2005 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 2005 Ford Windstar problems
The Ford Windstar, produced from 1994 to 2007, is known for several common problems, particularly related to its transmission and vacuum leaks.
Transmission issues are a significant concern for Ford Windstar owners. The AX4S and AX4N transmissions, used in the Windstar, have struggled with lubrication problems, harsh shifting, and internal failures.
Vacuum leaks from the intake area are another common problem in the Ford Windstar. These leaks can cause a lean condition, which may result in poor acceleration, hesitation, or stalling. This issue can be caused by worn or damaged vacuum lines, intake gaskets, or other components in the intake system.
In addition to transmission and vacuum leak issues, the Ford Windstar has been reported to have problems with engine oil pan gaskets leaking, which can lead to engine performance issues and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
While the Ford Windstar has had its share of problems, many of these issues can be addressed through proper maintenance, timely repairs, and the use of high-quality replacement parts. It is essential for Windstar owners to stay vigilant and address any potential issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
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 year did they stop making the Ford Windstar?
2003
2003: The last year of the Windstar; no major changes were made in anticipation of a 2004 redesign. In a new marketing strategy, the upcoming third-generation Windstar was rebranded as the Ford Freestar. The last Ford Windstar was produced on July 25, 2003.
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) |
Where was the Ford Windstar built?
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
All Windstars were built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. It was available with 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines.
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.
What replaced the Ford Windstar?
Ford introduced the Freestar in 2004, which replaced the company's Windstar minivan.
2005 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 problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Ford Windstar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Ford Windstar complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Ford Windstar.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-12
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: BOUGHT THE VAN USED IN JUNE 2012 WITH 139000 MILES ON IT. THE VAN STARTED TO STALLS WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT AWAY. AT A STOP MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. HAVE TO COAST TO A STOP HOPING NOT TO GET HIT BY TRAFFIC. WAIT ATLEAST 30 SECONDS THEN THE VAN WILL START AGAIN. THE USED CAR DEALER TRIED TO REPAIR IT AND THOUGHT THEY HAD BUT STILL STALLS. HAVE HAD THE VAN INTO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING THE FORD DEALERSHIP. NOTHING COMES UP ON THE COMPUTER AND THE CONDITION IS WORSEN IN WARM WEATHER. HAVE COME CLOSE TO BEING HIT BY TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. PLEASE HELP. THIS CONDITION NEEDS TO FIXED EVEN IF IT DOESN'T SUPPORT A RECALL. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Ford Windstar problems:
Ford Windstar Transmission Problems: Q&A for 2003 Van
Jun 1, 2010 ... You are having the typical transmission problem for this car. The windstar is bad about the torque converter splines stripping out. When this ...
Ford Windstar Alternator and Battery Problems - Page 2 — Car ...
Oct 24, 2006 ... I have a 2001 Windstar. It seems the alternator-battery problem is so common. I had the problem going into this sequence: - Brake lights warning ...
Ford Windstar Transmission Problems: Q&A for 2003 & Earlier Models
Dec 24, 2012 ... Windstar: My 2003 ford windstar transmission is having issues. - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic.
Why did the Ford Windstar/Freestar flop so hard compared to the ...
Nov 13, 2023 ... The Aerostar was actually a great rwd minivan We had one of the xlt models until the ECM and other wiring issues totalled it.
Ford WIndstar '03 charging problem | Bob Is The Oil Guy
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, ...
Other years of Ford Windstar
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