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Ford Windstar — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Ford Windstar model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
21
Years to Avoid
2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995
Best Years
2005, 1992, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986
2005Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls
2004
33 complaints0 recalls
2003
2,055 complaints9 recalls6 invest.68 TSBs
2002
1,926 complaints9 recalls6 invest.119 TSBs
2001Avoid
2,297 complaints16 recalls8 invest.167 TSBs
2000Avoid
2,191 complaints16 recalls8 invest.225 TSBs
1999Avoid
2,040 complaints13 recalls8 invest.325 TSBs
1998Avoid
1,949 complaints14 recalls10 invest.236 TSBs
1997
249 complaints6 recalls6 invest.176 TSBs
1996Avoid
1,855 complaints9 recalls13 invest.177 TSBs
1995Avoid
4,799 complaints8 recalls14 invest.176 TSBs
1994
25 complaints0 recalls2 invest.9 TSBs
1993
12 complaints0 recalls6 TSBs
1992Best Year
3 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1991Best Year
3 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1990
11 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1989Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1988Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1987Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1986Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1985
7 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Ford Windstar Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995 Ford Windstar are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Ford Windstar, consider the 2005, 1992, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

21 model years analyzed