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2000 Ford Windstar engine complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 104, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2000 Ford Windstar engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 11, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 73,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked and all the electrical systems in the vehicle shut off completely. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle home. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat and the ant-freeze would leak. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jun 8, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · WA

We came from eating breakfast to a dead battery, then we had someone help us to jump it; however, my husband noticed the electrical was not working, and it was still running, but very slow. It finally gave up and we had to tow it, and have someone look at it. We are in the middle of the problem, so hopefully ford will have a notice or something in the mail soon. We have had problems before with the battery, and thinking maybe that is the problem, but we are hearing stories from online of other issues that could of caused this.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 117,000 miles · FL

2 weeks after I bought, what I thought was going to be the best car I ever owned, the check engine light came on. Since I'm a single mom with 5 kids, im very tight on money, therefore, I went to the auto part store, put it on the machine, hoping I could do what I did with all other vehicles I owned, buy the parts, go online and read up on fixing it my self. I had just put all my savings into buying the van. The store clerk, gives me a list of 4 codes and the list of possible fixes. I get home go online and found out that not only is it not easy for someone like me to do, but its going to be a good $1200-$1500 for a mechanic to fix. And worse of all, it as been a major issue with this make and model, ford knows about the problem and even put out a repair kit just for the issue, but still refuses to recall the vehicle after numerous complaints. Well your little kit maybe inexpensive for people who can fix it them selves but when you have to pay a mechanic to do the work its more then a simple repair. If a car as been treated good by its owner, as not been abused and maintenance kept up with over the years, then the only major (above $1000) repairs that we should have, are repairs due to accidents or normal wear and tear. When almost ever one who owes one of them as the same problem, around the same time, then it is a defect in the making of the car and should be the responsibility of the ford company. The fact that ford had to come up with a repair kit, is admitting there is a defect with the van. I should have check this website before I bought the van. Do your research people!

Filed Feb 17, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · MN

Hi I owned a ford windstar 2001 and having trouble for the past months.. We took it to auto shop mechanics and got transmission rebuilt paid almost $2,000 for it. Then got that fixed then I drove it for a while then all of the sudden driving on the freeway the engine quit so I called for help tow truck was there then brought it to auto mechanics to get it fixed problem was alternator got that fixed paid over $500.00 .now runs okay .. But now every time I turn the van on the engine lights on all the time while driving and ABS lights on then the brake lights on too.. And the smoke that coming from exhaust from the rear smoking so bad...I need help this is could be part of a recall for fordwindstar.. I just don't have money to pay for the fixing ..I hope ford realized this I think I'm not alone out there dealing the same problems...thank you looking forward for the response...

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Engine, Fuel system · 23,174 miles · MO

Cel on, ECM throwing p0174 codes, many many complaints on internet of this problem with 3.8l v6 engine. Apparently no help from ford or dealer to assist customers with a fix for this. Ford what a joke this 2000 windstar is. No more fords for me, total lack of support for product failure.

Filed Oct 11, 2011 · Body, Engine · 108,800 miles · MD

Had vehicle in for service recalls. Recalls met the requirements to replace the subframe assy; however, it was repaired instead. Contacted ford about my concern over how it was being fixed and was told that the dealer was given info. On how to do the repair and if there was any problem after it was fixed, I would have to take it up with the dealer because it would be a warranty issue with them, that ford would not help me. Now after picking up the vehicle, the A/C no longer works. - it blew cold air before they got it.

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Engine · 113,205 miles · MI

Just pulled into a parking space and put vehicle in park mode when without warning I heard a loud clanking sound. Turns out the transmission failed. I had to get it rebuilt. I have had numerous problem with this vehicle in many areas and have spent a lot of money getting things fixed and replaced on it

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Engine · 98,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed that engine warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. He also noticed that there was a knocking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that the spark plugs had failed which caused a small fire under the hood damaging the engine. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Engine, Suspension · 115,432 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard a clicking noise from the center of the instrument panel. After a few minutes, the clicking noise stopped. Prior to the failure, the contact stated that the same clicking noise was present when she operated the temperature gauge on the air conditioning unit. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the motor for the air conditioning unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact also stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle would bounce and she could feel vibrations. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The vehicle also stalled intermittently. The idle air control was repaired by a local mechanic. The current and failure mileages were 115,432.

Filed Dec 9, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 40,000 miles · MN

Check engine light has been on for several thousand miles, from about 40,000 to current 130,000. The code that comes up can be 1 of about 10 things. Nothing corrects this. I have the 3.8l engine and the "check engine" light has been on. Had a mechanic pull the codes up and they are bank 1 running lean and bank 2 running lean (p0171) and (p0174). Was told could be mass airflow sensor, o2 sensor (1 of 4), vacuum issues, head gasket or a few others. I have replaced the maf sensor and all 4 o2 sensors at about $200.00 a piece. Still on. 2nd issue. Noise from front end when turning. 3rd issue. Currently sitting at ford dealer with fractured rear axle for last month. Also ABS light goes on and off all the time.

Filed Nov 2, 2010 · Body, Engine · 200,000 miles · 00

I own a 2000 ford windstar, and had the water pump break recently. When the mechanic put the vehicle on the hoist he noticed a large degree of rusting and separation on the subframe connecting to the control arm. This issue needs to be repaired before the vehicle can be driven again as it is a major safety concern - as per the mechanic.

Filed Aug 28, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 75,000 miles · OH

My 2000 ford windstar had transmission problems that started in late 2008. Automatic transmission lever was hard too shift into any gear. A few months later the transmission started leaking. As the months went by the leaking got worse. In may of 2009 there was now quite a bit of transmission fluid leaking from the transmission, causing the need for fluid to be added in order for the transmission to work. Problem fixed in july of 2009. Transmission oil seal was defective on the van, even though it only had 75,000 miles on it. Head gasket needed replaced as well. Total price: $1700.

Filed Aug 15, 2010 · Engine · 170,000 miles · 00

Ford windstar 2000: my car engine light and ABS light on when start the engine. Also has overdrive light flashing when start engine and when swift gears.

Filed May 6, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 112,000 miles · NJ

Abs light lit check engine light on.

Filed Nov 16, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 57,000 miles · NC

Since buying my windstar, 2000; used, 57,000 miles I have had one problem after another. Within two weeks after purchase my transmission would jump then straighten out and go on. I had it checked by five different places and all stated there was nothing wrong. It stopped completely during a family trip and I had to purchase a new transmission. It had a knock in the engine ever since I bought it but it finally got so bad I thought the prudent thing to do was to get it overhauled. There crank shaft was not smooth and had to be machined and rebuilt. I have had several different issues concerning the electrical system; ABS stays on, sliding door lock failure, interior lights come on while driving and will not go off, all instrument dash lights flash on and then seem to recover, now my whole electrical system is acting up. The radio always went off when you cut off the engine and open the door, but now my battery is dead and while charging it the head light came on, (but none of the switches were turned on), oh and about 10 months ago I had to replace the alternator. No warning except right before it died the light started cutting off and on. I cannot afford another purchase at this time. I am sick of this.

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Engine, Suspension · 81,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While backing out of the driveway at 5 MPH, the bracket that supports the lower passenger side control arm failed. A mechanic stated that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 81,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MD

My check engine light came on, and I had it diagnosed with codes p0171, and p0174, engine too lean. I have been told from the ford dealer, and other mechanics I called that it is a common thing on ford windstars, and that it's not a if it will happen problem, it's a when it will happen problem. It's a design flaw in the intake manifolds, which prices ranging from $800 to $1500 to repair. Ford should do a recall on all windstars and have these problems fixed for their customers at no charge.

Filed Jul 12, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 78,000 miles · NY

The intake went at 58,000 miles brought to ford dealer and it was covered under warranty . 1 year later had same problem and van was out of warranty and ford refused to cover had to pay $1,800 dollars. Then last year the transmission went van had 78,000 miles. Ford will not fix they would not repo it. They are now trying to sue me for a defective vehicle.

Filed Jun 1, 2008 · Engine · 88,000 miles · WA

Mar 2008 we took our 2000 ford windstar van in for a clicking noise. Was told that the plastic manifold intake valve was broke. They said to fix it would be about $800 but if the noise did not bother us we could leave it. May 2008 was rear ended and two days later van broke down. Took it to harris ford in lynnwood was told the manifold was completely broke and had to have it repaired at a cost of $1200. I know the plastic manifolds were recalled on other models and think the vans should have been included. What is my recourse?

Filed May 16, 2008 · Engine · FL

Pressure sensor on the master cylinder leaked taking out the speedometer, odometer, ABS and cruise control.

Filed Feb 27, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · MI

2000 ford windstar with multiple manufacturer defects. Consumer states these are some of the problems windshield washer fluid pump failure, reverse sensor system failure, brake light switch is sticking and more. *kb the message center started to read error when displaying the outdoor temperature. The consumer found one of the male prongs on the sensor plug had corroded and broken off, which indicated that the sensor plug was not adequately protected from moisture. One of the coolant lines to the rear heater corroded and failed at the point where it crossed under the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated. The mechanic stated the engine was running lean due to an air leak. The coolant crossover tube sprang a leak.

Filed Oct 23, 2007 · Acceleration, Brakes · 40,000 miles · MD

Have had constant problems with my 2000 ford windstar since 40,000 miles. Have already done the overhaul for the check engine light and the ABS light still comes on and off daily for the last 3 years. Replaced the cruise control activation switch 2 years ago, but I guess the leaking fluids have destroyed my ecu. Also have cleaned and checked all wheel sensors which has not helped at all. I used to be a ford man, but after these problems and $$$ spend, I'm very cautious of fords now!

Filed May 3, 2007 · Engine · 101,016 miles · IL

Tl*contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated. The mechanic stated that the vehicle needed to have the upper input and the upper gasket replaced. The mechanic changed the fuel filter, performed a tune up, and replaced the ignition wire. The contact was responsible for the cost of the repairs ,which totaled $900. The diagnosis listed code po133 , sensor slow response. After the repair was performed another failure occurred. The vehicle accelerated without warning while driving 40 MPH. The failure occurred while the contact's foot depressed the brake pedal or when the vehicle idled. The RPM needle also fluctuated from high to low. The current and failure mileages were 101,016.

Filed Mar 5, 2007 · Engine · 108,400 miles · WI

Engine coolant disappearing without explanation. Took into dealer to learn it was a common leak in the front cover gasket that could lead to engine failure. I own a 2000 ford windstar with a 3.8l v-6.

Filed Sep 27, 2006 · Engine · 54,600 miles · MD

California version of the windstar; catalytic converter not operating correctly, causing back pressure to the engine, caused engine input air control valve to become overloaded with carbon deposits which in turn also failed. For 3 months catalytic converter replacement parts have not been available $1400 estimated repair bill for catalytic converters.

Filed Aug 7, 2006 · Engine · 90,000 miles · IN

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine light illuminated intermittently. During the time that the light was illuminated, the vehicle ran normally. While the check engine light was not illuminated, the vehicle was sluggish, and would not run smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the problem. The battery was replaced, however the problem became worse.

Filed Jul 21, 2006 · Engine · 54,000 miles · PA

Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets replaced twice, first at 30k then at 50k

Filed May 23, 2006 · Engine · 90,000 miles · TN

Intake manifold needs replaced and valve cover. $1500.00 this is obviously a manufacturer defect/poor design. A 6 year old car should not need the intake manifold replaced.

Filed Mar 25, 2006 · Engine · 80,204 miles · TX

I own a 2000 ford windstar and I had to take it to be serviced because the intake gaskets and isolator bolts have worn out due to time. As a result the car sometimes trembles in parking mode and idles and stalls when the car stops at a red light or stop sign. I did find it suspicious that these parts have worn out after only six years of use, (less than the common 10 year lifespan of a car). According to the ford service counselor this problem has lately become more frequent with this car model.

Filed Jan 5, 2006 · Engine · 58,000 miles · MA

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection. The independent mechanic determined the left valve covers and upper intake gaskets were wrong for this type of vehicle and needed to be replaced.

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