10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,364 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Ford Windstar engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Ford Windstar Owner Comments

problem #16

Aug 032011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 1st problem, had a check engine light on my 2001 Ford Windstar, C1518 "intake manifold runner control stuck open." After reading forums, most pointed to a plastic "bushing" clip coming off leaving a control arm 2nd problem, ABS chk light and brk chk light come on after driving for a few minutes, ABS module and ABS sensor went out.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #15

Sep 012011

Windstar

  • miles
The antilock brake system light as well as the traction control lights keep coming on. Garage can't tell the exact cause. The booster arm busted, keeping the brakes engaged as driven. The booster arm was replaced and the lights are still on. I reset it, and they reappear after a short time. I now smell the brakes when applied. I've had engine replaced at 101,000 miles, two transmissions, multiple brake jobs, rear axle repaired, front axle repaired, front tie rods repaired. The alignment on my vehicle could only be partially completed.... toe, and another alignment done, but the complete alignment would need a hole drilled in the frame and a bolt moved over - bad design by Ford. I've also had to have the oxygen sensor replaced at my own expense. The vehicle is a ticking time bomb, piece of crap.

- Pomfret, MD, USA

problem #14

Jun 152010

Windstar

  • miles
ABS light is continually on even though the brakes have been repaired multiple times, brake light is continually on even though they have been repaired multiple times, braking time has increased as if they breaks do not always immediately work, brakes turn on squeel without warning, burning smell. I am about to take the van in again. I think the brake fluid is now leaking and damaging the engine.

- Orland Park, IL, USA

problem #13

Dec 172011

Windstar

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 50-55 mph when a loud noise was heard from the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded as if something had fallen from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the spark plugs were inverted in the engine and the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered a 5 percent discount to the contact if the vehicle were to be repaired at an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Whitehall, WI, USA

problem #12

May 022011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2002 Ford Windstar mini van. Consumer states after filling up the tank and turning on the ignition, flames flew up and after putting water on it there was a flash fire and explosion

- Florence, KY, USA

problem #11

Dec 012010

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2002 Ford Windstar LX. Consumer states problem with brake system the consumer stated the front wheel bearings, engine gasket and fuel injector needed to be replaced. The ABS light illuminated.

- Portland, ME, USA

problem #10

Oct 012010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS brake light comes on when the car gets hot. When the car is cold there is no problem with the ABS system. The air bag light came on at about 75,000 miles, cost to replace circuit board 675 dollars. The engine intake manifold warped which turned on the engine repair light, cost 950 dollars to repair. Updated 01/20/11

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

problem #9

Jan 152010

Windstar

  • 118,000 miles
1. the car stops any time while driving 2. that happens between 2 and 5 times a week 3. when that happens, I put the car in park then restart it. I took the car to mullimax Ford dealer in apopka, fl several times. I paid for diagnostics, they cannot find the reason or the problem. They usually perform necessary repairs, but the problem is still not solved. Recently I was making a left turn when the car died. Several motorist stepped on their brake to avoid striking my vehicle. The problem was on initial stage, when the vehicle was repaired for another recall on 11-25-09.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #8

Jul 152009

Windstar

  • 90,000 miles
Sudden acceleration at a stop light on 2 occ.

- Shoreline, WA, USA

problem #7

Nov 212007

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to a dealer twice. The technicians were able to restart the vehicle, but were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The current mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 12/22/09 updated 12/22/09

- Portage, IN, USA

problem #6

May 052004

Windstar

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately between 35-40 mph on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the brake pedal the front btakes locked and the driver was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle also skidded without warning. The failure continued to occur intemittently. The "brake" and "ABS" warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was shut off by the driver. The contact was able to drive the vehicle with caution; however, there was an increase in the engine rpms. An authorized dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket and the alternator. On a separate occasion, the the air bag system failed to deploy with a level of impact to the rear of the vehicle. There were no personal injuries. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 119,336. The VIN number was rejected from the system which will be updated upon receipt of the safety complaint form.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #5

Apr 112009

Windstar

  • miles
Rack and pinion steering split, intake manifold had to be replaced, tire rod fixed, upper plenum replaced, ABS and brake light comes on, leaks coolant, etc. Etc. Etc.

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #4

Jul 182007

Windstar

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact has experienced failures with the vehicle ever since it was purchased. Whenever she starts the vehicle, it makes a clicking noise. In addition, the hazard lights illuminate automatically and the engine fails to start. The vehicle must be jumpstarted each time. The Ford dealer went out of business right after the vehicle was purchased on July 18, 2007. The vehicle was not taken to another dealer. She was informed to call the Ford manufacturer. The failure mileage was 118,000.

- Amery, WI, USA

problem #3

Jul 042008

Windstar

  • miles
There are three failures on my car that have happened within the last three months. The 2002 Ford Windstar only has 57,000 miles. 1. intake manifold gaskets leaking: Gaskets are sucking air in and not sealing properly 2. broken strut, this is the second time this has been replaced. The first time was within 10,000 miles. 3. ABS control module: The control module has been diagnosed and faulty by the dealership. About a $1,200 to replace. All these things should not be happening to a car that is maintained well, garage kept, and only has 57K miles on it.

- Dexter, MI, USA

problem #2

Jun 032008

Windstar

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions within the past two months and they replaced the intake gasket manifold, spark plugs, and camshaft position sensors. The repair cost exceeded $4,000. None of the repairs have been sufficient in correcting the failure. The contact is currently in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #1

Oct 302006

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,829 miles
: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and a growling noise was heard while driving 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer. Computer diagnostics were performed and the code PO174 came up identifying a vacuum leak. The items recommended for replacement were the intake manifold gasket and associated parts, outer tie rod end and front axle seals, transmission pan gasket and filter. The insurer sent an investigator, who verified the service recommendations. The manufacturer was not notified. Updated 12/5/2006 -

- West Sayville, NY, USA

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