general problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar - part 1

82 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 1999 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 1999 Windstar.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2022

If my vehicle is not used for a few days (3 to 4 days), when I start the vehicle, all the needles of the instrument cluster oscillate violently between extremes. However, this does not affect drivability and I can slowly move the car out of my driveway and get on the street. About 30 to 45 seconds after this, the needles stop moving and resume normal function.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2020

This was my mothers . Now mine the speed odometer just goes every where sometimes it doesn't move at all. And it does it does show the right speed all the instrument panel does the same . And when that started the windows stop working too. Any more nor the radio. They said its a main control molecule. I just don't know I got a ticket cause it said I was going 89 in 65 wow. . Help.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2017

Dancing speedometer needle, and other gauges in the cluster while in motion. Can also malfunction while the vehicle is stationary while the engine is running.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2017

I bought a 99 winstarr a few months ago and just recently the instrument cluster started dancing, and there is no power t the radio or the cigarette lighter underneath it. I also sprung a trans leak and fixed it but the car sputters then shuts off and I have to restart it.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2015

Too make a long story short. I had about three recall on my Ford Windstar and now my whole van shut down on me. My computer I guess got it on auto theft lock and I can't even turn over now. It's just sitting in my parking lot just helpless. I have another recall but I cant take it to the Ford dealership because I cant turn over. Oh yea. It kept cutting off while im driving,don't let me stop at a light it will cut off on me there alot. It does that alot. I bought it from a car lot but he doesn't want to do anything about it. So I lost out of my money. When I turn it also cut off.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2015

Abs light came on continually for the last 6000 miles. Brought the vehicle to Ford in plainville, CT and they told me there was no recall and the cost was to include a new computer for an unreasonable dollar amount. Still not corrected and I understand that the abs system is not working. Have checked other owners and they have the same problem. Also have a cruise control system that is not working. Have been told that I need a new harness for a cost of over #300. Still not activated.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/12/2015

While driving the electrical system went crazy I had no turning signal no lights the speed odometer levers went back in forth. Very scary when your a mother of three and carrying children in the van.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2014

Abs light keeps coming on. Replaced all speed sensors and front axle tone rings even rebuild the abs control module. This is costing me allot of money and the abs light still come on even after I have completed all the necessary repairs. Ford needs to recall these Windstars to make the necessary repairs for these vehicles.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/23/2014

Tl - the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while at a stop traffic light, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the air conditioner was leaking and admitting smoke. A private mechanic repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 100,080. The VIN was not available. Djr.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2014

Van is jumping at stop light with brake on, started making a clunking sound around 55 (unknown) power windows stopped working on right side. Only 92000 miles on van everything going wrong at once. Van feels unsafe. Do not have enough money to replace. Is there any recalls for this stuff? knocking noise in rear.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2014

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar Mini van . My instrument cluster goes crazy all gauges just go up and down uncontrollably. I never know how much gas I have or how fast I am going and my abs brake lite stays on always. And my front lower control arm is bending.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

Abs light traction control light and battery light on cause abs hcu and ecu bad.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2014

My battery has been dying due to bad sensors, when I did get it started it became stuck high revving ,the car accelerated and smashed into the curb in front of me, and the brakes wouldn't work so even when I stepped on the brakes to put in reverse the car went flying into the curb behind me, I finally got the vehicle to a complete stop by pulling up the emergency brake. Then I had the car towed to my house.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2013

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that the rear passenger's side door was smoking. The contact assumed that he door was smoking due to an electrical failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/04/2013

All the gauges on the instrument panel begin erratic behavior. They click back and forth independently. Sometimes they all just stop working, and sometimes they all jump back and forth, but it happens every time I drive the car.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2013

Gauges randomly start swinging all over the place. Tachometer jammed into parking indicator and both the tachometer and parking needles are now broken off. It is hard to tell what gear the van is in without counting the clicks. I am going to have the gauge cluster rebuilt. I will do the removal and installation myself to save money. I will also have to install a new shift indicator. This seems to be a very common complaint with this car, and though it is quite old now, it is a safety issue that should be addressed by Ford.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2012

Abs light comes on and goes off as one drives. It stays on when it is hot outside but does not when it stays cold outside. When light is on there is no abs brakes. One would think there is a short in the system or a ground issue.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2012

Abs lights been on and off intermittently for a very long time since I've owned this van Ford need to fix these.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2012

I start my 99 Ford Windstar with my wife inside the vehicle and my two daugthers and my son when I saw smoke comming true the hood then I open the hood and my surprise was the brake pressure differential deactivation switch on fire I was so scared then I just take my kids and wife out of the vehicle and comback to stop the fire thanks god I have fire extinguisher close but we have to stop this from happening to someone else.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2011

1999 Ford Windstar: the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) has leaked an excessive amount of brake fluid. The fluid accumulates on the power connectors for the abs brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. The cruise control has failed and we are fearful that this leaking brake fluid will cause a fire.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2011

After purchasing van, not even one month later all lights started to turn on engine, abs now n and its a rear light on guage panel also we are in the middle of trying to get decent price for the freeze plug withch also needs to be replaced because there is a leak of coolant from the bottom of van. Other wise its ok to drive. One I thing I didn't mention is the seat its struck it wont move back or forward with the electrical button.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/22/2011

Starting about a year ago, the speedometer, rpm meter swings around. Odometer light doesn't come on when you start the car and little while later odometer light comes on. Fuel guage also shows incorrect amount of fuel. I think the whole odometer control panel is non-functional.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2011

Abs and trac failure lights come on, windows won't go up and down, cruise control cuts in and out and the check engine light flashes when cruise is on. Ford refuses to deal with this situation and stand by their product.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2011

Abs light is on continuously . Overdrive jumping in and out of gear after driving it 30 minutes or more. I read the recall and safety report that brake fluid leaks on the abs switch connected to the master cylinder which can cause a catastrophic fire. I didn't recieve anything in the mail from Ford on my vehicle on this problem as of yet. Also the coolant line that ran under port injection was welded leaking water where it connects to the thermostat housing.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2011

Abs light on/off intermittently. Module replaced by Ford dealer twice. Light still keeps coming on.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2011

Erratic behavior of the instrument cluster. All of the gauges; e. G, the speedometer and rpm gauges jump rapidly from 0 mph all the way as far as it will go, the gas gage jumps rapidly from empty to full and back again, temp from cold to hot etc. This happens often and then resumes normal activity again for a uncertain time. It;s really frightening when occurring. The Ford dealer here, yukon ok, states the only cure is to replace the whole thing at a ridiculous cost of $ 632. 00. The problem started in April of 2011 and continues today. We try not to drive it when this is going on.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2011

Intermittent abs light coming on and no cruise control functionality.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2010

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the cruise control, speedometer, odometer, tacometer and the fuel gauge were inoperable. The contact also stated that the anti lock braking light was constantly illuminated. In addition, the contact had to replace the brake fluid numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to have the failures diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 40,000.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2010

The abs and traction control lights go on and off intermittently. Turning off vehicle usually resets. They will come back on when driving after a while and many time after hitting a bump.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/28/2010

I own a 1999 Ford Windstar se - I have had major ongoing electrical issues with it for the past 6 months. I have seen 2 different Ford dealerships and 3 different mechanics and no one can relieve the issue. My abs break light keeps coming on and off. When this began, I also began to loose other electrical components one by one, my power windows went out, my power mirrors no longer work, and my dash board needles jump all over the place. I've spent 1,700 in repairs and still this problem remains unsolved. Just last month it sat at the Ford dealership for 2 weeks for them to still tell me they have no idea how to fix it or what is causing the issue. Please help!.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/08/2010

Abs dash light is always on and there is no abs function on ice. Brakes function okay otherwise. The loss of the abs feature is troubling as I have to drive on the interstate as well as rural roads which don't get cleared quickly in the winter. Local Ford service writer indicated approximately $99. 00 to hook up to tester with no guarantee of repair, just cancellation of the code!!! I have run into numerous problems with faulty Ford connectors, (cruise control malfunction, fuel gauge giving incorrect reading, running out of gas with gauge showing 1/4 tank, requiring a tow!).

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/25/2010

I took my 1999 Ford Windstar in for recall work . They just put in a fuse link. Since then my speedometer and tech have been going wild and I am getting and my abs light always comes on. My cruise control don't work right either among other issues like lean codes!.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2010

Smoking from under hood, leaking fluid, non-working speedometer, odometer, gas sensor, and oil sensor. Flickering dome lights while driving. Scds is under recall, but the fluid that was leaking from this malfunctioning sensor has caused all sorts of issues. Fluid leaked on to abs box and the wires causing shorts and blown fuses. All damage has been said to stem from the original recall, but the recall doesn't cover the full damage that has been caused by the faulty scds's.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2010

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar sel. The contact was driving 50 mph when he noticed that the instrument cluster and all the gauges where fluctuating back and forth including the speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges. He stated that the failure was intermittent and persisted for eight months. On occasion, the contact could correct the failure by striking the dashboard with force. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the contact was advised that the abs electronic stability module unit would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by an authorized dealer that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 79,119.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2009

On December 17, 2009 we took our 1999 Ford Windstar in to the cerritos Ford dealership in CA. We received a letter from Ford that our vehicle was being recalled (recall # 09s09) and as it turned out the van was leaking and they replaced the leaking switch and harness. Before the work was even done, I told them that we were concerned about the abs light that was on our dashboard. The recall summary states that the "with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. " on our invoice, the dealership failed to note our concern regarding the abs and never stated whether or not they inspected the abs control module connector. Although I am aware that there could be other factors causing the abs light to show up, I am deeply concerned that the recall was not fully completed. I am aware that the issues we are having could result in a car fire. I just want confirmation that the inspection was done and if the connector needs to be repaired, that Ford takes care of it with no out-of-pocket from me. I have contacted both the service manager at cerritos & Ford CO. Directly. I was told the recall was completed although they cannot say whether or not the inspection of the abs control module connector was performed. They said I could pay for an expensive diagnostic test through the dealership where they could determine if there are issues with the abs that were a result of fraud or poor workmanship. Either way, all of this will cost me a lot of money for something I asked to have taken care of at the time I brought the van in for the recall. I'm really frustrated and concerned about this as well as other issues pertaining to this van that I believe are recall related. Our tail-lights won't work despite new bulbs, our brakes sometimes sputter and don't always stop immediately. We've had 4 close calls related to our brakes and I wonder how much of this is recall-related.



Fuel Economy of Windstar Vehicles
Windstar Service Bulletins
Windstar Safety Recalls
Windstar Defect Investigations