1999 Ford Windstar

Introduction:

The 1999 Ford Windstar was a popular minivan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was available with various engine and transmission options, including:

• 3.0L V6 (150 hp, 185 lb-ft of torque)
• 3.8L V6 (200 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque)

Paired with either:

• 4-speed automatic transmission
• 5-speed manual transmission

Drivers praised the Windstar’s practicality and reliability, while some noted concerns with its fuel economy and handling.

Engine

3.0L V6

• Valve cover gasket leaks: Oil leaks occur around the valve covers. Replace the gaskets. $100 - $200+
• Intake manifold gasket leaks: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold. Replace the gaskets. $200 - $300+

3.8L V6

• Spark plug blowouts: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing engine damage. Inspect and replace faulty spark plugs. $200 - $400+
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and poor engine performance. Replace the faulty coils. $150 - $300+

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip when shifting gears or fail to engage. Rebuild or replace the transmission. $1,000+
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter may fail, causing shuddering or slipping during acceleration. Replace the torque converter. $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Strut mount bearing failure: The strut mount bearings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling. Replace the strut mounts. $200 - $400+
• Sway bar link failure: The sway bar links can fail, affecting cornering stability and producing clunking noises. Replace the sway bar links. $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, affecting electrical system stability and causing battery discharge. Replace the alternator. $250 - $500+
• Battery drain: The battery may drain prematurely due to parasitic electrical draws. Test and diagnose the drain and repair the faulty component. $100 - $300+

Exterior

• Sliding door issues: Sliding doors may become misaligned or difficult to operate. Adjust the door alignment or replace the door rollers. $100 - $500+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard may develop cracks over time. Replace or repair the dashboard. $200 - $500+
• Climate control issues: The climate control system may malfunction, causing issues with heating or cooling. Repair or replace faulty climate control components. $200 - $500+

Summary:

Overall, the 1999 Ford Windstar is a generally reliable vehicle with some common issues. While engine and transmission problems can be costly to fix, many of the other issues are relatively inexpensive to address. The vehicle offers a spacious and comfortable interior, but owners should be aware of potential dashboard cracking and electrical problems.