Ford

Windstar (2004)

2004 · Minivan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.4)
22 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
2 Fire Reports
0 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Ford Windstar → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3.8-V6-Gas

3.8L 6-cyl / 200 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.4)
18 complaints 18.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Ford Windstar Unidentified Engine

Recommended (4.6)
4 complaints 4.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
2
body
1
wheels tires
1
engine
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (2 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Windstar regardless of engine variant.

Suspension Issues (9 complaints)
suspension critical
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)
transmission critical

All Generations

Alternatives in Minivan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2004 Ford Windstar problems?

The 2004-2004 Ford Windstar has accumulated 22 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Windstar engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2004 Ford Windstar was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2004-2004 Ford Windstar a good used car?

The 2004-2004 Ford Windstar can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 22 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2004 Ford Windstar have?

The 2004-2004 Ford Windstar has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2004-2004 Ford Windstar?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2004 Ford Windstar vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Windstar?

Before buying a used Ford Windstar, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Windstar have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004 Ford Windstar. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 22 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

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