Before you buy
This 2002 Ford Windstar has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Ford Windstar Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2002 Ford Windstar trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2002 Ford Windstar Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Ford Windstar w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
FORD WINDSTAR 2002 has 500 NHTSA complaints, with brake system issues (234) and suspension failures (174) being most common. It also has 9 recalls and 17 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Windstar
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 21
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2002 Ford Windstar problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Suspension Failures
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Suspension Failures, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Ford Windstar?
The 2002 Ford Windstar is a high-risk purchase due to widespread brake and suspension complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Brake and suspension failures can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. With 234 brake complaints and 174 suspension complaints, these are not isolated issues.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs or a mechanic who can address common issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance family minivan should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Ford Windstar
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake lines, rotors, and calipers for wear or leaks.
- Check rear suspension for rust, cracks, or broken springs.
- Test all electrical components, including windows, locks, and dashboard lights.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Ford Windstar, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Ford Windstar shows a high volume of brake system and suspension failure reports, totaling 408 complaints. Combined with 9 recalls and 17 crash-related complaints, this model year presents significant reliability concerns for used-car buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2002 Windstar has a very high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 9 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Brake System accounts for 234 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Suspension Failures total 174 complaints, the second most reported issue.
- There are 17 crash-related complaints, indicating safety concerns.
- Brake System failures, including premature wear and loss of braking power.
- Suspension Failures, such as rear axle corrosion and spring breakage.
- Electrical Faults with 77 complaints, affecting various systems.
Full breakdown
All 2002 Ford Windstar complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Windstar. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 234 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 174 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 77 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 37 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 32 | 6 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Windstar. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) and 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal and driving slowly, the vehicle shook, and the engine shifted. The con…
Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that ford installed for recall.i was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with …
Manufacture Recall # 09S09 NHTSA Recall # 09V399000 Instrument cluster has become faulty. Details listed below. Overdrive (O/D) light will randomly start flashing for no reason ABS will randomly engage Parking brake light will randomly turn on Speedometer with become sporadic T…
The rear axle passenger side broke.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the contact pulled over and noticed that the tire was not straight inside the wheel well. While hoisting the vehicle on a lift at the residence, the contact noticed that the tire…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was wobbling uncontrollably and almost caused an accident. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independ…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear dr…
Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechan…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic to replace the water pump, the mechanic determined that the rear axle was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa…
The van took off without my control and the brakes stopped working and the fuel system it caused me to have two accidents within a week of each other
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) and 11V030000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the …
The gauges are acting crazy which causes the engine to jerk or the transmission and then it starts making the lights flicker in the interior and the gauges start sticking. It seems to make the overflow on the radiator to empty more because it is causing the sensors in the electri…
The driver and passenger side sliding doors tend to not open or close correctly sometimes you have to manually pull them open or they do not completely close and you have to bump the back end of it to close right
The rear axle of my 2002 Ford Windstar completely fractured while traveling on Interstate 75. The rear axle broke while driving about 60 miles per hour on Interstate 75 in Florida. By the grace of GOD my passenger and I survived. In attempting to stop, the van hit the guard rail …
My tire starting making a whistle screech sound and a sway and I look under my tire is crooked and my axel beam was cracked. Thankfully my kids were not with me and no one was hurt
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced severe vibration when the rear axle fractured causing the driver to almost lose control of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dea…
Broken rear axle on the van. The axle has broken where the reinforcements were welded in from the recall in 2010. NHTSA action number is PE10016. So, the corrective action did not work and now I have broken axle as a result. The axle broke while driving the van and we were ve…
THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. PRIOR TO BREAKING THE AXLE LOOKED TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. UPON LOOKING IT UP FORD HAD PREVIOUSLY RECALLED THIS PART FOR THAT SPECIFIC REASON. I CALLED FORD AFTER THIS HAPPENED AND THE INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO …
REAR AXLE CRACKED THROUGH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, EVEN AFTER A RECALL PATCH/REPAIR WAS MADE. NO COLLISIONS, NO HARD DRIVING. NOT A CORROSION ISSUE. METAL IS CRACKED PERPENDICULAR TO THE AXLE..ACROSS THE GRAIN. AXLE WAS HEARD TO MAKE NOISE WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, THEN VEH…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Ford Windstar.
Safety recalls
2002 Ford Windstar recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford Windstar. With 9 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Ford Windstar buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Ford Windstar reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Ford Windstar is a high-risk purchase due to widespread brake and suspension complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Windstar?▾
#1: Brake System (234 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (174 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (77 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Ford Windstar?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Ford Windstar?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Ford Windstar, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Ford Windstar have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Ford Windstar. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. With 9 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Ford Windstar?▾
The 2002 Ford Windstar is a high-risk purchase due to widespread brake and suspension complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Brake and suspension failures can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. With 234 brake complaints and 174 suspension complaints, these are not isolated issues. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Windstar reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Ford Windstar based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.