Looking at a Specific 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1996 > Ford > WINDSTAR

1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON
Extended Sport Van
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used FORD.

 

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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 5 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 77 Better than average
Collision Index 75 Better than average
Theft Index 64 Average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 948,492
NHTSA campaign number: 01I007000
Defective part or component: SUSPENSION:I-BEAM:SOLID:FRONT SPRING:COIL
Description: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle Description: 1995-1998 Ford Windstar minivans. The front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring. Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
Recall date: 04-19-2002
Units potentially affected: 250,283
NHTSA campaign number: 02V101000
Defective part or component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:LINES:FITTINGS
Description: On certain minivans sold or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with the dash panel insulator above the catalytic converter. This contact could abrade the brake line corrosion protection, consequently, salt or water absorbed in the dash panel insulator would promote corrosion. This corrosion could ultimately lead to a leak in the brake line. Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. Owner notification began May 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 100,000
NHTSA campaign number: 96V086000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC
Description: THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 200
NHTSA campaign number: 96V114000
Defective part or component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:SEAT TRACKS AND ANCHORS
Description: THE FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 40,000
NHTSA campaign number: 96V166000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC:INDICATOR:LEVER:GEAR
Description: The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park. Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 769,000
NHTSA campaign number: 97V180000
Defective part or component: STRUCTURE:HOOD ASSEMBLY
Description: Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles and mini vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward. This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel. Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 789,723
NHTSA campaign number: 99V147000
Defective part or component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:MASTER CYLINDER:OTHER
Description: Vehicle Description: Minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 135, ""Passenger Car Brake Systems."" Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.


This 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 2 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 2 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1996 FORD WINDSTAR reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance is covered during basic warranty. Safety belt and inflatable restraint systems are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles. Adjustments and bulbs are covered (except alignment and wheel balance) after 1 years or 12,000 miles.  

This 1996 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Last year's champ is still a top contender.
By Ray Thursby, NewCarTestDrive.com

Once again, the Windstar stands at the head of the large minivan list. Despite increased competition, it still delivers a blend of quality, comfort, performance and style that set it apart from the rest.

Obviously, alternatives exist. A smaller van or sedan may cost less while carrying as big a load as you require, and a bigger rear-drive van can carry more and pull a heavier trailer.

But the Windstar is impressively flexible in capacity, and looks equally at home picking the kids up at school or carrying you to a night on the town.

While deficient in a few areas--there's no driver's-side rear door (if that matters to you), rear seat removal is a chore, and the new Chryslers are marginally better when rated on cargo space vs. exterior size--Windstar remains an excellent choice in a very competitive category.

Overview:

There's a real struggle going on for supremacy in the minivan world, a battle being fought largely between Ford and Chrysler, with GM currently bringing up the rear. With each new model year, the opponents exert themselves to the utmost to increase performance, comfort, style and utility value without driving prices beyond competitive levels.

Chrysler was the first to stake a claim in this field with its 1984 entries. Ford responded with the rear-drive Aerostar a year later, then followed up with the Windstar in 1994. A redesigned Chrysler lineup--Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan--made their debut last year. GM answered Ford's Aerostar with the rear-drive Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, then introduced the front-drive Chevy APV, Pontiac Trans Sport and Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Import nameplates competing in this arena include the Mazda MPV, Toyota Previa, Nissan Quest--a clone of the Mercury Villager--and the new Honda Odyssey.

Lots of choices.

In general, the domestic offerings are large minivans, offering more cargo space and spread-out room than the imports while being easier to drive and more maneuverable than full-size vans. Last year, Windstar was the cream of the crop. This year, it faces stronger rivals. Does it still match up?

Read the complete 1996 Ford Windstar LX review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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