2002 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 279 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar, 21% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 133,280 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear axle” (61% of reports).
- 279suspension complaints
- 133,280median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $1,000typical repair cost reported by owners
- 22%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 169 of 279 complaints (61%)
- Included suspension: mentioned in 21 of 279 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the 2002 Ford Windstar at $1,000, and half of them between $530 and $1,450.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2009–2016), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 240 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 279 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Windstar suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 9 | 38% | 124,000 |
| 2003 Windstar | 254 | 17% | 135,000 |
| 2002 Windstar | 279 | 21% | 133,280 |
| 2001 Windstar | 416 | 25% | 123,000 |
| 2000 Windstar | 356 | 21% | 118,000 |
| 1999 Windstar | 208 | 14% | 130,000 |
| 1998 Windstar | 229 | 16% | 112,500 |
| 1997 Windstar | 38 | 20% | 100,349 |
| 1996 Windstar | 111 | 8% | 107,454 |
| 1995 Windstar | 145 | 4% | 118,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
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.
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.
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 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.
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 received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) and 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal and driving slowly, the vehicle shook, and the engine shifted. The contact stated that…
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the contact pulled over and noticed that the tire was not straight inside the wheel well. While hoisting the vehicle on a lift at the residence, the contact noticed that the tire was rubbing on the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Ford Windstars have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 279 owner complaints about suspension for the 2002 Ford Windstar (21% 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 suspension?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do suspension problems start?
The median reported mileage is 133,280 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,000 (half paid between $530 and $1,450), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
The most frequent phrase is “rear axle”, in 169 of 279 complaints, followed by “included suspension” (21).
Other 2002 Ford Windstar problems
See all 2002 Ford Windstar problems or suspension problems across all Windstar years.