2003 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 254 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 135,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear axle” (62% of reports).
- 254suspension complaints
- 135,000median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $980typical repair cost reported by owners
- 20%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 158 of 254 complaints (62%)
- Included suspension: mentioned in 23 of 254 complaints (9%)
- Wheel well: mentioned in 16 of 254 complaints (6%)
- Non powered: mentioned in 14 of 254 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the 2003 Ford Windstar at $980, and half of them between $650 and $1,800.
Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2009–2021), 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 219 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 254 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 4 a fire.
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 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…
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…
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 passengerâs side rear wheel. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2003 Ford Windstars have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 254 owner complaints about suspension for the 2003 Ford Windstar (17% of the 1,510 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 2003 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 135,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
Owners report a typical cost of $980 (half paid between $650 and $1,800), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
The most frequent phrase is “rear axle”, in 158 of 254 complaints, followed by “included suspension” (23).
Other 2003 Ford Windstar problems
See all 2003 Ford Windstar problems or suspension problems across all Windstar years.