2003 Ford Windstar

The 2003 Ford Windstar is a minivan that was offered with two engine options: a 3.0L Vulcan V6 producing 150 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8L Essex V6 producing 200 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Windstar for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. However, common complaints include a propensity for rust, electrical issues, and certain engine and transmission problems.

Engine

3.0L Vulcan V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, coolant leaks, and potential overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Camshaft Synchronizer Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud squealing or chirping noise from the engine, especially at idle. Can lead to a no-start condition.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft synchronizer and possibly the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

3.8L Essex V6

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, and milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the head gaskets. This is a labor-intensive job.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Intake Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating. Often difficult to pinpoint without a pressure test.
  • Solution: Replace the lower intake manifold, including gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4F50N)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping during acceleration, especially between gears. Can cause complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Often recommended to rebuild or replace the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+ depending on the route taken.
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement of gears, getting stuck in a gear, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Broken
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sags in the rear, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or going over bumps, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working, intermittent operation, or only working on some doors.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per door
• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents, clicking noise behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator. This can be a labor-intensive job.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Exterior

• Rust Issues (Especially Rocker Panels and Wheel Wells)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on rocker panels, wheel wells, and other body panels. Can lead to structural damage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. This can range from minor patching to extensive bodywork.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window does not go up or down, moves slowly, or makes grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window
• Odometer Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Odometer stops recording mileage, or displays incorrect information.
  • Solution: Replace the odometer unit or repair the circuit board.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400

Summary

The 2003 Ford Windstar, while offering practicality and space, is prone to a number of issues, particularly related to the engine (especially the 3.8L) and transmission. Rust is also a major concern. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to potentially costly repairs, with head gasket failures and transmission problems being the most expensive. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these problems and factor in potential repair costs.