The 2003 Ford Windstar has 7 recalls, the most serious being a cluster of structural issues where the rear axle can crack and fracture from corrosion or stress, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control.
The rear axle concern spans several filings, including one noting that a prior repair attempt may have involved misinstalled brackets, leaving some previously remedied vehicles still at risk. On the front suspension side, corrosion can cause the lower control arm's rear mounting bracket to crack and separate, which reduces steering control. There is also a related underbody structural concern where corrosion can compromise frame and underbody members, again reducing the driver's ability to steer. The seat latch recall affects the second and third row bench seats, where the floor-to-seat latches can release during a crash before meeting the required strength threshold, raising the risk of injury to rear passengers and reducing the security of child restraint anchors in those rows.
At a glance
What can fail
Brackets installed during previous rear axle repairs may have been positioned incorrectly, reducing the effectiveness of those repairs against axle cracking from corrosion.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect bracket installation. If found misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle can crack due to high stress from repeated twisting forces, particularly in this market's driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install a reinforcement bracket or replace the axle if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion weakens the rear axle over time, making it vulnerable to stress. This can cause cracks that grow larger and potentially break the axle completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install reinforcement brackets or replace the axle as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rust can cause the front lower control arm rear brackets and body mount attachments to crack and fracture.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect both front lower control arm brackets and body mount attachments, then repair any damage at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket that attaches the front lower control arm can separate, causing the control arm to detach. Both rear body mounts of the front subframe can also separate, causing the steering intermediate shaft to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm brackets and both rear subframe body mount attachments, then repair them at no cost. If repairs cannot be completed, Ford will repurchase the vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion weakens the rear axle over years of service in certain regions, making it vulnerable to stress-related cracks that can spread and cause complete axle failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install reinforcement brackets as needed at no cost to strengthen the axle against corrosion and stress.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The latches that secure the second and third row bench seats to the floor can release before meeting safety strength requirements, failing to properly anchor child restraints.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat-to-floor latches on the second and third row of seats.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
