2001 Ford Windstar Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Windstar years
- About as many complaints as other years 2nd of 11 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 15 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 1,686 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Windstar. That ranks 2nd out of 11 Windstar model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (416 complaints, 25%), typically at around 123,000 miles. Complaints mention 66 crashes, 62 fires, 62 injuries. There are 15 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 8 defect investigations involving it.
- 1,686owner complaints
- 15safety recalls
- 8NHTSA investigations
- 66complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2001 Ford Windstar problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension problems | 416 | 25% | 123,000 | “rear axle” (55%) | $1,450 |
| Structure problems | 293 | 17% | 116,000 | “rear axle” (20%) | $3,000 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 292 | 17% | 90,000 | “abs brake” (43%) | $1,750 |
| Electrical System problems | 223 | 13% | 98,000 | “abs brake” (41%) | $1,550 |
| Service Brakes problems | 193 | 11% | 120,000 | “abs brake” (47%) | $1,400 |
| Power Train problems | 145 | 9% | 106,574 | “rear axle” (41%) | $4,950 |
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | 127 | 8% | 99,808 | “cruise control” (39%) | — |
| Steering problems | 70 | 4% | 121,938 | “sub frame” (19%) | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling problems | 66 | 4% | 83,500 | “intake manifold” (18%) | $1,000 |
| Service Brakes, Electric problems | 53 | 3% | 102,000 | “abs brake” (53%) | $1,700 |
| Air Bags problems | 51 | 3% | 79,000 | “air bag” (43%) | — |
| Unknown or Other | 41 | 2% | 126,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 38 | 2% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 31 | 2% | 96,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 28 | 2% | 144,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 23 | 1% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 20 | 1% | 67,045 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 20 | 1% | 83,900 | — | — |
| Tires | 19 | 1% | 78,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 | 1% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 17 | 1% | 103,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 16 | 1% | 103,440 | — | — |
| Seats | 15 | 1% | 95,984 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 13 | 1% | 94,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 11 | 1% | 190,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 0% | 164,500 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 4 | 0% | 92,499 | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 3 | 0% | 172,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 3 | 0% | 105,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0% | 169,000 | — | — |
| Child Seat | 2 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | 0% | 38,950 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 0% | 160,000 | — | — |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2001 Ford Windstar recalls (15)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
Risk: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Power train:axle assembly
Problem: 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. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Risk: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension:front:control arm
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.
Risk: A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on june 18, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Risk: A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Problem: 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, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, utah, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.
Risk: This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge. If repairs cannot be made to a vehicle, ford will offer to repurchase the vehicle. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before february 21, 2011. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: 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, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Risk: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Fix: 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.
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Problem: 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 strength requirement was met. Identical latches are used in the second row of seats.
Risk: If the latches on th4e second or third row seats of the vehicle release in a crash, the potential for occupant injury is increased.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat-to-floor latches on the second and third row of seats. Owner notification began on november 21, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Trailer hitches
Problem: In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.
Risk: This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. Owner notification began april 5, 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.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Problem: Vehicle description: mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between february and august 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation.
Risk: Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain august 27, 2001. 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.
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Problem: Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with auxiliary rear air-conditioning. If the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke.
Risk: The motor could potentially catch on fire.
Fix: Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. Owner notification began augsut 27, 2001. 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.
Seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford f-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. Ford super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. Ford excursions built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. Ford expeditions built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 2001. 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.
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Problem: Vehicle description: minivans equipped with an adjustable pedal option. The driver floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal.
Risk: This can result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace both front driver and passenger side floor mats in the vehicle. Owner notification began july 6, 2001. 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 1-800-392-3673.
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Problem: Vehicle description: minivans and passenger vehicles. A restraint control module (rcm) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected.
Risk: In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rcm and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them.
Air bags
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and mini vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (rcm). In some cases, the rcm does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up.
Risk: This condition could result in personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rcm in these vehicles. Owner notification began september 14, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Front Subframe Corrosion Failures (EA10007) — opened Dec 20, 2010, closed Mar 17, 2011, led to recall 11V030000.
- Front Subframe Corrosion Failures (PE10026) — opened Jul 20, 2010, closed Dec 20, 2010, led to recall 11V030000.
- Rear Axle Cracking (PE10016) — opened May 13, 2010, closed Sep 22, 2010, led to recall 10V385000.
- Engine compartment fires (EA08021) — opened Sep 17, 2008, closed Oct 14, 2009, led to recall 09V399000.
- Engine compartment fires (PE08035) — opened May 13, 2008, closed Sep 17, 2008.
- Front seat belt buckle assembly (EA05004) — opened Feb 17, 2005, closed Jul 6, 2005.
- Front seat belt buckle assembly (RQ04011) — opened Oct 22, 2004, closed Feb 17, 2005.
- Power sliding door opening (PE04022) — opened Mar 3, 2004, closed Jul 1, 2004.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the rear axle fractured. There was no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was…
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the front end of the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a fracture due to corrosion on the…
Rear axle cracked where bracket that was installed during previous recall. Van is not drivable and could have been a bad accident.
Rear axle cracked in multiple locations causes car to sway and tires to turn inward and bald
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently came to a complete stop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear wheels were crooked and rubbing against the inner fender well. The vehicle was…
Other Ford Windstar years
← 2000 Windstar · 2002 Windstar →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Windstar | 1 | 0 |
| 2004 Windstar | 24 | 0 |
| 2003 Windstar | 1,510 | 8 |
| 2002 Windstar | 1,353 | 8 |
| 2001 | 1,686 | 15 |
| 2000 Windstar | 1,675 | 15 |
| 1999 Windstar | 1,522 | 11 |
| 1998 Windstar | 1,433 | 11 |
| 1997 Windstar | 192 | 5 |
| 1996 Windstar | 1,386 | 8 |
| 1995 Windstar | 3,326 | 6 |
See all Ford Windstar problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.
Similar Ford models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Windstar?
Owners most often report suspension, structure, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 416 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Ford Windstar?
Yes, 15 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2001 Ford Windstar a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Windstar model years, the 2001 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.