Model year record

1996 Ford Windstar

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,855 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

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 MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V101000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
250,283
Reported to NHTSA
2002-04-04
Owners notified
2002-05-10

Defect description

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, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING ASSEMBLY, SOME BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IN A TWISTED POSITION, CAUSING CONTACT WITH THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION PROTECTION, CONSEQUENTLY, SALT OR WATER ABSORBED IN THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR WOULD PROMOTE CORROSION. THIS CORROSION COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE.

Safety risk

LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID WILL RESULT IN BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVATION. EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD ALSO RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR CORROSION AND CLEARANCE CONDITIONS. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS NOT CORRODED WILL BE REPOSITIONED. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS CORRODED OR LEAKING WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NYLON COATED BRAKE LINE AND SECURED USING THREE RETAINING CLIPS TO ASSURE CLEARANCE FROM THE INSULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V168000

Exterior lighting

Component
Exterior lighting
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
20,637
Reported to NHTSA
2000-06-19
Owners notified
2000-07-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Safety risk

THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V147000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
789,723
Reported to NHTSA
1999-06-14
Owners notified
1999-06-16

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V180000

Structure: body: hood

Component
Structure: body: hood
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
769,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-10-20
Owners notified
1997-11-10

Defect description

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. AIR FORCED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD AREA FOR ANY DAMAGE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, THE HOOD WILL BE REPLACED. IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V166000

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
40,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-09-05
Owners notified
1996-09-23

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Safety risk

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V114000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
200
Reported to NHTSA
1996-07-01
Owners notified
1996-08-14

Defect description

THE FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V086000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
100,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-05-14
Owners notified
1996-07-17

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine31180,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission15385,550 mi
Power train13858,958 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip11558,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline8873,000 mi
Unknown or other7962,000 mi
Vehicle speed control63100,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs60100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling5075,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system3562,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2793,000 mi
Electrical system2563,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components19
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc19
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1899,921 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls1850,000 mi
Air bags: frontal17
Electrical system: ignition16105,000 mi
Steering16
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1658,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1582,400 mi
Tires15
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly14134,000 mi
Structure: body: door14
Wheels: rim14132,500 mi
Interior lighting1398,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1330,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module11
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1198,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control11
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe11134,000 mi
Suspension: front11164,954 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control11120,000 mi
Wheels11198,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads10
Structure: frame and members1096,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline9106,860 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)9
Suspension9100,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar9105,450 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch8
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder886,000 mi
Suspension: rear8
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch780,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer7
Air bags692,000 mi
Child seat6
Electrical system: wiring6168,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system688,580 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner685,550 mi
Power train: axle assembly6
Steering: hydraulic power assist system6
Steering: linkages6
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash565,421 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor5
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors591,623 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)55,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light510,335 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module5132,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper5
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings5124,000 mi
Structure: body: hood5
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system5
Visibility: windshield585,618 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery477,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch4109,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings4
Fuel system, other4114,500 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter4
Seat belts: front: anchorage4
Seat belts: front: retractor4
Structure: body4114,500 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut4
Vehicle speed control: linkages431,240 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3
Parking brake3141,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft3
Seats3
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar3
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm3
Steering: rack and pinion385,550 mi
Suspension: front: control arm3
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator2
Engine258,586 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2
Exterior lighting277,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Fuel/propulsion system2170,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional2
Seat belts: front2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Seat belts: front: webbing2
Seat belts: rear/other2
Seats: front assembly: head restraint2
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist2
Structure2132,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm2161,066 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar2
Tires: tread/belt2
Vehicle speed control: cables2
Visibility277,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core2
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor2
Child seat: harness buckle: convertible1
Child seat: harness buckle: infant1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1141,000 mi
Electrical system: horn1153,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1140,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
Equipment177,000 mi
Equipment: electrical177,000 mi
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage162,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other: delivery1
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Seat belts1
Seat belts: integrated child seat1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes1152,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Service brakes, electric1100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp1
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1134,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments180,000 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars178,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly1900,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing185,550 mi
Suspension: multiple axle185,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs1
Tires: bead1
Tires: sidewall1
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: linkages1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1
Wheels: hub1
Wheels: multi piece1

The 1995 model has about a third as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has 7 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.