1996 Ford Windstar
2FMDA51U7TBA60773
Vehicle record for the 1996 Ford Windstar (VIN 2FMDA51U7TBA60773). Green, passenger van, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Volyn. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1996 Ford Windstar · Green on the registration record
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 2FMDA51U7TBA60773, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 9 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Ford Windstar data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Ford Windstar.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Ford Windstar costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Ford Windstar. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 12
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS). WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS. NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDI…
NHTSA #EA08021 · Vehicle Speed Control, Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 2008 · closed Oct 2009ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES. TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME. OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED…
NHTSA #PE08035 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control · opened May 2008 · closed Sep 2008HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FAILURE Closed
ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL 02V-101). ACCORDING TO FORD, IMPROPER BRAKE LINE ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME V…
NHTSA #RQ04003 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened May 2004 · closed Oct 2004FUEL TANK FATIGUE CRACKING Closed
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
NHTSA #RQ02011 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Aug 2002 · closed Mar 2003SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE Closed
NHTSA #EA00027 · Suspension · opened Dec 2000 · closed Jul 2001SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE Closed
NHTSA #PE00024 · Suspension · opened Jun 2000 · closed Dec 2000FUEL TANK CRACKS Closed
NHTSA #EA99020 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Jul 1999 · closed Dec 1999REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM Closed
NHTSA #PE98056 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1998 · closed Feb 1999OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT Closed
NHTSA #EA97018 · Structure · opened Sep 1997 · closed Oct 1997OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT Closed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN. FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS. FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA #PE97011 · Structure · opened Mar 1997 · closed Sep 1997BRAKE PEDAL FADE/EXTENDED STOP DISTANCE Closed
NHTSA #EA96026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1996 · closed Feb 2000BRAKE PEDAL FADE/EXTENDED STOPPING Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED SIXTY-EIGHT (68) CONSUMER REPORTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTARS, WHICH RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL FADE AND IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING BRAKING THESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED TWELVE (12) ACCIDENTS THAT RESULTED FROM VEHICLE LOSS OF BRAKING. THE CONPLAINANTS REPORT THAT THE LOSS OF BRAKING OCCUR…
NHTSA #PE96042 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jun 1996 · closed Oct 1996An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 206
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 206.
For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could separate from the v…
Bulletin 16-0065 · Structure · Apr 2020GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT
Bulletin 17358 · Power Train · Aug 2004REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
Bulletin 03181 · Electrical System · Sep 2003NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
Bulletin 03148 · Power Train · Jul 2003SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FLUID RESIDUE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER DUST BOOT ON VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. *TT
Bulletin 16987 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2003TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT
Bulletin 03123 · Power Train · Jun 2003ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ
Bulletin 02221 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2002INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
Bulletin 870197 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2002CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
Bulletin 02208 · Equipment · Oct 2002LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
Bulletin 02176 · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2002Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the WINDSTAR. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 8
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Ford Windstar. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included…
Transport Canada #2009292 · Oct 2009Brakes
On certain Windstars the crossover brake line above the catalytic converter may contact the dash panel insulator. The salt and water absorbed by the insulator may promote corrosion. Exhaust heat can also accelerate the corrosion process which may ultimately lead to a leak in the brake line. These vehicles were originally sold or currently registered in the provinces of Ontario,…
Transport Canada #2002066 · Apr 2002Brakes
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 105 - Hydraulic Brake Systems. The brake fluid warning statement embossed on the side of the brake fluid reservoir is not clearly visible by direct view. Correction: Warning labels, along with installation instructions and wipe materials will be sent to owners. Labels will be installed on the front of the reservoir w…
Transport Canada #1999126 · Jun 1999Brakes
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD INCORRECT SERVICE REPLACEMENT BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED WHICH WILL CAUSE AN IMPROPER WHEEL TO HUB ABUTMENT CONDITION TO OCCUR. WITH AN INCORRECT ROTOR INSTALLED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE WHEEL SHUDDER ON BRAKING OR SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED THIS CONDITION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL STUDS TO BREAK. CORRECTION: FRONT…
Transport Canada #1998157 · Jul 1998Structure
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS CAN BEGIN TO SEPARATE. HIGHWAY DRIVING CAN CAUSE AIR TO ENTER BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS WHICH CAN FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD, AND COULD RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A ROAD HAZARD AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE I…
Transport Canada #1997183 · Oct 1997Powertrain
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. AS A RESULT, UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WI…
Transport Canada #1996135 · Sep 1996Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Windstar
The Ford Windstar is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford from the 1995 to 2007 model years. The second minivan line designed by Ford, the Windstar moved closer in line to the design of the Chrysler minivans. The successor of the Ford Aerostar, the model line adopted front-wheel drive and a "two-box" body design. Three generations of the model line were produced, with the final generation taking on the Ford Freestar nameplate.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 9
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 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT…
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 CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON
NHTSA Campaign #09V399000 · manufacturer #09S09 · 13/10/2009SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING ASSEMBLY, SOME BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IN A TWISTED POSITION, C…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR CORROSION AND CLEARANCE CONDITIONS. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS NOT CORRODED WILL BE REPOSITIONED. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS CORRODED OR LEAKING WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NYLON COATED BRAKE LINE AND SECURED USING THREE RETAINING CLIPS TO ASSURE CLEARANCE FROM THE INSULATOR.
NHTSA Campaign #02V101000 · manufacturer #02S36 · 04/04/2002SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 WINDSTAR MINI VANS ARE ALSO COVERED BY NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 01V-199/FORD RECALL 01S19. THE MINI VANS COVERED BY THE SAFETY RECAL…
Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT TO A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE. THIS COVERAGE IS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES DURING THE COVERAGE PERIOD NOTE
NHTSA Campaign #01I007000 · 12/07/2001EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA Campaign #00V168000 · manufacturer #00S14 · 19/06/2000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
NHTSA Campaign #99V147000 · manufacturer #99S17 · 14/06/1999STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. AIR FORCED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD AREA FOR ANY DAMAGE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, THE HOOD WILL BE REPLACED. IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.
NHTSA Campaign #97V180000 · 20/10/1997POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.
NHTSA Campaign #96V166000 · 05/09/1996SEATS
THE FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
NHTSA Campaign #96V114000 · 01/07/1996POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
NHTSA Campaign #96V086000 · manufacturer #96S39 · 14/05/1996Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 1,484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Windstar, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 63 involved a crash 🔥 46 involved a fire 🚑 58 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1484
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Ford Windstar.
STRUCTURE
THE K FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS MOUNT TO THE FRAME AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE
NHTSA ODI #10782238FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.
NHTSA ODI #10778214POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. THE SERVICE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
NHTSA ODI #10694170SERVICE BRAKES
ABS LIGHT ON DASHBOARD COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER 5 MINUTES OF OPERATION LIGHT WILL COME ON, THEN STAY ON, BUT AFTER SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND START AGAIN LIGHT IS FFF AND COMES BACK ON AFTER FEW MINUTES OF TRAVEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549528POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
THIS IS A SECOND CALL FOR HELP FORD CORPORATE WILL NOT EMAIL ME BACK. WILL NOT VERIFY IF PCM HAS BEEN UPDATED. THE VAN ONLY HAS UNDER 59,000 MILES ON IT . IT SHOULD NOT BREAK THIS BAD THIS SOON MAKES ME TELL ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND OUR LOCAL NEWS MEDIA AND CLARK HOWARDS TEAM. I DO NOT WANT TO CALL FORD UNLESS IT IS AGREED THE PHONE WILL BE RECORDED FOR…
NHTSA ODI #10522986POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
DEAR FORD MY MOTHER AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET ANSWERS FROM THE DEALER AND SINCE THEY GAVE UP. BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. EVEN THE SECOND OR THIRD TIME. THE VAN A 1996 WINDSTAR WITH 59,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STARTED THE ENGINE STARTED STALLING, WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL LOSES POWER STEERING. MY MOM ALMOST…
NHTSA ODI #10522406VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD RECALL LETTER DATED DECEMBER 2011 RECALL NUMBER 09 S 09 SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION. I RECENTLY TOOK MY FORD WINDSTAR ON JANURARY 3, 2013 FOR A RECALL. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I DROVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SLOW AND WON'T PICK UP SPEED IT MAKES A PUT PUT SOUND AND HAS ALMOST NO POWER. I CALLED THE DEALER TO REPORT THE IS…
NHTSA ODI #10504616FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NOTICED FUEL LEAK WHEN RETURNED AFTER PARKING AT SLANTED PARKING SPACE. INSPECTION BY LICENSED MECHANIC IN COLUMBUS, OHIO CONFIRMED FUEL TANK LEAK. REMOVED TANK FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND FOUND CRACK. REPAIRED BY SAME MECHANIC. TOTAL COST CLOSE TO $300.00. NOW NO GASOLINE LEAK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10476963+ 1476 more complaints on record.
