1999 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Ford Windstar: 11 recalls, 1522 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
11 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V147000 · 1999 · 789,723 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters:
The fix: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Electrical Vehicle recall #00V351000 · 2000 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #01V261000 · 2001 · 598,256 vehicles
What's wrong: Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between February and August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially…
Why it matters: Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain August 27, 2001.
Equipment Vehicle recall #01V262000 · 2001 · 413,245 vehicles
What's wrong: If the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor May become hot and smoke.
Why it matters: The motor could potentially catch on fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. Owner notification began augsut 27, 2001.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: 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…
Suspension Vehicle recall #10V385000 · 2010 · 492,650 vehicles
What's wrong: After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Why it matters: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #11V030000 · 2011 · 425,288 vehicles
What's wrong: A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket May result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts May result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.
Why it matters: This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge. If repairs cannot be made to a vehicle, Ford will offer to repurchase the vehicle. The safety recall is…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #12V193000 · 2012 · 27,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Why it matters: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012.
Suspension Vehicle recall #12V194000 · 2012 · 23,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments May occur.
Why it matters: A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket May result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts May result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control,…
The fix: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2012.
Suspension Vehicle recall #12V195000 · 2012 · 9,192 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Why it matters: A fractured axle May result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2012.
Suspension Vehicle recall #15V608000 · 2015 · 283,413 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets May have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations May limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10v-385, 12v-193, and 12v-195.
Why it matters: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle May fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Body & structure Recall #99I001000 · 1999 · 15,900 vehicles
What's wrong: 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: minivans. The overhead console rear retaining bracket can develop cracks and separate, allowing the overhead console to become loose and possibly fall down.
Why it matters: If the console does fall down, it could distract the driver or possibly strike a front seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 61 mention a fire, 46 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (277): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (65), noise or vibration (57), stalls / loses power (27).
- Body & structure (276): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (149), noise or vibration (62), door / lock issues (50).
- Electrical (209): the most common themes are electrical failure (65), fire / smoke (43), door / lock issues (29).
- Suspension (208): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (47), noise or vibration (41).
The 1999 Ford Windstar has 1522 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (1.7× the average Windstar year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (219 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 105,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (1433 complaints, 11 recalls), 2000 (1675 complaints, 15 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Ford Windstar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1999 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Ford Windstar, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 1522 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (277), body & structure (276), electrical (209).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Ford Windstar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.