Problems with 2003 Ford Windstar POWER TRAIN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, it was found that the rear axle was cracked. the manufacturer was contacted about the issue and informed the contact that repairs would not be completed due to the fact that the vehicle was previously serviced under nhtsa campaign id number 12v193000 (power train:axle assembly). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 181,096 and the current mileage was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph over a road bump, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. the contact later noticed that the axle was fractured and rusted. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic for inspection where they stated that the axle was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 12v193000 (power train:axle assembly). the failure mileage was 56,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, an abnormal grinding noise emitted from the vehicle and the vehicle decreased acceleration independently. the check engine warning light illuminated during the failure. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar se. the contact stated that while traveling 60 mph, the vehicle became resistant to acceleration attempts. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 118,000.

Torque converter failure for the second time. first incident at 97,000 miles then again at 120,000 miles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle exhibited a sudden loss of power without warning. the vehicle would accelerate in either reverse or drive. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who recommended that the entire transmission be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact was informed of a recall similar to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter) however, the contact was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 140,000.

Our van was fine until it was having a hard time shifting. we took the van into a transmission specialist and had to replace the transmission due to water. and also had the water to the radiator completely bypass the transmission. everything was fine until months later it was having a hard time shifting. somehow a lot of water had gotten in there. there's no way it's from the radiator since like i said it bypasses the tranny and has a different cooling thing?? now he thinks it's from the a/c. so now it's in the shop again and i already spent $300 for a complete flush. now i might have to do it again. plus he's going to make a shield for the a/c. this is crazy. *tr

I am the owner of a 2003 ford windstar and as of now there is not a recall out on this vehicle. but there is indeed a recall on the 2004 ford freestar which has the exact same components and drivetrain. ford has recalled 205,896 2004-2005 freestars due to the torque converter output shaft fail. the same issue is with my vehicle... i have had the worst service threw ford in the follow up with this issue. i have been inspected and many transmission mechanics verify this issue and states the following model of my van has been recalled. if this is so why hasn't my vehicle been recalled.. this is a huge issue , if my wife was driving my 3 children is this vehicle when this part failed it would have been much worse! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving in reverse, the transmission failed without warning and the contact was unable to accelerate. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the torque converter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 124,000. updated 08/28/12*lj updated 09/05/2012 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id numbers: 12v193000 (power train:axle assembly) and nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields ). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under both recalls. later while the contact was driving 50 mph, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised that they needed to replace the front axle. the contact had not experienced the failure prior to the recall repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would further investigate the failure. the failure mileage was 143,000 and the current mileage was 148,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving downhill at approximately 25 mph, there was a complete loss of the transmission power with a rapid increase in engine rpms. the contact was able to maneuver safely to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to the residence and diagnosed by a certified mechanic who advised the contact that the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the dealer advised there was not a recall related to the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the transmission failed. the contact was driving 55 mph when the failure occurred. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the transmission had not been inspected. the failure and current mileages were 61,000.

I was driving on the mass turnpike with my daughter and two of her friends, when the car started to race and the speed started to decrease, not knowing what to do because the break down lane had dropped i slowed into the lane furthest to the right, for slow moving trucks and had the vehicle come to a complete stop and put it into park and shut it off, (my hazard lights were on), tried to start it back up and put it into drive, but when i did it wouldn't move and slowly started to move backwards, tried to put it in 1st, 2nd and neutral and samething happened, so had to call 911 and have a wrecker tow it back to west springfield, had to pay $207 dollars for tow back there and $80 to tow it to the garage that it is currently at now and new transmission is going to cost about $2000. this was a very unsafe and stressful situation for me and three children, ages 9,7, and 6. thank god we didn't get in an accident and get killed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact started her vehicle and while it had power it would not accelerate or shift into reverse. the vehicle was diagnosed by a local who stated the transmission needed to be replaced. the contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. the manufacturer was notified and referred her to nhtsa to file a complaint. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 86,000. ...updated 04/25/13 *bf

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that water was entering into the transmission. while at a stop light, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the rpms increased. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who rebuilt the transmission. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 125,000.

The car was driving down the road. no warning, the car would not engage. the engine would rev but the transmission was not working. once on the side of the road, there was no forward or reverse. nothing happened prior, the car was working fine. there are many complaints on this car on the internet. ford needs to do something to remedy the problem. we are so thankful nothing worse happened, there were children in the car. *tr

Driving on highway, my 2003 ford windstar had a 100% transmission failure. the car was running, but would not go forward or reverse. i did previously report transmission issues (slipping) to ford on more than one occation. ford was unable to locate or identify an issue with my transmission. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *tt

Pulled out of parking space at work and drove to the garage entrance, stopped at the stop sign. pressed the accelerator and engine rpm just revved up, no fwd or reverse, van rolled backwards into the garage. towed it home, was told i need a new transmission. had no warning lights or codes. good thing no one was behind me!. dealership said they have no info on this, but can rebuild it for around $1,000.00. *tt

Transmission went out in our 2003 ford windstar. looks like many others have had this issue. people at auto store and auto repair shop said ford windstar is known in the industry to have transmission problems. if so, there should be a recall. *js

My transmission failed today in heavy traffic no warning, very scary. i googled for know problems only to find out i am not alone, it appears there are more than few hundred owners of 2003 wind stars with the same dangerous failures. how come this is not a recall, when you are traveling 60 mph center lane and your transmission quits no warning. it was just the blessing of god i got out of that situation without being seriously injured and i found out about it tonight for the first time. ford knows about it and has not even tried to make the public aware that this has and could happen without warning placing owners in what could be a life threatening situation. *tr

While driving on the highway my transmission failed without warning. i have researched the year and found multiple complaints regarding this particular year and transmission problems. cannot believe ford has not issued a recall - $3,400 later i am getting my van fixed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact started the ignition and shifted the gear selector into drive however, there was no response. the transmission was also nonresponsive when shifting into any selected gear. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

While driving on i94, without warning, powertrain completely failed in the middle of high speed traffic. thankfully i had the ability to maneuver the vehicle safely to the side of the highway. *js

2003 ford windstar minivan vehicle had been driven to a workplace and parked for the day. upon entering the vehicle to travel home, driver started vehicle normal and attempted to shift automatic transmission into gear to move from the parking space. the transmission would not engage into either drive (forward) or reverse (backward). vehicle was towed to a garage and then to a transmission shop. estimate to repair the transmission exceeds $2500. the transmission had shown no signs of slippage or other visible, audible and/or shifting issues. since the incident, i have done online researched and found literally hundreds of similar complaints and incidents on this vehicle model. we have also have repeated electrical problems with this van. interior lights come on and go off for no reason. interior lights blink while driving in daytime or nighttime. sometimes the rear power wing windows open...sometimes they do not. service lights come on and off including brake and abs system lights, service engine lights, and others. we are thoroughly disappointed with this vehicle. *tr

On our way to pittsburgh monday december 16, 2012 for a little outing with our 18 month old son for the day just to get away from allegany county and was traveling westbound on route 40 when all of a sudden my van is traveling in neutral and will not go in any gear. we drifted the vehicle to a side road and called upon my aunt that has aaa. sure that was not the right thing to do but hey we just bought this vehicle used on 11-4-11 and just received our actual tags on 1-3-12. were pretty low on extra cash right now to be forking out 250.00+ for a tow back to our home town. considering gettin the van back on the roads gonna be half the price of what we paid for the heap to begin with. absolutely loved the van when i first saw it at the used auto dealers. clean inside and out and had low miles for the age of the vehicle. dealer wasn't the best at taking care of the title and tag information as far as forwarding it to the mva so we could get our real tags and title to the vehicle. had to call him a few days after christmas to get him on the ball and send the required info so we could get our tags since the temporary was about to expire. he acted quickly and had them for us at his shop on the 3rd of january. now when i do a little research on 2003 windstars from previous owners at least 80% of them write the same message as what im explaining. ( traveling along the highway all of a sudden without any type of warning boom no gears at all.) i really wish i would have done some more research before i purchased this van considering way over half of them are junk. thanks for your time and hopefully action is taken upon these ford vans and something is done. thank you *tr

Driving on a busy two lane road, just came around a sharp corner when the rpms shot up and van started to coast. was not even able to get completely off the road. i was unable to move the van forward or backward after stopping. there was no warning this was going to happen and it was very scary being disabled along a busy road waiting for help to arrive. cars approaching me from both directions had to alternate turns to get around my vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated was attempting to accelerate from a traffic stop when the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where the contact determined that the transmission failed. the contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection or repairs. the failure mileage was 96,000.

Transmission doesn't turn, it's seized. *tr

While driving on the highway on a trip from chicago to north caroline, my car suddenly lost power. it was as if i just put it into neutral; i could hear the engine rev when i applied the gas but nothing else happened. luckily, i was near an exit ramp and pulled to the side of the road without incident. i tried putting the car into another gear, but there was no change. we ended up getting the car towed to a garage, where they determined it was an issue with the transmission. later, after pulling the transmission apart, they determined it was specifically the torque converter which had failed. my family and i (including 4 children and 4 dogs) had to stay in a hotel for 3 days until the car was repaired. during that time, i investigated this particular vehicle problem (via the internet) and found that it is common in windstars and freestars. there is a recall in place for the freestar but not enough complaints have been filed for the windstar yet. this needs to be rectified asap!!!! i was lucky that i was driving in conditions that allowed me to safely maneuver my car to the side of the road without causing or being involved in a accident. the safety of myself, my children and the other people on the road with me, a windstar owner, should not be put at risk because of a known torque converter defect. the windstar needs to be added to the ford recall for torqued converters immediately. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving 70 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a transmission auto center where it was inspected. the technician found that the transmission failed and would need repairs. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 77,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact's wife was driving 30 mph when the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the failure and advised the contact that there was a transmission failure. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and stated that the torque converter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired by the contact. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 47,764. the consumer stated he noticed his make, model and year vehicle was not included in the recall, with the other ford models. the consumer stated he experienced the same transmission failure as stated in the recall. recall# 12v006000. updated 03/02/12 updated 06/12/12

I have had no transmission issues with my 2003 ford windstar van. i drove home from work early this morning (3:30am.) i went to leave for an appointment at noon on the same day, and nothing. i started my van, attempted to put it in gear and nothing!! no warning, no nothing!! i have never towed with this vehicle (it doesn't even have a hitch,) the total weight of people riding in it has been 350 pounds. there has been no stress on this engine as i don't live in mountainess areas. i am a single mom of 4 little kids, receiving no child support, working pt, just able to pay the bills, and ford needs to fix this issue!! i have also had numerous other 'problems' but nothing so major the vehicle couldn't be driven (interior lights flashing, blender door actuator going out 3x in a year, rough ideal especially when cold, back door handles not working from inside, back doors so hard to open and close, i can hardly do it, back wiper worked one day then just stopped and hasn't worked since, one back window opens and closes only when it feels like it. i also just put $70 in gas in this vehicle! ugh!! *kb

Drove the van to work without incident or any imminent warning of vehicle problems. as soon as i stopped and put the van in park, i heard a loud noise and different sound coming from the engine. when getting ready to leave work for home, i started the van and proceeded to place it in reverse and the van didn't wouldn't move regardless of the transmission selector position. there was a loud whine coming from the engine compartment. *tr

on monday, november 7, 2011, my wife was heading to work. she stopped at a red light. when the traffic signal turned green, she hit the gas and the car would not move. the rpm's would go up and the engine would rev up as if it was in neutral. this was the case in all gears. this could have been potentially dangerous since traffic approaching the signal are driving at 50+ mph. luckily, a few passers by helped my wife push the van into a local parking lot. we had it towed to a transmission shop and they are now rebuilding it for about $2,000. due to the number of complaints about the transmissions on these vans, i believe this should be a recall issued by ford. i believe there should be some reimbursement for these costs i am paying for repairs. there was no indication (i.e.: knocking sounds, slipping, etc.) prior to the transmission failure. *tr

Slowed down to turn left onto side road, started up-hill went to shift and then there was nothing, coasted to side of road. no forward or reverse. seemed as though i had put van into neutral. i was over 300 miles from home, just me and my 2 yr old. towed back home to transmission garage, had to have rebuilt for approximately $2900. i have read many complaints, why is ford not recalling??? this van seems to be more trouble than it is worth. i also had the repair to the back axel done after i discovered that i had a complete crack thru it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar lx. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the engine rpms increased excessively. the vehicle was merged to the shoulder but it would not shift into any gear. the contact stated that the vehicle sat for three hours before it could be moved. a local mechanic was notified of the failure who advised that it was caused by the torque converter. the vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence and was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who provided the contact with a list of dealers in which he could take the vehicle for repairs. they offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 153,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse. the contact was stopped at a light and when attempting to accelerate, the engine rpms increased excessively but the vehicle would not accelerate. the contact tried putting the vehicle in reverse but to no avail. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 82,000.

Abs light and brake light on dash stays on majority of the time, transmission went out without warning in the driveway with no power, and there is a noticeable change at times in the cruise speed control while driving revving up the engine. had the transmission replaced as a result. there appears to be rust and crack in the axle. *tr

I was parked outside my home.i went out to my van to go pick up dinner and to my distress, the van wouldn't reverse or go forward. after some investigation from online source and auto mechanics, this is an ongoing problem with ford's transmissions. no warning of a problem.in the past weeks,my interior lights would come on while im driving. this van is a hazard. you really need to investigate this please. *tr

2003 ford windstar. consumer states problem with vehicle transmission *tgw the consumer stated water would get inside the transmission at times and the reverse gear is failing. *jb

I own a 2003 ford windstar van, we use this vehicle everyday bringing kids to school and for wife to drive to work, we had taken the van to a wedding on the 20th of august about 20 miles away. my wife drove the vehicle like always. the next day she went to take the kids out for an ice cream and for whatever reason the transmission stop working, no reverse ,forward completely not working. there was no signs of a problem ,i have never had a miss shift or a slippage. i researched this on the web and it is not an uncommon problem. i have had the transmission replaced i hope there can be a resolve to this problem. *tr

After having the 2011 rear axle and subframe recall done my transmission failed with no warning signs what's so ever . . . . shortly after spending two thousand on having the transmission rebuilt in august my brake light came on and my abs starting kicking in when i apply my breaks and when my abs light comes on my brakes are fine and my van doesn't come up on the abs recall . . . . . . ford needs to get their act together and fix these vans. *tr

Transmission failure. driving in reverse out of my driveway..no warning lights or noise...transmission stopped. car will now not move. cannot shift into drive or reverse...huge expense that we do not have the money for..very unhappy with this ford mini-van.

Traveling 65 miles an hour on i-96 eastbound , outside of the detroit area. sudden loss of all powertrain function. able to come to a complete stop on the right shoulder. engine runs fine, and will go into park.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and the tacometer began to display a high reading. the vehicle would not restart and was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the failure was due to the transmission. the dealer also stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. the manufacture was notified, but offered no assistance and stated that there were no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 46,988. updated 10/27/11*bf updated 3/27/12 *cn

When leaving my house on a trip out of town, i drove my windstar down the street to the intersection leaving my street. as i pulled out into traffic the transmission broke, disengaged and would no longer propel the windstar forward. the mechanic who towed the vehicle said the transmission was gone and he had seen countless numbers of windstars with the same problem. *tr

While driving on the highway in delaware with my family the van i suddenly loss acceleration. thank god i was able to get over to the side of the road but this has to be a safety concern. without notice lose acceleration and now no gears work. 2003 ford windstar. after searching on line there a lot of people who had the same thing happen to them. this van has been a major problem with the axle breaking while driving and that was recalled. how can this not be recalled as it almost the same result. accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph and approaching a traffic stop signal when the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine exhibited an abnormally rapid increase in engine rpms. the transmission failed to respond and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the contact planned to have the vehicle diagnosed by a certified mechanic. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated the transmission failed on the vehicle without warning. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the failure is caused by a failed torque converter. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage and current mileages were 110,000.

While driving, i felt the van was not shifting, so i went to the dealer i bought it from. they said there was nothing wrong with the transmission. the problem still existed. i took it back to dealer-again, nothing wrong with transmission but they did do a transmission tune up. when i picked it up, i drove into town. i was driving on the highway and had to stop on a red light. on green, i pressed my gas pedal but the car would not move. in a desperate effort, i shut the engine off and waited a few minutes. i was able to move again, but for only about a quarter mile to have to do the same repeatedly until i got to a safer spot. finally, i ended up leaving my van parked at a shopping center and called a cab home. this is not the only problem i have been going through with my ford windstar van. the interior lights flash on and off while i am driving, and my air conditioning doesn't work, even when i had free on put in it. i do not have the money for another car, nor do i have the money for a new transmission, along with having it put in. i live in a town where there are no buses and can only get a ride from a taxi. i don't have $10 one way for this! i need to get to work, and cannot afford to lose my job. all because of a malfunctioning vehicle that is causing same problems for many others out there. ford should be recalling these vehicles! *kb