1996 Ford Windstar lights problems

21 complaints (2% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 21
of this car's complaints: 2%
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Headlights
3
Brake lights
2
Turn signal: switch
1
Headlights: switch
1
Brake lights: switch
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 lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Ford Windstar lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 6

Related recalls

Exterior lightingReported June 19, 2000 · 20,637 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

Recall number 00V168000 · Recall details

What 1996 Ford Windstar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Lights · 98,000 miles · MA

Interior lights stay on after opening hatch and now side door. Door ajar light stays on always.

Filed Apr 28, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 91,623 miles · NE

The dome light and the door ajar sensor light stays on. The consumer is concerned that the battery will drain completely. The cause has yet to be determined. *ak the vehicle would shake when it was started. One injector was changed. The consumer felt that the other five injectors may go bad. *sc

Filed Feb 13, 2005 · Lights · OK

Headlight assembly has clear plastic lens. Over time plastic has discolored which degrades lighting . Also lamp assembly collects moisture inside unit further degrading lighting this condition prevalent not only on my vehicle but also on other cars I have observed.

Filed Apr 2, 2004 · Lights · WA

When engine is started and all doors are closed and latched, the door ajar light stays on and interior dome lights stay on as well as the door ajar chime rings. This is continuous while driving, and eventually turns itself off. This creates a hazard especially while backing as it is not possible to see behind vehicle at dusk or dark. There is no consistency as to when this happens. It has been found that if a door is indeed ajar, that the door ajar light will stay on, but the dome light will go off as will the chime.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 77,000 miles · CT

The 1996 ford windstar continues to have defective head gaskets as in 1994 and 1995 models. This lead to engine failure at 78,000 miles! The cost to replace the engine per miller ford was 4,778.00. We paid 19,000 for this vehicle and refuse to pay for a new engine! The nasa has stated the head gasket should last at least 120,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. We have had this ford windstar with a blown engine due to head gasket failure since last december, but continue to make monthly payments on this dead ford windstar. We pay taxes, insurance, and montly payments to ford credit for the next 18 months or so. We just discontinued registration fees as the dmv told us we could do this. Ford refuses to acknowledge this problem and is not standing up to it's committment of quality care to it's customers. I urge anyone who is considering buying a ford to do their research. Ford is a company that does not stand behind it's promises. We will never own another ford although our family has never owned anything but until now. Ford wake up!

Filed Dec 29, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · 118,000 miles · VT

Our 1996 ford windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. We have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, ABS and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. The cost has been astronomical. According to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. Please investigate whether ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Lights · CO

1996 ford windstar switches are bad in doors causing door ajar light to stay on. When driving, stays on until you are going approx. 15-18 miles per hour. This is a hazard especially at night. Due to the glare on the windows inside the van. I have went to a dealer and they said it would be 400.00 dollars to fix it. I don't have 400.00. I was also visiting family in indiana this last week and an old friend of mine has the exact van and problem. I currently live in colorado and thought that it was odd that someone who lives in indiana has the same problem that I have with our windstar. So, then I decided to file a complaint. And maybe something will be done.

Filed Feb 11, 2003 · Lights · IN

The inside courtesy did not shut off.

Filed Jun 5, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

The left outer tie rod was replace. *yh the fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced . The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated

Filed Feb 27, 2002 · Electrical, Lights · OR · fire

Interior light came on and off intermittently, and without prior warning smoke was coming from hood area.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar lights

Does the 1996 Ford Windstar have lights problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 2% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Ford Windstar lights problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Windstar lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V168000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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

The Ford Windstar model years with the most lights complaints are 2003 (54 complaints), 1995 (50 complaints) and 1998 (45 complaints).