Ford Windstar / 2001
2001 Ford Windstar problems
Owners have filed 2,297 complaints about the 2001 Ford Windstar with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 18.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 13.1%.
Complaints2,297
Crashes91
Fires79
Injuries77
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Suspension 18.3% · 421
Service brakes, hydraulic 13.1% · 302
Structure 12.9% · 297
Electrical system 9.7% · 223
Service brakes 8.4% · 193
Power train 6.5% · 150
Vehicle speed control 5.6% · 128
Steering 3.0% · 70
Severity
Of those complaints, 91 describe a crash, 79 describe a fire, 77 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Windstar in this data, 2001 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 26 in the last three years against 53 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 107,148 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 35 mph over a bump or pothole in the road, the rear of the vehicle began to sway abnormally from left to right. The contact also stated that the tires sounded as if they were whistling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 132,000. Suspension · reported at 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 20 mph when the rear of the vehicle began to sway abnormally. The contact was able to move the vehicle onto the shoulder where it was towed to the dealer. The dealer performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the rear axle lower bracket arm, which was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 200,000. Suspension · reported at 200,000 miles
I was driving about 55 mph on a highway when the back end started to sway side to side. I slowed down, heard a loud noise, smoke and burning rubber was noticed and I pulled over. As I got out I noticed the drivers rear tire tilted in. I walked behind the van and noticed the axel was snapped in two. I called my mechanic and he stated this seams to be a common occurrence with this vehicle. Miles are 118,000. Suspension · reported at 118,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…