1992 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).
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Common 1992 Ford Windstar problems
Based on complaints from owners, common problems with the Ford Windstar 1992 include:
- Rear Axle Problems:
- The Ford Windstar from around the turn of the century is reported to have a fragile rear axle that can fail suddenly, leading to control issues and making the vehicle more difficult to handle.
- Repair Cost: The average cost to repair this issue is $690.
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported issues with the transmission becoming lethargic, causing the car to lunge forward or backward, or refusing to shift altogether, typically around the 98,000-mile mark.
- Repair Cost: Repairing transmission problems can cost up to $3000, with some cases reaching $7000.
- Tailgate Problems:
- Many Ford Explorer owners have experienced problems with the panel below the rear window, which can easily become cracked.
- Repair Cost: The average cost to repair this issue is around $460, mainly involving installing a new panel that needs to be painted to match the car.
- Coolant-Leak Problems:
- The radiator on the Ford Explorer has generated numerous complaints from owners due to coolant leaks.
- Repair Cost: Replacing the radiator can be a costly job, averaging around $720.
- Paint Problems:
- Owners of the 2013 Ford Explorer have reported issues where the paint on the leading edge of the hood bubbles up and flakes off, leading to rust if not addressed promptly.
- Repair Cost: This problem typically occurs at around 46,150 miles and requires attention to prevent further damage.
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the Ford Windstar 1992, ranging from mechanical failures to cosmetic concerns. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity.
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.
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 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) |
How long do Ford Windstars last?
Expect a fairly meager typical lifespan of 180,000 miles.
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 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) |
1992 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Ford Windstar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Ford Windstar complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Ford Windstar.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT STAY CLOSE AT ALL WHILE DRIVING. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 2FMZA5149WB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FRONT BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES MADE A LOUD RATTLING NOISE . CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER HAS ALREADY ROTATED ROTORS, AND PUT NEW BRAKE PADS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED .*AK ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *YH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Ford Windstar problems:
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Other years of Ford Windstar
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