Emission Control Problems of Ford Windstar

"check engine" light stays on. When I bought the vehicle, the dealer said just go to Ford and get it "reset. " that wasn't done. Now it is time for the first mandatory smog and the vehicle won't pass because of the "check engine" light problem. Ford wants $500 to "fix" it. I don't have an extra $500. I feel I am getting ripped!!!! suggestions from anyone?.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Getting lean code p0171 and p0174. Dealer analyzed and from what I can tell it's TSB 03-16-1 (NHTSA sb# 16920) I have searched the internet (as you can) and it's a widespread problem (I know 2 other people personally who may have it). It is my belief that there should have been (or should be) a recall on this defect. In my case, the van will lose rpm's, then "rev" up on cold startup. When it does this, the van executes a "jerking" motion which to me could be dangerous. In other cases, it will stall or nearly stall at traffic lights.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The check engine or emissions light was on. I took it to the dealer and had to pay $100. 00 just to have them run the codes on the computer. Codes p0171 and p0174 showed up ,and dealer said intake gaskets leaked, and it would cost $671. 00 more to fix. Their estimate included replacing intake gaskets, intake bolts, left side valve cover, and fuel pressure regulator. The pvc hose was okay. The 2001 van only had 59,000 mi on it. Seemed like Ford had a design problem , they were not willing to stand behind.

Check emissions light came on. Brought vehicle to dealer and was told that the intake manifold gasket needs replacement. Service rep said that this model year has experienced frequent failure with this part.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

- the contact stated that he took the to a Ford dealer to be serviced. The dealership informed the contact that the vehicle had a faulty head gasket. The contact believed this fault is due to a faulty crancase ( pvc) valve. After taking the vehicle to another mechanic he found that the pvc valve was faulty as well.

There seems to be a lot of 99 Ford Windstar user with this problem. . Read more...

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Vehicle failed emissions during a routine safety inspection. Consumer stated he did not smell any fumes inside the vehicle, however, the exhaust system was defective.

Vehicle was taken for the emission test inspection, and did not pass the inspection's test. The dealer was notified. The failure was due to a faulty design of the valve cover which was sending oil to the pcv system. Intake gaskets were also replaced.

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar minivan. It has been running poorly even after an expensive tune-up, with poor acceleration, heavy shifting, missing at highway speeds, and it has stalled three times. When I took it into the dealership, they found that there was a problem with the intake manifold and isolator bolts that hold down the plastic bowl on the manifold. Due to this problem, the fuel regulator, vacuum hose, l. H. Valve cover, port o-rings, and isolator bolts had to be replaced. They also had to reprogram the pcm, clean the egr ports and there was also a diagnostic charge. The total bill came to $656. 00 on a vehicle with only 52,000 miles on it. I feel this is a manufacturers defect since I found out the isolator bolts have been re-designed and updated indicating there was a problem with the original ones.

To whom it may concern, I would like to know how many service bulletins does it take before a manufacturer initiates a recall on the item. I own a 2000 Ford Windstar. Your service bulletin database has 191 entries for this make and model. Although my van represents numerous conditions of the 191 entries, I am only concerned with the 11listed for the lean condition codes p171 and 174 listed in service bulletins 03161, 03123, 16920, 0347, 0338, 15740, 15522, 01205, 14353, 14060, and 8532. Obviously, Ford has a problem with plastic intake components and engines exibiting a lean condition. I did not research any other make and model Ford product, and I would bet that there are similiar problems elsewhere. I personally think it is time for a recall. I have had my van in for repairs for this condition four times this year and my certified mechanic doesn't think that the latest fix Ford published will correct the problem. So in the meantime, I carry a socket and ratchet with me and when the check engine light comes on, I unhook my battery to clear the code. Any information you can provide me to a permanant solution to this problem would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, karl j. Bodien.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Check engine soon light came on. I took it to the Ford dealer where I purchased my 1998 Ford Windstar. I told the service advisor I had a coolant leak. When the mechanic did the diagnostic test he said the leak was at the valve covers and intake. The gaskets had to be replaced at a price of over $900. It appears to be a major problem of the 1998 Ford Windstar which is not covered under the defect warranty. My Windstar had just over 50,000 miles on when this defect happened.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The "check engine" light has been on for over a year, very shortly after my last fuel emissions test in 2002. Despite numerous checks by my mechanic, which detects no fuel emissions problems, the indicator light stays on. After each inspection by my mechanic, the light turns off temporarily, (1 or so weeks), and then relights. We have thus failed the MD state emissions test (without being tested by them) due to this chronic light problem. My brother-in-law has the same exact problem with his Ford Windstar minivan, and so does another person (not verified myself). The read windshield wiper motor has been recalled. We had it repaired by a Ford repair shop, and it has broken again.

The vehicle did not pass emissions, the dealer was unable to locate the problem.

Steering rack replacement (covered under warranty). Repair of leak in intake manifold (not covered under warranty).

Ford Windstar 1999. Check engine indicator lit. Manual states that this indicates a problem with the emission control system. Drop car to dealership for diagnostics and repair. Parts on order. Checked Feb. 5, 2003. Parts still on order. Am told that 8 or so vehicle owners are waiting for same parts.

Engine light continued to come on. After diagnostic was complete, it was determined to replace the egr valve & sensor. Van has not been able to pass inspection in nc due to "not ready" rejection since the above mentioned repairs were made. The minivan has been at the Ford motor dealership for approximately 3 weeks, and they have been unable to find the cause of the problem. An engineer from the Ford detroit office was sent to raleigh, nc to investigate the problem, and cause still undertermined. Sensors have been replaced as well as main computer chip. Wires leading to sensors have been checked. Dealership is at a loss, and cause of problem still unknown. Meanwhile, we have a vehicle unable to pass nc inspeciton.

Consumer noticed condensation in headlights. Dealer has been contacted. Technician stated that the headlights needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that the entire headlight unit had to be replaced. After the three year warranty expired, the transmisson had to be replaced. The engine light had come on, and was told that it was the sensor.

Reoccurring engine light coming on after vechicle in for first courtesy service. Dealership cannot determine exact problem. So far have replaced fuel pump assembly, pressure transducer and asbly fuel vapor control. No success. Reported problem to manufacturer and awaiting a desicion from regional engineer for a possible vehicle exchange.

What's with the O2 sensors? this is the second time it went bad. Don't they know how to make a good quality parts?.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar 🔎.

I was informed by crissman Lincoln/ Mercury that my head gaskets are leaking on my Windstar. This is a frequent enough problem that they informed me that if I payed the first $500 that Ford would pay for the rest of the repair. Previous to getting this informatio I had to replace all four oxygen sensors and part of the catalytic converter. I have now been told that these became defective as a result of the engine coolant leaking into the engine. In addition to this at only 49000 the front coil spring broke while parked in the driveway. Ford has no springs in stock and there are no aftermarket parts being made yet. Are these springs defective?.

On numerous occassions this vehicle while stall when coming to a stop (stop sign/traffic lights). This vehicle has been to the repair shop over 8 times and was last worked on for this problem in June 2000. Then in July 200 while on vacation the power steering pump failed and the emission control failed. Although the dealership has been repairing the problems the vehicle has lost it's creditability as being safe.

While driving there is excessive smoke coming out of the tail pipe, mechanic does not have solution for consumer concern. Dealer replaced defective bank #2 hego sensor. But consumer states problem still exist. Door light on dash board illuminated. A special part was ordered.

Consumer stated the oxygen sensor failed.

Oxygen sensor failed.