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2001 Ford Windstar reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2001 Ford Windstar — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
2,297
24 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
223 complaints
Recalls on record
6
see below
Reported harm
91 reported crashes · 77 injuries · 1 death · 79 fires

What owners report fails — 2001 Ford Windstar

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 223
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 201
  • SERVICE BRAKES 193
  • SUSPENSION 188
  • SUSPENSION:REAR 151

6 recalls on record for the 2001 Ford Windstar

  • NHTSA 15V608000 · 2015 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE AS If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing t
  • NHTSA 12V193000 · 2012 · POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • NHTSA 12V194000 · 2012 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARAT
  • NHTSA 12V195000 · 2012 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE AS A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • NHTSA 11V030000 · 2011 · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SH THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2001 Ford Windstar

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2001 Ford Windstar units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2001 Ford Windstar reliable?

NHTSA has 2,297 consumer complaints on record for the 2001 Ford Windstar and 6 recalls. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (223 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2001 Ford Windstar units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Windstar?

Owners most often report problems with: service brakes, hydraulic (223), electrical system (201), service brakes (193), suspension (188). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2001 Ford Windstar?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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