension | FORD: ON SOME MINIVANS, REAR AXLE WILL FRACTURE, IN HIGH CORROSION AREA, AFTER OPERATING FOR AN EXTENDED TIME PERIOD, AND VEHICLE HANDLING ABILITY WILL BE AFFECTED. MODEL 1998-2003 WINDSTAR. *PE | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 05310 Feb 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH | |
| 0471 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | WARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT | |
| 04136 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1342 (RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) FAULT. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04192 Oct 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK KNOCK ON ACCELERATION - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINE ONLY. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 15679 Aug 2004 | Structure | SLIDING DOOR(S) CONTACTING THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. *TT THIS INFORMATION UPDATES PREVIOUS INFORMATION, DATED 03/01/2002. *TT | |
| 17277 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | BEEPING SOUND FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN DRIVING AT/OVER 75 MPH, TRACTION CONTROL OFF INDICATOR ILLUMINATE WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL, AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2477 (MODULE CONFIGURATION FAILURE) STORED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE (ICM). | |
| 17358 Aug 2004 | Power Train | GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17744 Apr 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING NOISE. *TT | |
| 17585 Mar 2004 | Electrical System | TRAILER TOW ELECTRIC BRAKE SWITCH/MODULE CONNECTOR MAY BE DIFFICULT TO LOCATE IN THE VEHICLE AND FOR CERTAIN 1999-2001 VEHICLES, THE LOCATION IS NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED IN THE WIRING DIAGRAM MANUAL. *TT | |
| 02184 Feb 2004 | Structure | POWER SLIDING DOOR OPERATION AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 17525 Jan 2004 | Structure | WINDSHIELD COWL PANEL GRILLE (LEAF SCREEN) BREAKING AT THE GRILLE OPENING. *TT | |
| 03242 Dec 2003 | Electrical System | TRAILER TOW SERVICE KIT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17397 Nov 2003 | Visibility | FRONT WINDOW MOTORS NOT WORKING. *TT | |
| 03C05 Nov 2003 | Seats | REPLACEMENT OF LOWER SEAT-TO-FLOOR LATCHES ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2ND AND 3RD ROW SEATS. DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD. COMPLIANCE RECALL 03C05. *TT | |
| 03203 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 17250 Oct 2003 | Visibility | FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW MOTOR NOT WORKING. *TT | |
| 17301 Oct 2003 | Visibility | PASSENGER WINDOW MOTOR NOT WORKING. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 17104 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TICKING/TAPPING NOISE WITH THE ENGINE WARMED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AT IDLE. 2003 E150 INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 17229 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | TRAILER TOW WIRING HARNESS INCOMPATIBILITY CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 03161 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0171/P0174 (SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1 OR 2) STORED IN MEMORY. *TT | |
| 17016 Aug 2003 | Service Brakes | FRONT CALIPER SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 17034 Aug 2003 | Electrical System | FUSE F2.10 OPEN / TRAILER LIGHTING INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 17056 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON / NO START / ERRATIC SHIFTING. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16930 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0460 - NEW SERVICE LEVEL CALIBRATION AVAILABLE. *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 | |
| 03123 Jun 2003 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT | |
| 16919 Jun 2003 | Service Brakes | STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEMS (ADVANCETRAC) MAY NOT BE RECALIBRATED PROPERLY USING WDS. *TT | |
| 16920 Jun 2003 | Unknown Or Other | LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171/P0174 STORED. NEW SERVICE ISOLATOR BOLT ASSEMBLY RELEASED FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 16930 Jun 2003 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLES WITH EXPORT CALIBRATION MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON WITH A FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0460 (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION). NEW SERVICE LEVEL CALIBRATION AVAILABLE. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 030707 Apr 2003 | Fuel System | SLOW TO FILL FUEL TANK - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 0368 Mar 2003 | Electrical System | VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PAD AND PLUNGER FOR THE SLIDING DOORS. INTERMITTENT SPEAKER MALFUNCTION. MALFUNCTION SLIDING DOOR POWER LOCK. MALFUNCTION DETENT SIGNAL ON A POWER SLIDING DOOR. *TT *JB | |
| 0354 Mar 2003 | Electrical System | AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2290. *TT *JB | |
| 030504 Mar 2003 | Air Bags | AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) CODE B2290. *TT *JB | |
| 16611 Feb 2003 | Seats | POWER SEAT THAT MOVES IN A ARC RATHER THAN STRAIGHT FORWARD OR BACK. *TT | |
| 16452 Dec 2002 | Structure | INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TRIM CHANGES. *TT | |
| 030104 Dec 2002 | Structure | CREASE IN THE HEADLINER ABOVE THE LEFT A-PILLAR. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 16382 Nov 2002 | Suspension | CLUNK/SQUEAK FROM THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR AREA (QSF). *TT | |
| 16423 Nov 2002 | Structure | SERVICING BODY SIDE MOLDING OR CLADDING / CONTACT REQUEST. *MJ | |
| 2214 Oct 2002 | Structure | ROOF DITCH MATERIAL CRACKING. THIS INCLUDES 1997-2003 F-150 AND 2002 BLACKWOOD MODELS. *EH SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 16274 Oct 2002 | Equipment | COMPASS DISPLAYS INCORRECT DIRECTION READING. *TT |
Showing 60 of 68 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.
- 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.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 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 →