2003 Ford Windstar Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

8 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Ford Windstar has 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1,510 complaints with NHTSA, including 33 crashes, 27 fires, 35 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (296 reports).

8Recalls
1,510Owner complaints
33Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Windstar?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Ford Windstar recalls

Rear axle may fracture, risking loss of control

Recall 15V608Sep 29, 2015283,413 vehicles affected

Some 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles had their rear axles previously repaired to guard against cracking from corrosion.

Power Train:Axle Assembly

Recall 12V193May 3, 201227,000 vehicles affected

Suspension:Front:Control Arm

Recall 12V194May 3, 201223,000 vehicles affected

Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Recall 12V195May 3, 20129,192 vehicles affected

Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields

Recall 11V030Jan 26, 2011425,288 vehicles affected

Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Recall 10V385Aug 26, 2010492,650 vehicles affected

Vehicle Speed Control

Recall 09V399Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehicles affected

Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly

Recall 03V459Nov 6, 2003257,119 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Ford Windstar problems

Problem areas named in the 1,510 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes296
Service Brakes, Hydraulic295
Electrical System285
Suspension257
Power Train227
Structure128
Vehicle Speed Control85
Service Brakes, Electric69
Engine And Engine Cooling47
Steering40

What owners report

2026-07-27, Structure
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-20 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed the procedure was that the dealer would inspect the vehicle and escalate the findings to the special support center. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty on the repair had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
2026-04-03, Suspension
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at 40 MPH, the rear axle snapped. The wheel hub to the axle was barely connected. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number:15V608000 (SUSPENSION); however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 237,000.
2025-07-01, Suspension
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that steering wheel became difficult to turn. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 16
2025-04-08, Structure
The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was punctured. The contact was advised that the front subframe was severely corroded; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would not be repaired due to the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified
2024-12-11, Suspension
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side rear wheel. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear suspension and the contact almost lost control of the vehicle but was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that upon a visual inspection there was excessive corrosion around the rear axle and the axle was detached

2003 Ford Windstar questions

Does the 2003 Ford Windstar have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Windstar: Rear axle may fracture, risking loss of control; Power Train:Axle Assembly; Suspension:Front:Control Arm; Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly; Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Windstar?

Based on 1,510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (296), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (295), Electrical System (285).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Ford Windstar has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Windstar years

Other 2003 Ford models