Post
Research the Car Logo

2001 Ford Windstar

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2001 Ford Windstar was a popular minivan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It offered a practical solution for families needing ample passenger and cargo space. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of issues. The 2001 Windstar came with two engine options: a 3.0L Vulcan V6 producing around 150 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8L Essex V6 producing approximately 200 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Windstar’s interior space and affordability. Common complaints included reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and some electrical components, as well as premature rusting.

Engine

3.0L Vulcan V6

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine may run rough, misfire, or have a coolant leak. Coolant may leak externally or internally causing the engine to overheat or have white smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Coolant Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, or the presence of coolant on the ground. The leak can originate from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator.
    • Solution: Inspect and replace the leaking component, such as a hose, water pump, or radiator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component
  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, check engine light illumination. Can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
    • Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+

3.8L Essex V6

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 3.0L, the 3.8L can also suffer from intake manifold gasket leaks, leading to rough running, coolant loss, and potential overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak on the engine, burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Coolant Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, or the presence of coolant on the ground. The leak can originate from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator.
    • Solution: Inspect and replace the leaking component, such as a hose, water pump, or radiator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component

Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4F50N)

  • Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifts.
    • Solution: The transmission may require a rebuild or replacement. In some cases, a faulty transmission control module (TCM) can cause similar symptoms and should be checked first.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ for TCM or sensor replacement, $2000 - $4000+ for transmission rebuild or replacement
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, or complete loss of power transmission.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+

Recalls: 99V305000 - CERTAIN REAR WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE INSTALLED AS REPLACEMENT PARTS ON APPROXIMATELY 21,000 CERTAIN FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES. THE BEARING LUBRICANT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES CAN LEAK. 21V975000 -THIS RECALL INVOLVES CERTAIN REMANUFACTURD TRANSMISSIONS SOLD FOR INSTALLATION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE SPOT WELDS THAT COULD EVENTUALLY FRACTURE.

Suspension

  • Rear Coil Spring Sagging/Breaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging in the rear, uneven tire wear, clunking noise from the rear suspension.
    • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Front Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the power door motor, cable, or latch mechanism. Check and repair any wiring issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the specific component
  • Window Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or operating slowly.
    • Solution: Replace the window motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Recalls: 99V255000 - THE ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY. 00V054000 - THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE WIPER PERFORMANCE DUE TO THE TYPE OF LUBRICANT USED ON THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

Exterior

  • Rust (especially rocker panels and wheel wells)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the rocker panels, wheel wells, and other areas of the vehicle.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Rust removal and prevention treatments.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the severity and extent of the rust
  • Door Handle Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles breaking easily.
    • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Recalls: 00V290000 - DUE TO A WELDING PROBLEM, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF THE FUEL TANK FROM THE VEHICLE. 00V055000 - ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (FLAPPER) IN THE FUEL FILLER PIPE MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED (FULLY ATTACHED). 99V254000 - THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY ATTACHED TO THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE SHAFT.

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface.
    • Solution: Dash cover or dashboard replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 for dash cover, $500 - $1500 for replacement
  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof and sagging down.
    • Solution: Replace the headliner fabric.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Ford Windstar is prone to several issues, ranging from moderate to severe. Engine problems like intake manifold gasket leaks and coolant leaks are common for both engine options. Transmission issues, particularly with slipping and harsh shifting, can be costly to repair. Suspension problems like sagging coil springs and strut mount failure are also prevalent. Electrical issues with power doors and window motors add to the ownership costs. Rust, particularly in the rocker panels and wheel wells, is a significant concern in areas with road salt. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect these areas and be prepared for potential repair costs.

Ford, Windstar
Ford Windstar 2001
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.