2000 Ford Windstar

● Typical for this model
2000 Ford Windstar
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Windstar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2000 highlighted. 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3328 complaints 1995 1996: 1386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1998: 1433 complaints 1998 1999: 1522 complaints 2000: 1675 complaints 2000 2001: 1686 complaints 2001 2002: 1353 complaints 2003: 1510 complaints 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaints 2005
2000: 1675 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19855
19906
19913
19922
199311
199423
19953328
19961386
1997192
19981433
19991522
20001675
20011686
20021353
20031510
200424
20051

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 388 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SUSPENSION 22%

22% of complaints: suspension — 362 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The rear axle broke for the second time on a Ford Windstar, after already breaking prior to a recall in 2010. It appears to have broken where a clamp was attached. This caused the rear wheels to fall into, and grind against the wheel well.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240528

Also filed under WHEELS

REAR AXLE OF VEHICLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. REAR AXLE HAD BEEN 'PATCHED' WITH REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 10S13 AND INSPECTED UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 15S27, BUT AXLE STILL BROKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171230

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 277 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. *JB THE CONSUMER'S SON PUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND PULLED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING STARTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030402

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 229 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start, and the rear glass was out of the frame by about three-quarters of an inch.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250611

STRUCTURE 13%

13% of complaints: structure — 221 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MILES PER HOUR THE BACK AXEL FRACTURED. THIS RESULTED IN HIM CRASHING INTO THE CENTER CEMENT DEVIDER AS WELL AS THE FROM LEFT CONTROL ARM BREAKING AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120516

Also filed under STEERING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE AUTOMATIC OPENING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS NO SENSORS TO DETECT A PERSON IN THE WAY OF THE DOOR. THE DOOR CLOSED ON MYSELF WITHOUT AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING. IF A CHILD WAS THERE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030416

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20000324 — visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT URETHANE, RESULTING IN AN ADHESIVE BOND RATHER THAN THE INTENDED MOLECULAR BOND FOR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND REAR L

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND LIFTGATE GLASS.

Campaign 00V020000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20000719 — fuel system, gasoline

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCORRECTLY FUEL LINE END FORMS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOWER THAN SPECIFIED PULL APART FORCE FOR THE INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDUNDANT FUEL LINE CLIP ON THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINE CONNECTIONS AT THE REAR OF THE CHASSIS FUEL LINE BUNDLE.

Campaign 00V164000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20001026 — seat belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NO

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 20

Campaign 00V228001 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010124 — electrical system

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 S

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECONFIGURE THE VEHICLE FRONT END ELECTRONIC MODULE.

Campaign 00V351000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010706 — vehicle speed control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE PEDAL OPTION. THE DRIVER FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Remedy: 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 S

Campaign 01V207000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010827 — visibility

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 USE

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 UPON

Campaign 01V261000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010827 — equipment

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

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 VEHI

Campaign 01V262000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20020405 — trailer hitches

IN SOME MINIVANS, WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS (DIRT, SALT, ETC.) CAN ENTER INTO THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO A MISSING BODY SEALER.

Remedy: 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,

Campaign 02V072000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20021118 — PE (closed 20030410)

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE

I 20030410 — EA (closed 20040830)

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE

I 20040303 — PE (closed 20040701)

POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING

R 20060804 — fuel system, gasoline

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 DESIGN

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.

Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20080513 — PE (closed 20080917)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20080917 — EA (closed 20091014)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20091027 — vehicle speed control

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

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 CO

Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20100513 — PE (closed 20100922)

Rear Axle Cracking

I 20100720 — PE (closed 20101220)

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

R 20101020 — suspension

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, DIS

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 O

Campaign 10V385000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20101220 — EA (closed 20110317)

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

R 20110221 — structure

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, K

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 REPAIRS

Campaign 11V030000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120601 — suspension

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

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 B

Campaign 12V195000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120618 — suspension

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 AT

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 BE

Campaign 12V194000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120619 — power train

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, CORROSI

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 ON

Campaign 12V193000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151021 — suspension

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.

Campaign 15V608000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2000 Ford Windstar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (388 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (362 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (277 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 00V020000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V164000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V228001 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V351000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V207000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V261000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V262000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 02V072000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V385000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V030000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V195000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V194000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V193000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V608000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1997 ● 2002 ● 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ● 2001 ● 1999

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2000 Ford Windstar reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Ford Windstar is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Windstar?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Windstar have?

16 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.