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Ford Windstar power windows problems

33 of the 14,140 owner complaints about the Ford Windstar describe power window failure, most of them for the 1995 model year.

owner complaints
33
worst model year
1995
typical mileage
124,550
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 92,000 miles · VA

Van is jumping at stop light with brake on, started making a clunking sound around 55 (unknown) power windows stopped working on right side. Only 92000 miles on van everything going wrong at once. Van feels unsafe. Do not have enough money to replace. Is there any recalls for this stuff? Knocking noise in rear.

Filed May 22, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 64,500 miles · FL

All of the following happened at the same time: ABS and brake lights went on and stay on. O/d light flashing. Odometer and speedometer stop working. The electronic compass, remaining fuel info., automatic electronic diagnostic and electronic temp. Showing errors. Electronic sliding door would not open unless engine is not running. Power windows stopped working 6 months ago, not sure if it is related. I had a mechanic replaced the alternator and checked the brakes. It did not fix the problems and there was nothing wrong with the brakes. I took it to ford dealer and I was told that the ABS module could be the problem because they replaced a lot of them. The ABS module supposedly messing up the whole electronic system. It has less than 65,000 miles and I'm scared to drive it because the electronic system might suddenly cause other problems and cause an accident. The electronic sliding doors already would not open unless the engine is not running. In case of an emergency or a crash, someone might not be able to get out and be trapped inside because the doors and windows would not open. I was told by a ford customer service that there is no recall to fix the problem or look into it even though they admitted they've been having similar problems to a lot of ford vehicles.

Filed May 5, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 135,000 miles · TX

The ABS, brake, and trac lights come on while driving down the road. This doesn't happen every time, but has become more frequent. Have not found a reason for it to come on, like hitting bumps or wet whether. The electrical system issues is rear windows won't open all of the time. The door locks don't work all of the time. The lights in and outside the van dim in and out.

Filed Feb 27, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

While driving my 2003 ford windstar model sel, I'm encountering a problem with the braking system/ABS, as well as, my cluster gauge going haywire doing what it wants on and off on its own. The braking system is starting to become more frequent. I've gone to ford for this particular problem and a few others. Ford looked at my car and told me the rear axel had cracked and they repaired the axel on recall. I informed them about the ABS breaking system. I've been to two separate dealers in staten island, ny. One dealer told me it looks like I have an electrical problem not sure if it's related to cluster gauge/braking system. They told me I had a problem with the right rear window motor as well, which ford fixed supposedly. As far as the braking system goes they told me they took it for a ride and did not see anything wrong with my vehicle. I told them about the cluster gauge doing what it wants, the ABS working/not working. Having a hard time stopping car, as well as, telling both ford dealers about my wife having no choice but to pull off the highway because she was having this particular brake problem. I told them the only way she was to stop the vehicle was to crash into these big green metal commercial garbage containers at approximately 10 miles per hour. I showed them the damage to the front of my vehicle as well as telling them my wife had hurt her neck, I was told from both ford dealers that we don't see a problem we can't fix a problem and I am now reading on the web that there seems to be a problem with these cars up to 2003 with everything I have explained up til now. If anybody has any input or contact info for me to call to help me, I would deeply appreciate any help you can provide before one or all of my family members become injured or god forbid fatalities.

Filed Aug 2, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 150,000 miles · NC

Abs and trac failure lights come on, windows won't go up and down, cruise control cuts in and out and the check engine light flashes when cruise is on. Ford refuses to deal with this situation and stand by their product.

Filed Jul 27, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Abs light is on, cruise control stopped working suddenly, three of the windows stopped working suddenly. Power locks stopped working also.

Filed Jul 9, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 97,000 miles · FL

We bought our van in march 2012. By april 2012 we began noticing problems with shifting. It shifts hard. The windows stopped working in may 2012. The lights on the dash for the ABS and brakes are always on. The brakes are not very good and the pedal must be pushed hard to get the van to stop. Our biggest issue is with the transmission. The mechanic at aamco would not even change the fluid because if he changed the fluid then the transmission wouldn't be able to shift. I don't know the details but I do know that my van is not safe to drive.

Filed Apr 12, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 125,019 miles · NC

Abs and brake lights have been off and on for years. Have had the brakes looked at many times and they are always said to be fine. Today, while driving along, the radio went off when I rolled up the window...thought that was strange so opened window....radio back on, closed window....radio off. Thankfully I was very close to home as the windows stopped opening and closing, radio shut off, odometer reading disappeared, clock lights disappeared. I made it to the driveway, turned it off and it did not turn back on. Came inside and started to search "2001 ford windstar ABS and brake lights on"......I'm appalled at how many complaints I have found. Husband and friend did a check and it may be the alternator....but after what I've read we will definitely be checking for fluid in the ABS control module. If it turns out it is the ABS control module (after reading the numerous complaints) I will be calling ford to let them know what I think. For many, many years we let ford service our van and I swear after each service we ended up with another problem within weeks of the service. I've not had trust in our local ford dealership for a long time. Based on what I've read in the last 2 to 3 hours I am completely shocked and saddened that ford hasn't stepped up and offered to rectify this problem. I love my windstar! As long as we can be certain that it is still safe to drive we will keep it on the road. But when it is time.....we will never do business with ford again.

Filed Jul 22, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 124,550 miles · NJ

Abs/brake lights are coming on constantly....losing power....front/passenger side windows will not work, lights go on and off.....

Filed Apr 6, 2011 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · MA

I'm the owner of a 2003 ford windstar. I had my transmission fail while in the middle of driving.the van drifted to the side of the road,the steering was locked,the lights blinked,my od n blinker flashed off n on.my drivers side window won't go down. Also my ABS light absolutely won't go off!!!!.also replaces,brakes, rotors(which were totally rusted).

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dashReported October 30, 2000 · 180,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans built with instrument clusters without the message center, fail to comply with the requirements of standard no. 118, "power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." the power windows may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front doors are opened.
Risk
The standard requires that power operated windows may be closed only when the key is in the "on," "start," or "accessory" positions, or during the interval between the time the key is turned off, and the opening of either of the vehicle's front doors.
Remedy
Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.

Recall number 00V351000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported November 4, 1994 · 112,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The alternator output wire was not connected tightly to the power distribution box.
Risk
This can result in overheating of the connection and a possible vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection. Vehicles with visible damage to the plastic power distribution box housing will have the the underhood harness, including the power distribution box, replaced.

Recall number 94V223000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported November 4, 1994 · 72,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The wiring harness insulation can abrade on a brace that runs from the instrument panel to the cowl.
Risk
This condition can result in an electrical short and possibly a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a shield on the instrument panel to cowl brace, and installation of a piece of convolute wrap material on one of the adjacent harnesses.

Recall number 94V222000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Windstar power windows

Which Ford Windstar years have power window failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1995 (10 complaints), 1998 (8 complaints) and 2001 (5 complaints).

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