2004 Ford Windstar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2004 Ford Windstar sits mid-pack among Windstar years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 254, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Suspension leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).
33
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Windstar years?
What are the most common 2004 Ford Windstar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9 | 27% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, GREY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE ALSO HEARD AN EXPLOSION. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE SAW THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME.…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE RECEIVED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE BATTERY, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE ENGINE BELT WERE REPLACED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE FAILURE CAUSED FUSES TO BLOW OUT IN THE CRUISE CONTROL AND ABS MODULES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE ABS MODULE STILL NEEDS TO BE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ”
2004 Ford Windstar — common questions
Is the 2004 Ford Windstar reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Windstar year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2004 Windstar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (9 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).
Does the 2004 Ford Windstar have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford Windstar.
Which Ford Windstar years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Windstar years to avoid are 1995, 2001, 2000, 2003, 1999, 1998, 2002, 1996. The cleanest record among Windstar years belongs to 2005.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.