1996 Ford Windstar body problems

37 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 96,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 37
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 96,000
crashes: 1
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Body: door
14
Frame and members
10
Body: hood
5
Body
4
Body: roof and pillars
1
Body: hood: hinge and attachments
1
Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Ford Windstar body problems in other years

Related recalls

Structure: body: hoodReported October 20, 1997 · 769,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
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.

Recall number 97V180000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Outer hood panel detachmentOpened September 30, 1997, closed October 22, 1997

There is no summary currently available

EA97018

Outer hood panel detachmentOpened March 13, 1997, closed September 30, 1997

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.

PE97011

What 1996 Ford Windstar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2015 · Body · 114,500 miles · IL

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

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Body, Brakes · 132,000 miles · VA

Complete brake loss when the brake was applied. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor without warning. Luck had it we were pulling into a parking spot with a concrete stop. The metal brake line located above the gas tank rusted completely. While the rest of the brake lines look fine, it's the area of the brake line that passes over the gas tank that is rusted. Because of the location of the gas tank, the line are hidden from normal view of an inspection unless the gas tank is lowered. Had this occurred at a busy intersection or highway at high speeds this could have been catastrophic. The brake lines were replaced. The old part is available. I am keeping this as a reminder how close my family came to death.

Filed Feb 20, 2004 · Body · 80,000 miles · WI

While driving 65 MPH hood separated from the hinges and broke the windshield. Driver pulled the vehicle to the side of the road without incident. The hood was replaced.

Filed Feb 13, 2004 · Body · CT

While driving 65 MPH hood separated from the outer panel. Consumer was able to pull over, called roadside assistance, and had vehicle towed to consumer's home. Consumer contacted the dealer, and mechanic informed the consumer that vehicle was not covered by recall.

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Body · FL

1996 ford windstar, speedometer malfunction. Speed is impossible to determine as the needle fluctuates wildly. Problem has persisted now for at least 50,000 miles , but I just learned that you should be notified so that ford can be held accountable for poor quality and non support. As I was advised that repair would be about 600.00. As I have a tach, I simply use this to determine my speed. I was not about to spend that amount of money on what I consider a design flaw.

Filed May 21, 2003 · Body · MA

The front frame of the vehicle was loose.

Filed Mar 12, 2003 · Body · 96,000 miles · NY

The dealership noticed a crack in the sub frame. Which could had caused the engine to fall out, if the vehicle was in an accident. *ak

Filed Feb 7, 2003 · Body · 78,000 miles · CA

Paint falling off '96 ford windstar

Filed Dec 7, 2002 · Body, Engine · NY

Ford extended warranty on 3.8 l engine for 1995 model due to engine failure caused by defective gasket sets. However, is not doing so for like failure on 1996 model 3.8 l engines. Engine seized on our vehicle with approximately 48000 miles despite maintenance and timing chain gasket set replacement an approximately $1200 repair. Dt

Filed Jun 10, 2002 · Body, Brakes · NY

Head gasket failed and was replaced, also a new engine cover was put on, a little over a year later the head gasket had to be replaced again and the engine had to be cleaned and milled due to the sludge build up, serpentine belt noisy.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar body

Does the 1996 Ford Windstar have body problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the body of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 3% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Ford Windstar body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 96,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Windstar body?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V180000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Windstar have the most body problems?

The Ford Windstar model years with the most body complaints are 2001 (293 complaints), 1999 (275 complaints) and 2000 (216 complaints).