Home › Ford › Windstar › 2003
2003 Ford Windstar: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 1,510 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Windstar, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. The model year also has 8 recalls, so check any van you are considering against its VIN[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 1,510 complaints with NHTSA[1] for this model year. They mention 33 crashes, 27 fires and 35 injuries, and 1 death was reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
The largest groups by complaint count:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 592 | 90,000 |
| Electrical system[5] | 280 | 99,000 |
| Suspension[6] | 254 | 135,000 |
| Power train[7] | 225 | 101,009 |
| Structure[8] | 127 | 115,000 |
| Speed control[9] | 85 | 94,472 |
| Engine[10] | 69 | 82,000 |
| Service brakes, electric[11] | 69 | 80,750 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in each of the top four groups. Counts below are from 12 texts per group, so they show what owners describe and not how common a problem is[2][5][6][7].
- Brakes. In 4 of 12 texts, owners say the brake and gas pedals sit too close together and describe accidental acceleration[2]. Another 4 describe ABS or traction control warnings, or brakes applying on their own[2].
- Electrical. In 4 of 12 texts, owners describe stalling, sometimes linked to a fuse or a power loss that came and went[5]. In 3, the power sliding doors failed or opened by themselves[5]. In 2, the instrument gauges acted up[5].
- Suspension. In 6 of 12 texts, owners describe a front coil spring that broke, sometimes puncturing the tire[6]. In 2, a wheel or its mounting failed[6].
- Power train. In 8 of 12 texts, owners describe transmission shifting trouble or failure[7]. In 3, the van moved or rolled after being left in park[7].
The suspension median mileage of 135,000 is the highest of the groups above, while brakes show up earlier at 90,000[2][6].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[3]. Many cover only certain build dates, states or markets, so use the VIN to confirm whether a given van is included. Newest first:
- Rear axle bracket check (15V608). Vans earlier repaired for rear axle cracking from corrosion may have had the repair brackets installed wrong. A fractured axle could hurt handling and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the brackets and replace the axle if one is misplaced, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2015[12].
- Rear axle corrosion, Virginia (12V193). Corrosion can weaken the rear axle and lead to a fracture that affects handling. It covers vans registered or first sold in Virginia. Dealers install reinforcement brackets or replace axles, free of charge[13].
- Front control arm, Virginia (12V194). Corrosion can crack the brackets and mounts at the rear of the front lower control arm. That could cause a significant loss of steering control. It covers vans sold or registered in Virginia. Dealers inspect and repair free of charge[14].
- Rear axle, Puerto Rico (12V195). Heavy twisting loads in that market can crack the rear axle and cause loss of control. Dealers install a reinforcement bracket or replace the axle, free of charge[15].
- Front control arm and subframe (11V030). The control arm bracket or the subframe body mounts can separate, which can reduce steering control. It covers vans sold or registered in a list of states. Dealers inspect and repair free of charge, and Ford offers to repurchase a van that cannot be repaired[16].
- Rear axle corrosion, northern states (10V385). Corrosion can weaken the rear axle and lead to a fracture. It covers a list of states. Dealers inspect and install reinforcement brackets free of charge as parts became available[17].
- Speed control switch fire (09V399). The speed control deactivation switch can leak, overheat, smoke or burn, and a fire could happen with or without the engine running. Dealers add a fused wiring harness, and on some Windstars also check an ABS module connector. Repairs are free[18].
- Child seat latches (03V459). During testing, a third row floor latch released before it met the strength requirement, and the second row uses the same latches. If they release in a crash, injury risk goes up. Dealers replace the latches on the second and third rows[19].
Fuel economy
EPA lists the same numbers for the Windstar FWD Wagon and the FWD Cargo Van: 16 mpg city, 22 highway and 18 combined[4][20]. Both have a 3.8L 6-cylinder, a 4-speed automatic and regular fuel[4][20]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,700, based on its current fuel price assumptions and not prices from when the van was new[4][20].
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star ratings list this model year as not rated[21][22]. That is not a good or bad score. It means there is no star rating to compare. The recall and complaint records above are the safety information we have.
Engine and size
The fuel economy listings show a 3.8L 6-cylinder engine[4][20]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the LX, Sport, SEL and Limited and can differ slightly from US vans[23].
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 201 in |
| Width | 76 in |
| Height | 68 in |
| Wheelbase | 121 in |
| Curb weight | 3,891 lb |
All values are from[23].
How 2003 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 |
The 2003 model year has 1,510 complaints and 8 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.
- Complaints are higher than 1996 (1,386), 1997 (192), 1998 (1,433) and 2002 (1,353)[3].
- Complaints are lower than 1995 (3,326), 1999 (1,522), 2000 (1,675) and 2001 (1,686)[3].
- Recalls match 2002 and 1996 at 8 each, and are fewer than 1998 and 1999 at 11 each and 2000 and 2001 at 15 each[3].
So 2003 sits in the middle of the range, close to 1999 in complaints and near the low end for recalls among the later years[3].
Should you buy a used 2003 Windstar?
This van has a long recall list, including rear axle, front steering parts and a speed control switch fire risk[12][14][18]. Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that each applicable recall was done. Owners in the complaint sample describe broken front coil springs and transmission trouble, so a careful inspection of both is reasonable[6][7]. Fuel economy is modest at 18 mpg combined[4]. If a van passes the VIN check and an inspection, it is a fair option, but its record calls for caution.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Windstar?
- By complaint count, brakes lead with 592 complaints, followed by electrical with 280, suspension with 254 and power train with 225[2][5][6][7].
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Windstar have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year, covering rear axles, front control arms, a speed control switch and child seat latches[3][12][14][18][19].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2003 Ford Windstar?
- EPA rates it at 16 mpg city, 22 highway and 18 combined[4][20].
- Is 2003 a better Windstar year than 2002?
- The 2003 year has more complaints than 2002 (1,510 against 1,353) and the same 8 recalls[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,510 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Ford Windstar (33 mention a crash, 27 a fire, 35 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 592 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). 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 / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 280 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 254 complaints name the suspension component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 135,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 225 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,009). NHTSA vehicle records
- 127 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 115,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 85 complaints name the speed control component group (6 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,472). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 8 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the service brakes, electric component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,750). 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 12V194, filed May 3, 2012: Suspension › Front › Control Arm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V195, filed May 3, 2012: Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly. 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 03V459, filed November 6, 2003: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Windstar FWD Wagon, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. 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/SPORT/SEL/LTD: length 201 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 3,891 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov