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2004 Ford Windstar problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Ford Windstar is suspension, typically around 124,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Windstar model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
95/100
Owner complaints
24
Recalls
0
Worst area
Suspension

The worst 2004 Ford Windstar problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Suspension
    9
  • Transmission
    7
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Suspension
    9
  • Transmission
    7
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 Ford Windstar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 27, 2019 · Acceleration · 153,000 miles · MI

Intermitten the speedometor does not work at all or does not show the correct speed, over drive light blink constantly, cruise does not work at ll. Happen in city and highway. Hitting a bump sometime correct speedometer or driving on highway this contnues to happen on a daily bases

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Electrical · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Engine · 118,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that the engine caught on fire. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle received routine maintenance where the battery, the water pump, and the engine belt were replaced. The fire department was present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed May 7, 2015 · Suspension · 169,784 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front axle fractured. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 169,784. The VIN was not available. The consumer stated there was a loud noise coming from the front side by the tire. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined the sway bar in the front was broken and the subframe was rusted. Ford stated they met the recall requirements in 2011 and there was nothing they could do for the consumer. Updated 12/23/15.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the rear driver side axle detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall in 2007 related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 138,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine stalled as the electronic throttle control warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle restarted on the first attempt and resumed normally. The failure recurred on seven separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 138,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2013 · Suspension · 75,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, a crunching sound was heard from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 138,869 miles · IL

Returned van to dealership, rear end making noise. Previous recall (august 2012) fix to reinforce rear axle now shows axle is cracked. Ford says they will not enact a repair, after numerous calls to customer service, the rep stated the recall department stated the fix is performing and the vehicle is safe to drive regarding the rear axle. I asked that they state that in writing to me. Looking at your website and the fatality that caused this recall, I suspect the car is not safe. The dealership agrees. What is your take? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Suspension · 160,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford windstar. The contact stated that her vehicle was included and repaired under an unknown manufacturer's recall for the axle. After the repair, the axle fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 152,000 miles · WA

Purchased the car used on 5/26/12, drove away from the dealership and the ABS warning light and the break warning lights both came on, indicating issues with ABS. Took it to the repair shop and was told that the ABS module (??) was causing the issues. Car dealership and warranty company refused to cover it because it's an optional system. There appears to have been a recall for this but for some reason my car wasn't included - it was originally purchased in canada, so I'm not sure if that effects recall information. On 6/12/12 driving in to work the car suddenly lost speed while trying to accelerate on the highway. I was attempting to make it across 4 lanes and the car suddenly wouldn't go over 30mph - thankful there wasn't a lot of traffic but this could have caused an accident. Issues continue - car bucks and hesitates when trying to accelerate, there's often a loud pop (backfire?) from the engine when applying the gas pedal. Mechanic replaced seals and spark plugs in engine but we were told that the PCM (ECM?) was causing an electrical issue. Additional symptoms include reduced gas mileage, feeling like it's going to stall or move while at a stop (bucking like it's going to move forward even though brakes are applied) and reduced functioning in the A/C unit.

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Questions about the 2004 Ford Windstar

Is the 2004 Ford Windstar reliable?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2004 Ford Windstar, fewer than a typical Windstar model year.

What is the 2004 Ford Windstar year score?

The 2004 Ford Windstar scores 95 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Windstar: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Windstar?

Suspension, with 9 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles. Next is transmission (7).

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Windstar have?

No recalls on record.

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