Ford Windstar / 2002
2002 Ford Windstar problems
Owners have filed 1,928 complaints about the 2002 Ford Windstar with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 17.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 14.6%.
Complaints1,928
Crashes72
Fires73
Injuries71
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 17.5% · 338
Suspension 14.6% · 282
Electrical system 13.7% · 265
Service brakes 12.1% · 233
Vehicle speed control 7.6% · 147
Structure 5.4% · 104
Power train 5.1% · 99
Service brakes, electric 4.3% · 83
Severity
Of those complaints, 72 describe a crash, 73 describe a fire, 71 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Windstar in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 101,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Abs light brake light and traction control lights started coming on occasionally about 06/01/05. The problem got worse and happens every time the car was driven. The abs module is defective and Ford needs to recall this part as they have on the Ford escape. The condition can lead to a fire. I have pulled the fuses so I don't catch fire. Please hold Ford accountable and force them to recall this problem! Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 46,000 miles
I have a 2002 Ford Windstar lx. My an has been receiving regular service ever since we purchased it in 2003. I've had a abs and brake light turning on a random times and it has begun to affect brake stopping distance. I've looked into this problem and it seems to be a very common problem with the windstars. Many say this problem can be fixed by replacing the abs ecm module which is very costly to replace. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. He noticed smoke coming from the vehicle while parked. The failure occurred a few minutes after 400 mile trip. The contact felt that the abs brake module harness caused the failure and he disconnected the battery and abs fuses. As of august 10, 2007, the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 131,000. Updated 08/29/07. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 131,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…