2002 Ford Windstar Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar, 7% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 113,200 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear axle” (43% of reports).
- 97power train complaints
- 113,200median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear axle: mentioned in 42 of 97 complaints (43%)
- Torque converter: mentioned in 7 of 97 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 82 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 97 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Windstar power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 7 | 29% | 122,414 |
| 2003 Windstar | 225 | 15% | 102,000 |
| 2002 Windstar | 97 | 7% | 113,200 |
| 2001 Windstar | 145 | 9% | 106,574 |
| 2000 Windstar | 271 | 16% | 86,175 |
| 1999 Windstar | 278 | 18% | 74,250 |
| 1998 Windstar | 332 | 23% | 89,000 |
| 1997 Windstar | 43 | 22% | 146,000 |
| 1996 Windstar | 322 | 23% | 72,000 |
| 1995 Windstar | 875 | 26% | 93,672 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic…
While driving on x way appox. 60 mph, noticed smoke emitting from rear of car and begin hearing a clicking sound. As i was pulling car over to side the right rear tire suddenly deflated. Tow truck was called, upon loading of vehicle on bed of truck was able to see rear axle in the middle toward…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Ford Windstars have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 97 owner complaints about power train for the 2002 Ford Windstar (7% of the 1,353 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Ford Windstar power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 113,200 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
The most frequent phrase is “rear axle”, in 42 of 97 complaints, followed by “torque converter” (7).
Other 2002 Ford Windstar problems
See all 2002 Ford Windstar problems or power train problems across all Windstar years.