1994 Ford Windstar problems & reliability
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 Ford Windstar. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 35% |
| Power Train | 8 | 35% |
| Suspension | 3 | 13% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 4% |
| Equipment | 1 | 4% |
| Seats | 1 | 4% |
| Structure | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford windstar. While driving at speeds of 15 mph, the contact heard a loud, unusual noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the technician advised the suspension was cracked. The technician made repairs to the suspension accordingly. The dealer…”
Suspension · filed May 21, 2010
“The consumer is experiencing problems with the brakes. The abs light comes on and no one seems to know why it's happening. Also, the rear wheel cylinders are leaking. Also, the brake hoses were replaced. Owner has taken the vehicle to the dealer for these brake problems on numerous occasions but know one can seem to…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Feb 17, 2005
“Bad stress points with 4 to 6 inch fractures in the metal. (nar) *ph ford windstars made from 1994 - 2000. *cb”
Equipment · filed Aug 2, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT
Engineering Analysis EA97018 · opened Sep 30, 1997 · closed Oct 22, 1997 · led to recall 97V180000
- OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT
Preliminary Evaluation PE97011 · opened Mar 13, 1997 · closed Sep 30, 1997
Technical service bulletins
9 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1994 Ford Windstar.
For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or…
16-0065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 20, 2020
Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
03181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2003
Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program. *yh
00M09 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2001
Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures. *tt
12559 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 1999
Special field action regarding revised waranty information. *tt
98L20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1998
Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs
12178 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 1998
Authorized warranty part replacement of brake pads to correct excessive brake noise. *tw
BC2361970501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 1997
Information on aode/4r7w transmission main control & case replacement. *tt
BC0678961025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 1996
Manufacturer recall 94s99 - the alternator or battery wires may be loose where they are connected to the power distribution box. *tw
BC0065950201 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1995
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1994 Ford Windstar in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1994 Ford Windstar?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.