1993 Ford Windstar problems

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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).

1993 Ford Windstar

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Common 1993 Ford Windstar problems

The 1993 Ford Windstar is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is the fragile rear axle, which can fail suddenly and make controlling the vehicle much more difficult. This problem has been reported on carcomplaints.com and affects Ford Windstar models built around the turn of the century. The average cost to repair this issue is $690.

Another common problem with the 1993 Ford Windstar is electrical issues. Owners have reported problems with the interior light remaining on even after the door is closed, making the car believe the door is still ajar and sounding a warning bell. This problem can be solved by checking the fuse under the dash, which can be disconnected to prevent the battery from draining.

The 1993 Ford Windstar also has problems with the rear wiper, which may not operate even though the washer fluid pump for the rear window is working. This issue may be related to fuse(s) or the relay that allows the radio and power windows to be used for a few minutes after the ignition is turned off.

Lastly, the 1993 Ford Windstar has issues with the fuel system. Some owners have reported problems with the fuel pump, which keeps failing, and the fuel system, which can cause the vehicle to stall out while driving. These issues have been reported mostly about engine problems and have been a significant concern for some owners.

In conclusion, the 1993 Ford Windstar has several common problems, including fragile rear axle, electrical issues, rear wiper problems, and fuel system issues. These problems can be costly to repair and may affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Ford Windstar owners.

1993 Ford Windstar engine

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 kph8.8 s
0 - 100 kph12.5 s
0 - 160 kph38.9 s
1000 m34.1 s
Top speed180 kph (112 mph)

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.

How long do Ford Windstars last?

Expect a fairly meager typical lifespan of 180,000 miles.

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 kph8.8 s
0 - 100 kph12.5 s
0 - 160 kph38.9 s
1000 m34.1 s
Top speed180 kph (112 mph)

1993 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:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Child seat problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Ford Windstar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Ford Windstar complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Ford Windstar.

2008-01-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-01-06
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FDEE14N3PH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD JAYCO. THE VAN CAUGHT FIRE WHILE OFF AND PARKED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY THE FIRE DEPT. BUT NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE TRANSMISSION TYPE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB GARY FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
2004-01-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
  • VIN: 2FMDA5145TB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 3.8L HEAD GASKET
2002-07-05

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-27
  • VIN: 2FMDAS140TB
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, SHREDDING THE TIRE. DEALER HAS REPLACED COIL SPRING AND TIRE.*AK. CONSUMER STATED AS HE PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE COIL SPRINGS.*JB
2002-05-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
  • VIN: 2FMDDA5149S
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FLOOR. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
2000-12-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-05
  • VIN: 1MELM5047PA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: FORD KNOWS THAT THESE HEAD GASKETS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. THEY HAVE HAD A RECALL BUT ONLY FROM 1994 AND ONLY MADE IN A CERTAIN PLANT. *AK
2000-03-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-03-14
  • VIN: 1FALP5741PA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ALUMINUM ENGINE HEAD GASKETS ARE SEPARATING AND LEAKING, ALLOWING COOLANT AND OIL TO MIX, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THESE ENGINES ARE RECALLED IN THE 94-95 MODELS, BUT NOT IN THE 93 MODEL WITH THE SAME ENGINE. OWNER HAS RECEIVED NO HELP FROM FORD. *AK *ML
1999-12-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-11-29
  • VIN: 2FMDA5146SB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET ON A 3.8L ENGINE; NOTICED LOTS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CONSUMER WITH SAME PROBLEM. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.*AK
1997-02-13

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2FMDA5144TB
  • Components: CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT IS DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE SAFETY HARNESS IS TOO SHORT AND TIGHT. FORD AGREES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM.
1997-01-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS, BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE FRONT END PULSATE, AND HAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, IN FOR REPAIR AND REPLACED DISC PADS AND ROTORS. *AK
1996-12-16

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-09
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCA11U6PZ
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DRIVING ALONG APPROXIMATELY 30MPH, VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US AND HIT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK AND HELD PASSENGERS IN PLACE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1996-07-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-28
  • VIN: 2FMDA5146PB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED WHILE DRIVING AND WILL GO UP HILL WHEN APPLYING ACCELEATOR WILL NOT PICKUP SPEED. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1993 Ford Windstar problems:

Q&A: 2001 Ford Windstar Van - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 2001 Ford Windstar Van - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/1s2ig-2001-ford-windstar-van-3-8l-motor-just-resently.html

Feb 1, 2009 ... 2001 ford windstar: van..driving down..miss..93 octane..fuel system…. I have a 2001 ford windstar van with a 3.8L motor I just ...

Ford 3.8 head gasket/trans failures--
Ford 3.8 head gasket/trans failures--"secret warranty" Part 2 — Car ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/1031/ford/windstar/ford-3-8-head-gasket-trans-failures-secret-warranty-part-2

Oct 1, 2000 ... My wife bought her '92 Cougar new in 1993. The car really had no problems to date. Then it blew a head gasket (cylinder #4 - typical) a few ...

Common Ford Windstar Transmission Problems - Q&A | JustAnswer
Common Ford Windstar Transmission Problems - Q&A | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/4ms4f-ford-windstar-ax4s-1998-windstar-3-8-last-week.html

Feb 22, 2011 ... Ax4s 1998 windstar 3.8 Last week: >>>> stuck in 2nd gear, no shift, seems to take off in 2nd and stay there, .... but - Answered by a ...

Ford WIndstar '03 charging problem | Bob Is The Oil Guy
Ford WIndstar '03 charging problem | Bob Is The Oil Guy
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/ford-windstar-03-charging-problem.306692/

Mar 31, 2019 ... Trying to help my neighbor out. He has an '03 Ford Windstar that won't charge. I helped him replace the alternator to no avail, ...

Common Ford Windstar Transmission Problems: Q&A for 2000-2003 ...
Common Ford Windstar Transmission Problems: Q&A for 2000-2003 ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/3rk9v-friends-2000-windstar-seems-blowing-transmission-fluid.html

Jul 19, 2010 ... My friends 2000 Windstar seems to be BLOWING transmission fluid and only when it is run at highway speeds fro over an - Answered by a ...

Other years of Ford Windstar

ford windstar 1994 photo
Windstar 1994
Ford

23

0

0

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  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford windstar 1995 photo
Windstar 1995
Ford

3777

8

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford windstar 1996 photo
Windstar 1996
Ford

1484

9

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford windstar 1997 photo
Windstar 1997
Ford

220

6

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford windstar 1998 photo
Windstar 1998
Ford

2440

14

26

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford windstar 1999 photo
Windstar 1999
Ford

1587

13

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1993 Ford Windstar photo