1985 Ford Windstar problems
The Ford Windstar (later the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey) is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford. The replacement for the Ford Aerostar, the Windstar adopted the front-wheel drive configuration of the Chrysler minivans. From the 1995 to 2007 model years, three generations of the model line were sold, with the final generation renamed as the Ford Freestar.
Unrelated to the Nissan-developed Mercury Villager, the Windstar was marketed without a Lincoln-Mercury counterpart. As part of the 2004 launch of the Ford Freestar, Mercury introduced its first Ford-produced minivan in a revival of the Mercury Monterey nameplate.
Following a decline in sales across the minivan segment in the mid-2000s, the Freestar and Monterey were discontinued after the 2007 model year with no direct replacement. In North America, the model line was functionally matched by the 7-passenger 2008 Ford Taurus X wagon/CUV; in Mexico, the Freestar was replaced by the Ford Transit/Tourneo. In 2014, Ford reentered the segment as the Ford Transit Connect compact MPV gained 7-passenger seating in North America.
During its production the Ford Windstar/Freestar and the Mercury Monterey were sourced from Oakville Assembly (Oakville, Ontario). In total, 1,984,232 were produced (1,704,786 Windstars, 246,493 Freestars, and 32,953 Montereys).
Social links
Common 1985 Ford Windstar problems
The Ford Windstar 1985 is not the exact model mentioned in the search results, but I can provide common problems found in Ford vehicles around that era based on the complaints from owners.
- Engine problems: The Ford E-150, which shares some components with the Windstar, has reported engine problems, particularly in the 2010 model year. The most common problem is the spark plug blowing out, which can cost around $600 to fix on average.
- Coolant leaks: The radiator on the Ford Explorer, which is similar to the Windstar, has generated numerous complaints from owners. Replacing the radiator is not a cheap job, with an average cost of $720.
- Paint problems: The 2013 Ford Explorer, which is a contemporary model, has been reported to have paint problems, particularly on the leading edge of the hood. If not addressed, the paint can bubble up and flake off, leading to rust.
- Rear axle problems: The Ford Windstar, built around the turn of the century, has been reported to have a fragile rear axle that can fail suddenly, making control of the vehicle more difficult. The average cost to repair this issue is $690.
- Window problems: The 2004 Ford F-150 has been reported to have failures in the electric window system, which can be caused by issues with the window regulator or cable. The average cost to fix this issue is $320.
- Power steering problems: The 2012 Ford Focus has been reported to have problems with its power-steering system, which can fail suddenly and make the steering unusably heavy to operate. Many owners have been forced to replace the steering rack, which can cost around $1900 to repair.
- PCM problems: The 2005 Ford Escape, which is a contemporary model, has been reported to have PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, which can cause the car to run roughly or not run at all. This issue can be expensive to diagnose and repair, with an average cost of $2050.
- Electrical problems: The Ford Edge, which is a contemporary model, has been reported to have electrical problems, particularly with the interior light remaining on even after the door is closed. This can cost around $420 to fix.
- Wheel-bearing problems: The Ford Explorer, which is similar to the Windstar, has been reported to have wheel-bearing problems, which can fail on a regular basis. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the wheel bearings, which can cost around $820 on average.
While these problems are not specific to the Ford Windstar 1985, they are common issues reported by owners of Ford vehicles from this era. It is important to note that not all vehicles will experience these problems, and many can be resolved with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
How many miles do Ford Windstars last?
How Long Will the 2003 Ford Windstar Last? Drivers are typically reporting mileage in the low 200,000 range before the transmission totally goes out, but we're also seeing reports as low as 100,000 before something needs to be rebuilt or swapped out. Expect a fairly meager typical lifespan of 180,000 miles.
What is Ford's biggest issue?
Transmission Problems
Transmission Problems
One of the most common issues in Ford vehicles is related to transmission.
Why was the Ford Windstar discontinued?
Transmission issues plagued early models, and concerns about reliability dogged the minivan throughout its production run. Additionally, some criticized its handling, particularly in comparison to its nimbler competitors. In 2007, Ford discontinued the Windstar, replaced by the larger and more truck-like Freestar.
What kind of engine does a Ford Windstar have?
It was slotted above the Ford Galaxy in size and equipment level. The sole powertrain was the 3.0 L V6 engine and automatic transmission, with no diesel engine nor manual transmission available.
How long do Ford Windstars last?
Expect a fairly meager typical lifespan of 180,000 miles.
Why did Ford stop making the Windstar?
Transmission issues plagued early models, and concerns about reliability dogged the minivan throughout its production run. Additionally, some criticized its handling, particularly in comparison to its nimbler competitors. In 2007, Ford discontinued the Windstar, replaced by the larger and more truck-like Freestar.
What engine is in a Ford Windstar?
3.8L V6
Powertrain. The Windstar shared its powertrains with the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable. For its 1995 launch, the 3.8L V6 was the sole engine in GL and LX Models, producing 155 hp; a 150 hp 3.0L V6 was introduced as the standard engine in October 1995 for base and lower GL models.
How fast is a Ford Windstar?
Performance
| 0 - 80 kph | 8.8 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 100 kph | 12.5 s |
| 0 - 160 kph | 38.9 s |
| 1000 m | 34.1 s |
| Top speed | 180 kph (112 mph) |
1985 Ford Windstar car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Windstar problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Windstar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Ford Windstar complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Windstar.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-15
- VIN: 2JMDA5146JB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WE ARE EXPERIANCING ERATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DURING SHIFTING SOMETIMES CAUSING STALLING, AND A HIGH R.P.M AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS WORRIES ME IN THE SAFETY OF DRIVING. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE FIVE STAR SAFETY RATING BECAUSE OF HAVING A CHILDCARE BUSINESS(FOR THE SAFETY OF TRANSPORTING LITTLE ONES). THANK YOU JON BRADLEY
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-09
- VIN: 2FMZA51U0WB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-12
- VIN: 2FMDA51495B
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD BECAME APART OR LOOSE . ALSO COOLANT ON CYLINDER HEAD BECAME LOOSE. THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FMDA5144FB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-24
- VIN: 2FMDA5140SB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING RACK FELL OFF. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 601396) *DSH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-16
- VIN: 2FMDA5140SB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Ford Windstar problems:
Q&A: 1996 Ford Windstar with Dents - Troubleshooting Park, Neutral ...
Nov 4, 2011 ... If reseting it still dosnt resolve this problem, I would suspect you do have a torque converter problem. This was very common on the 1996.
Broken head gasket - repair or replace? - Maintenance/Repairs ...
Dec 9, 2011 ... After that, head gasket problems with the Ford 3.8L engine became no more common than on any other engine. The engine in my '95 Windstar ...
Q&A: 2003 Ford Windstar Battery - Expert Advice | JustAnswer
Jul 26, 2009 ... ... known good autos 50-210 without any problems of the battery going dead. I also have an entire technical service bulliten here that addresses ...
Ford Windstar - Wikipedia
The Ford Windstar is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford. The replacement for the Ford Aerostar, the Windstar adopted the front-wheel drive ...
Easy cheap quick fix for Ford defrost/vent problems - Ford Truck ...
Oct 13, 2013 ... After a little research, I saw that this is a common problem with Fords, dating back to the 1990's. Not just Ford vans, but also pickup trucks, ...
Other years of Ford Windstar
Are you having problems with your 1985 Ford Windstar?
Leave your review of 1985 Ford Windstar