10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 15
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
110,852 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Ford Windstar:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #134

Jun 272011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 173,000 miles
2002 Ford Windstar - at times the speedometer becomes stuck at half the speed I am traveling - gets stuck around 25 mph even though I am going 60 mph. The ABS light comes on for apparently no reason - defect in electrical system? I have been told by my mechanic that there is nothing wrong with ABS. According to best Ford - there has been no recall for these issues - other people apparently having same issues according to info posted online.

- Brookline, NH, USA

problem #133

Jul 012008

Windstar

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the brake and anti lock braking system lights would constantly illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the ignition light and cruise control switch did not function. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure milege was 100,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

- Roy , UT, USA

problem #132

May 202011

Windstar

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the ABS, brake and air bag warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) but the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted in regards to the most recent failure. The failure and current mileage was 154,000.

- Burns, TN, USA

problem #131

Jun 102011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
Braking distance suddenly increased.

- Long Valley, NJ, USA

problem #130

Jun 102011

Windstar

  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received recall notice 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) and took the vehicle to a dealer to be repaired; however, due to a brake fluid leak it caused the wiring harness to burn. The dealer advised the contact that the wiring harness had not been covered under the recall; therefore, did not check that component when the recall work was performed. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure miles were 145,000.

- Rochelle, IL, USA

problem #129

May 012011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Windows needed motors, which makes it not fun since the front air conditioner/heater went out because of the blend door actuator. Another fine example of Ford quality!

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #128

Jan 102011

Windstar

  • 161,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated NHTSA campaign id number 09V399000 vehicle speed control was performed on the vehicle; however, the repair did not correct the failure to the ABS. The speedometer warning light remained illuminated and the odometer failed making it impossible for the contact to see the current miles on the vehicle. The dealership stated the failure was not caused by the repair. The manufacturer filed report 378860041 and advised that they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure miles was 161,000 and the current miles were not available.

- Kingsburg , NJ, USA

problem #127

Dec 102010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 88,000 miles
While driving the O/D light blinks on and off..also the brake lights will stay on after I have turned he van off.. this has resulted in a dead battery at the end of the day. 2002 for Windstar cargo van.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #126

Sep 072010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles
We own a 2002 Ford Windstar and while driving it the air conditioning and speedometer stop working, the ABS and the ods light stay on. Smoke came from under the hood. We took it to coastal Ford on 09-09-2010 with the recall information off the internet. They said they could only replace the harness and a switch. We still have the same problem and sometime smell burning wires. This isn't safe for anyone. There are several complaints on the internet with same problems. We don't know why they haven't the solved problems. Does someone has to get burned up before actions are taken? we would lid like this to be taken care of as soon as possible. Thank you,

- Mount Vernon, AL, USA

problem #125

Feb 242011

Windstar

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph, when the instrument panel lights began to flash indicating that the odometer, speedometer, air conditioning and the ABS had malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current and failure mileage was unknown.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #124

Oct 262010

Windstar

  • 83,000 miles
I took my van in to do the recalls. Well they said they saw nothing wrong with the most last 2 recent recalls. 2010 and 2011 dealing with front end and rear end. My question is if it doesn't look broken they don't have to fix it" I thought these parts were manufactured wrong, right? now how often should I take my van in to be inspected" at any given moment it could break and my 4 kids and I could go tumbling down the highway. They did do the speed odometer (which I'm watching closely for ABS/brake light to come on) and in process for child safety attachments. The anderson Ford dealership in cleveland tx will not do the other 2 recalls because it does not look broken, is this right? anyways ABS/brake light remains on and off all the time on my Ford Windstar. Will have it check for brake fluid leakage running down to components.

- Splendora , TX, USA

problem #123

Feb 082011

Windstar

  • miles
After reading all these complaints, I am literally in shock! not to mention scared to death not only for my child's lives, but for myself/husband and other close family member's & friends that have also traveled with us past/present! this is a shame, that this many Windstar have all had this many/relative problems! I for one could not believe how every review from so many states were all linked! as I read many of these reviews/complaints I honestly had to ask myself have I posted here before" -as you can tell my Windstar is yet another victim added to the list. I took my van in yesterday to a Ford dealer for the recalls, picked it up today. I was given a inspection report card with different systems/components/tire/brake wear etc... 3 boxes along side of each green, yellow & red with the similar meaning as a stop light. Green=ok, yellow=may require future attention & red=immediate attention. It was brought to my attention that my tires box were checked yellow for all 4. this seemed odd to me considering I have a receipt that shows it hasn't been a month since I had 2 brand new goodyears put on the front! however, I do agree with the remark regarding the back. But this concerned me as to what type of inspection my van had went under.". and need I say before I got home from a 25 minute drive from the Ford dealer my ABS & brake lights are back on, surprise! I'm going to contact Ford in the morning, in regards of hopefully getting a helpful answer/explanation or at least a another appointment scheduled for a second opinion regarding my recall inspection!

- Ky, KY, USA

problem #122

Jan 202010

Windstar

  • miles
In my 2002 Windstar the ABS and brake lights come on while driving and will go off only to come back on another time while driving. In 2009 we had the safety recall taken care of, but it did not resolve the issue. Now I am noticing while I have the van running, heat and radio on, the radio and clock lights will go on and off. Also, the back doors do not always unlock and it will take several times of pressing the power door locks to unlock before they will unlock. I am fearful there will be an issue and I will need to get my daughter out quickly and won't be able to because of the door lock issue.

- Lewiston, ID, USA

problem #121

Aug 142010

Windstar

  • miles
ABS, brake and T/C lights all come on at the same time. This happens off and on for the past couple of months. Had car hooked up to find the failure code and was told there were too many, so they cleared the codes and said to bring it back if the lights come on again. They have come on again and I notice they sometimes will come on with accelerated speed.

- Fountain, CO, USA

problem #120

May 012010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
After having the 2002 Windstar serviced at a Ford dealership for a recall related to ABS failure and possible fire we noticed a burning plastic smell. The smell lasted the entire day after picking the Windstar up at the dealers. We immediately called the service dept to report the smell and they stated the burning smell could not be related to the service they performed. The ABS and brake light came on later that day and has now been on intermittently ever since. We have noticed an increased stopping distance in wet weather. We have now had the Windstar in and had it diagnosed and the codes state that all 4 ABS wheel speed sensors have failed. That would include the brand new wheel speed sensors that have been replaced in an effort to get the ABS and brake lights to go out. When the codes are cleared the ABS light will stay off anywhere from minutes to hours depending on each reset. It is my belief that the brake problem is related to the recall.

- Gosport, IN, USA

problem #119

Mar 012010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
Serious intermittent electrical issues with 2002 Ford Windstar. Break and ABS light have been illuminated intermittently in the instrument cluster panel since purchasing the car in October 2007. Then in March 2010, after smelling electrical burning, the battery light began intermittently illuminating and go off when gas is applied for a few moments. Assuming possible alternator or battery issue, changed out the two components. Break and ABS light and battery again began illuminating, and door locks began not working. Ford dealer performed 2009 ABS recall correction, but electrical issues remained. Then all electrical components stopped while I was driving with my children on a busy street. Lost power steering, doors all locked, breaks went out, oddly the interior lights blinked on and off like an airplane emergency lighting would during a crash landing. Unable to unlock back door to remove my toddler from the car seat, and had to pray no one would slam me from behind while I crawled into the backseat and unlatched him (because back lights were not lit) then exited the car. Had to be jumped to restart. Changed 3 batteries and 4 alternators (2 were motor craft) since March 2010. One alternator blew within moments after the car was started after changing it. Mechanic mentioned he noticed an arc flash prior to its blowing. Replaced all new wires going into and out of the alternator, all new battery cables. Replaced serpentine belt and several fuses. Battery light still comes on. Took van to Ford dealership, where they witnessed and acknowledged the illuminated battery light, hooked van up to electrical test equipment, and found nothing ($100). Hooked it up to the regular diagnostics test equipment (another $100) tried to sell me an intake manifold for $500 including labor (I didn't bite). They replaced the 2 door actuators on the front doors ($300) and then told me they were unable to diagnose the actual electrical problem. Lights still lit. Car reliability gone

- Norman, OK, USA

problem #118

Oct 012010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
ABS brake light comes on when the car gets hot. When the car is cold there is no problem with the ABS system. The air bag light came on at about 75,000 miles, cost to replace circuit board 675 dollars. The engine intake manifold warped which turned on the engine repair light, cost 950 dollars to repair. Updated 01/20/11

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

problem #117

Oct 272010

Windstar

  • 180,000 miles
ABS and brake lights keep coming on. Cruise control not working. Speedometer, odometer and airconditioning have also stopped working. Due to short in the cruise control disable switch aka brake pressure differential deactivation switch located under the master cylinder caused from brake fluid leaking onto it. This in turn blew the #10 fuse. This switch is covered with brake fluid and could start a fire at any time. I have stopped driving it until I can replace the switch and clean off the brake fluid.

- Germanton, NC, USA

problem #116

Dec 012008

Windstar 4WD 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
My ABS lites & brake lights are always coming on.

- Warren, RI, USA

problem #115

Nov 092008

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
ABS light and brake light come on after car has warmed up. Occurrence is much quicker and more frequent in summer months.

- Clayton, NC, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »