MYRModel Year Report

1999 Ford Windstar

● Typical for this model
1999 Ford Windstar
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,522
Recalls
13

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

19% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1998: 1,433 complaints 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 1,522 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1997 1998: 1,433 complaints 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 1,522 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2005: 1 complaint 2005
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1994 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1996 1997: 192 complaints 1997 1998: 1,433 complaints 1998 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 1,522 2000: 1,675 complaints 2000 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2002 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint 2005

1999: 1,522 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19855
19906
19913
19922
199311
199423
19953,328
19961,386
1997192
19981,433
19991,522
20001,675
20011,686
20021,353
20031,510
200424
20051

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

19% · 286 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have 3 problems with my 1999 Ford Windstar which currently has 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-26

Also filed under Steering

Vehculo da cantasos y jalones al conducir.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-13

I was driving my van. At first the lights beep up for engine and then o/d and then it stops. There was a lot of smoke from the engine and it look like it burns. After that vehicle start but not tacking gear. I found out that transmission went bad.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-13

Also filed under Engine

Structure

18% · 280 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and door.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

This was not a defect according to Ford- the automatic doors did not kick back and closed on my hand.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-07

Service brakes

15% · 225 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

14% · 213 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 211 reports

Most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted white smoke and caught on fire. There were no injuries as a result of the fire however, the vehicle was destroyed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-03

While driving 5-10 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Consumer pulled over, before fire department arrived vehicle burned to the ground.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1999-06-16Service brakes, hydraulic99V147000 Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2001-01-24Electrical system00V351000 Vehicle description: minivans built with instrument clusters without the message center, fail to comply with the requirements of standard No. 118, "Power-operated window, partition, and roof panel…

    Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2001-08-27Visibility01V261000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2001-08-27Equipment01V262000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2002-11-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-10 Wheel stud fracture
  6. I
    2003-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2004-08-30 Wheel stud fracture
  7. I
    2004-03-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-01 Power sliding door opening
  8. R
    2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…

    Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2008-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-09-17 Engine compartment fires
  10. I
    2008-09-17Engineering analysisClosed 2009-10-14 Engine compartment fires
  11. R
    2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. I
    2010-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-09-22 Rear Axle Cracking
  13. I
    2010-07-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-12-20 Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
  14. R
    2010-10-20Suspension10V385000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. I
    2010-12-20Engineering analysisClosed 2011-03-17 Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
  16. R
    2011-02-21Structure11V030000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2012-06-01Suspension12V195000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2012-06-18Suspension12V194000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. R
    2012-06-19Power train12V193000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. R
    2015-10-21Suspension15V608000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    Date not on fileStructure99I001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: minivans.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Ford Windstar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 286 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 280 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 225 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I001000 · Structure
  • Recall 99V147000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 00V351000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 01V261000 · Visibility
  • Recall 01V262000 · Equipment
  • Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V385000 · Suspension
  • Recall 11V030000 · Structure
  • Recall 12V195000 · Suspension
  • Recall 12V194000 · Suspension
  • Recall 12V193000 · Power train
  • Recall 15V608000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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FAQ

Is the 1999 Ford Windstar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Ford Windstar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford Windstar?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Windstar have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.