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2000 Ford Windstar: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 1,675 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Ford Windstar[1], and the model year carries 15 recalls[2]. Dealers perform the remedy for each recall, so the practical step is to find out which ones apply to a specific van and whether the work was done.
Most reported problems
Owners reported 1,675 complaints to NHTSA[1]. Of those, 62 mention a crash, 55 a fire and 61 injuries, and 3 deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the van.
Four component groups stand out by count:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension[4] | 356 | 118,185 |
| Brakes[5] | 334 | 102,000 |
| Power train[6] | 271 | 86,062 |
| Electrical system[7] | 222 | 111,009 |
Structure has 216 complaints[8], speed control 138[9], engine 103[10] and steering 72[11].
To see what owners describe, we read a small sample of complaint texts in each of the top groups. The themes below show how often they came up in that sample. They do not tell you how common a problem is across all owners.
- Power train. In a sample of about a dozen complaints we read, 6 or 7 describe automatic transmission trouble, such as losing drive, failing at a stop, whining or groaning, or a repeatedly failing sensor[6]. Some owners say the same part failed repeatedly[6].
- Brakes. In a sample of 12, 7 describe a soft or sinking pedal or very little stopping power[5]. In 4 of them, a failed master cylinder or brake booster left the van waiting on parts[5].
- Suspension. In a sample of 12, 5 describe vibration through the steering wheel or the whole van[4].
- Electrical system. In a sample of 12, 5 describe faults that disable or confuse systems, such as wipers stopping, warning lights or a sudden shutdown[7]. Another 4 describe an electrical fire, smoke or a short circuit[7].
Some numbers are worth a closer look. Speed control has the most fire mentions of any group, with 20[9]. Electrical system is next with 15[7]. The engine group has the lowest median mileage at failure, at 54,800 miles[10]. The other groups range from 86,062 to 119,617 miles[6][8].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2000 model year[2]. Newest first:
- Rear axle brackets (15V608). The rear axle had been repaired earlier for corrosion cracking, but the repair brackets may have been installed wrong. A cracked axle can hurt handling and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the brackets and replace the axle if one is wrong, free of charge[12].
- Rear axle corrosion, Virginia (12V193). Corrosion can weaken the rear axle until it cracks. Dealers add reinforcement brackets or replace the axle, free[13].
- Rear axle cracking, Puerto Rico (12V195). Heavy twisting loads in this market can crack the rear axle and cause loss of control. Dealers add a bracket or replace the axle, free[14].
- Front control arm, Virginia (12V194). Corrosion can break the front lower control arm brackets and body mounts, which risks a major loss of steering control. Dealers inspect and repair, free[15].
- Front control arm and subframe mounts (11V030). The same kind of steering-control risk, for vans sold or registered in a list of states. Dealers inspect and repair free, and Ford says it will offer to buy back a van that cannot be repaired[16].
- Rear axle corrosion, listed states (10V385). Corrosion can weaken the rear axle until it fractures. Dealers inspect and install reinforcement brackets as parts become available, free[17].
- Speed control switch (09V399). A switch can leak and then overheat, smoke or burn, which can cause a fire with or without the engine running. It covers 4,500,000 vehicles across many Ford models[18]. Dealers install a fused wiring harness, free[18].
- Rear wiring connector (02V072). A missing body sealer can let water and dirt reach a rear connector. The short circuit can melt the connector and may lead to a fire. Dealers inspect, seal and repair, free[19].
- Rear air conditioning blower (01V262). On vans with auxiliary rear air conditioning, a resistor can get hot and smoke, and the motor could catch fire. Dealers add a jumper wire, free[20].
- Wiper motor (01V261). Water or a faulty switch can cause wiper failure, smoke or ignition of the plastic cover. Dealers fit a better-sealed cover, free[21].
- Accelerator pedal and floor mat (01V207). On vans with the adjustable pedal option, the driver floor mat could catch the pedal and stick the throttle. Dealers replace both front floor mats, free[22].
- Power windows (00V351). Some power windows could work after the ignition was off and the front doors were opened, which breaks a federal standard. Dealers reconfigure the front electronic module[23].
- Seat belt buckles (00V228). Some buckles were not heat treated properly and could fail to hold in a crash. Dealers check date codes and replace suspect buckles[24].
- Fuel line (00V164). Fuel line end forms could pull apart too easily, and a leak near an ignition source could cause a fire. Dealers add a backup clip[25].
- Glass bond (00V020). The wrong urethane may have been used, so the windshield and liftgate glass could hold less well in a crash. Dealers replace the glass[26].
None of these recall entries says the remedy is unavailable[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Some are limited to certain states or Puerto Rico, so a given van may or may not be covered by each one[13][14][15][16][17]. Our data cannot tell you whether any particular van had the work done.
Fuel economy
EPA rates every version at 17 or 18 MPG combined[27][3][28][29]. All are automatic 4-speed, front-wheel drive and take regular fuel[27][3][28][29].
| Body and engine | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo van, 3.0L 6-cyl[27] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Cargo van, 3.8L 6-cyl[3] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl[28] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Wagon, 3.8L 6-cyl[29] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
The yearly cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the van was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this model year as not rated[30][31]. That means there are no crash-test stars to compare.
Engine and size
EPA lists two engines for this model year, a 3.0L and a 3.8L, both 6-cylinder[27][3]. Our data does not include horsepower for them.
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications for the LX/SEL, so a US van can differ slightly[32].
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 3,326 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1,386 | 8 |
| 1997 | 192 | 5 |
| 1998 | 1,433 | 11 |
| 1999 | 1,522 | 11 |
| 2000 | 1,675 | 15 |
| 2001 | 1,686 | 15 |
| 2002 | 1,353 | 8 |
| 2003 | 1,510 | 8 |
NHTSA's counts for each Windstar model year show where 2000 sits[2]:
- Complaints: 2000 has 1,675. Only 1995 (3,326) and 2001 (1,686) have more, so 2000 is third[2]. The lowest is 1997 with 192[2].
- Recalls: 2000 has 15, the most of any year, tied with 2001[2]. 1998 and 1999 have 11 each, and 2002 and 2003 have 8 each[2].
- Later years: 2002 has 1,353 complaints and 2003 has 1,510[2].
These counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so use them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2000 Windstar?
The record is heavy. This model year has 1,675 complaints[1] and 15 recalls[2], with suspension, brakes, power train and electrical system leading the complaints[4][5][6][7]. Several recalls involve rear axle or steering-related corrosion and fire risks, and each has a free remedy[12][16][18][19]. The 2015 axle recall also says earlier repair brackets may have been installed wrong[12].
If you are considering one, ask for proof that the recalls that apply to that van were done, and have the brakes, transmission and electrical system checked. If you already own one, the recall list above is a sensible place to start.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Windstar?
- By complaint count, suspension (356), brakes (334), power train (271) and electrical system (222) lead[4][5][6][7]. In small samples of complaint texts we read, owners describe transmission trouble, soft brakes, vibration and electrical faults[6][5][4][7].
- How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Windstar have?
- NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2000 model year[2]. They cover rear axle and control arm corrosion, a speed control switch fire risk, wiring, wipers, seat belt buckles and more. See the recalls section for each one.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,675 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Ford Windstar (62 mention a crash, 55 a fire, 61 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Windstar model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Windstar FWD Cargo Van, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 356 complaints name the suspension component group (12 crashes, 1 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 118,185). NHTSA vehicle records
- 334 complaints name the brakes component group (13 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 271 complaints name the power train component group (8 crashes, 7 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,062). NHTSA vehicle records
- 222 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 15 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 111,009). NHTSA vehicle records
- 216 complaints name the structure component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 119,617). NHTSA vehicle records
- 138 complaints name the speed control component group (11 crashes, 20 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 103 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 72 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 113,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V608, filed September 29, 2015: Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V193, filed May 3, 2012: Power Train › Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V195, filed May 3, 2012: Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V194, filed May 3, 2012: Suspension › Front › Control Arm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V030, filed January 26, 2011: Structure › Frame And Members › Underbody Shields. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V385, filed August 26, 2010: Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V399, filed October 13, 2009: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V072, filed March 11, 2002: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V262, filed August 15, 2001: Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V261, filed August 15, 2001: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V207, filed June 22, 2001: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V351, filed October 30, 2000: Electrical System › Wiring › Interior / Under Dash. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V228, filed August 18, 2000: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V164, filed June 19, 2000: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V020, filed January 31, 2000: Visibility › Glass, Side / Rear. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Windstar FWD Cargo Van, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Windstar FWD Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Windstar FWD Wagon, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, W/SAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WINDSTAR LX/SEL: length 201 in, width 76 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 3,732 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov