NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 1,547 owner complaints for the 1999 Ford Windstar. Most complaints involve power train (279) and structure (275). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
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, CORROSION CAN WEAKEN THE REAR AXLE MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORSIONAL STRESS. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH, IF UNDETECTED, CAN INCREASE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE.
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 OF TORSIONAL LOADING, SPECIFIC TO THIS MARKET, THE REAR AXLE CAN CRACK.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
“SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WILL NOT PASS THE SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TREATED BY THE RECALL 11S16-S4.IN 2012. I WENT FOR A VOLUNTARY SAFETY CHECK AND THE VEHICLE STAYED AT THE SERVICE AS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.”
“The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstar FWD Van Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Windstar FWD Van Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Windstar FWD Wagon Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Windstar FWD Wagon Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
13 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,547 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (279), structure (275), suspension (213). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Ford Windstar at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).