2001 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Ford Windstar: 15 recalls, 1686 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
15 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #00V270000 · 2000 · 18,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and MINI vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (rcm). In some cases, the rcm does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up.
Why it matters: This condition could result in personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rcm in these vehicles. Owner notification began September 14, 2000.
Airbags Vehicle recall #00V412000 · 2000 · 16,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A restraint control module (rcm) or a side or front crash sensor May have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected.
Why it matters: In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rcm and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #01V207000 · 2001 · 45,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal.
Why it matters: This can result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front driver and passenger side floor mats in the vehicle. Owner notification began July 6, 2001.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V227001 · 2001 · 1,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle May not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 Mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the restraint system May not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began July 25, 2001.
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.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #02V072000 · 2002 · 417,037 vehicles
What's wrong: In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.
Why it matters: This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present…
Seats Vehicle recall #03V459000 · 2003 · 257,119 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." during testing, a third row bench floor-to-seat latch released before the strength requirement was met. Identical latches are used in the second row of seats.
Why it matters: If the latches on th4e second or third row seats of the vehicle release in a crash, the potential for occupant injury is increased.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat-to-floor latches on the second and third row of seats. Owner notification began on November 21, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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. 62 mention a fire, 62 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (416): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (89), noise or vibration (73).
- Body & structure (293): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (137), noise or vibration (69), door / lock issues (48).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (292): the most common themes are warning light on (94), leaks (57).
- Electrical (223): the most common themes are electrical failure (86), warning light on (52), fire / smoke (49).
The 2001 Ford Windstar has 1686 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (1.9× the average Windstar year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (377 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 108,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (1675 complaints, 15 recalls), 2002 (1353 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | 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 2001 Ford Windstar.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Ford Windstar, plus 1 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 2001 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 1686 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (416), body & structure (293), brakes (hydraulic) (292).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 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.