Problems with 2003 Ford Windstar POWER TRAIN

Van shuddered while accelerating, loud roar on driver side of van, problem persisted even after i took it into the shop, the shop claimed they were unable to find any codes for the problem. drove all day june 15 with only above listed problems, got in the van the same night only to find the car would not move. no warnings, no check engine light, van was shifted into reverse with no movement, only rising rpms. i have checked numerous online forums only to discover hundreds of people having this same problem and ford has not reimbursed anyone or done a recall, even though it is the same year model on almost every forum complaint. my van is now in the shop, there is no telling how much i am going to be charged to get my van back, i have 5 children and have to have my van. i cannot afford to go out and put a down payment on a new van of a different make. can someone please correct this problem? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate or proceed when shifted into reverse. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the contact stated that there were numerous complaints online regarding a transmission failure for his year, make and model vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the transmission failed while driving. no indicator lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the transmission did not knock or slip prior to the failure. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the failure and current mileages were 43,337.

No event leading to failure, vehicle just completely lost the ability to power the tires. transmission completely failed with no warning, engine revs, but no power to the tires to move the vehicle. sudden loss of power on the highway is a major safety concern. research indicates that this is a major issue with the ford windstar, considerably more prevalent than the current rear axle recall. respectfully request ford and nhtsa further investigate this potentially life threatening failure. *tr

2003 windstar sport traveling approx 80 mph in passing lane of i-93 expressway while using cruise control. turned off cruise control and pressed on gas with no response. no warning lights, sounds, etc to indicate anything was wrong. rpm's increased due to pressing on the gas pedal but no response from transmission. coasted to side of expressway. tried using drive, 2nd or 1st gears to get off highway but there was no transmission response at all. no breakdown lane available so we were stuck in right-hand travel lane with flashers on. we were in a place were there was nowhere to get out and be safe away from vehicle either. extremely scary and unsafe experience with two children and dog in van with me at 10pm in boston traffic!!! we are lucky to have not been hit and killed!!! had van towed back to nh and has been determined by the mechanic that transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. will be having a rebuild done for $1000. was told by mechanic that this seems to be a growing problem with these vehicles but is not a recall. one transmission place he called in manchester nh stated they are rebuilding approx 3 per week right now. i had just purchased as our other car died the day after my fiance deployed overseas with the army. i purchased this vehicle used knowing all the recalls had been done and it got a clean check from my mechanic. as i have no other alternative transportation i am now out of work until the van is fixed. this is not an acceptable situation in any regard and ford should begin taking care of this for their consumers. we are very lucky to be alive but are now in a huge financial situation with loss of work and a transmission rebuild being done. *tr

Transmission failed completely. right in the middle of driving up a hill. luckily we were far enough up that it coasted to the top. all gears failed on the trans, d/2/1/r. this is very dangerous, it could have happened while crossing an intersection or worse.. i have found that great amounts of people are having the same issue, it is almost a given now that the trans on this van will fail. ford should be made to recall this problem. cost to me for replacement is $3000.00.

We were driving on a highway in south carolina while on vacation and my van lost the driving power, the motor was running and the tachometer went higher as we tried to go, but were unable to move. we had to immediately glide off of the road and be towed to a local garage. the mechanic said that the main shaft and torque converter were defective and had to be replaced. at the cost of $1200 for repair, a rental car of $350 and a return flight to retrieve van after repairs, it was a very expensive torque converter and shaft. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph and passing another vehicle when the engine exhibited an abnormal increase in rpms and the vehicle would not shift into any gear. there was no prior warning of the failure. the vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic shop where he was awaiting diagnosis and possible repairs. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was 97,000.

2003 ford windstar, low kim, traveling hwy without any warning lost acceleration, rpm's all over the place, almost crashed while attempting to coast to road side. numerous identical reports submitted ford ignores, transmission failure without warning. ford must take responsibility before someone is killed. cant imagine them putting their own family at risk by putting them on the hwy or a dirt road with this wide spread problem with the 2003 windstar. only after my sons shaken phone call from the 401 with the sound of traffic in the background did i start my own research and discover the exact same problem of sudden transmission failure with other persons voicing concern for their own safety and safety of their families. fix it ford. *tr

No warning leading to failure, vehicle just completely lost the ability to power the tires. transmission completely failed with no warning, engine revs, but no power to the tires to move the vehicle. sudden loss of power on a very well traveled road rt 4 in auburn me had to push the vehicle across 3 lanes of traffic to get it to safety this is a major safety concern. research indicates that this is a major issue with the ford windstar, considerably more prevalent than the current rear axle recall. respectfully request ford and nhtsa further investigate this potentially life threatening failure. this seems to be a major issue and i do think it should be addressed asap. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 65 mph the vehicle started slowing down and as the accelerator was depressed the speed continued to decrease. there were no warning lights illuminated and the contact was unable to increase speed when the accelerator pedal was engaged. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer stated they would not offer any assistance. the failure mileage was 117,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle began to decelerate extensively. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission was failing and would need replacing. the manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no recalls for the automatic transmission and provided no additional assistance. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that they were traveling 70 mph when the transmission failed. the contact allowed the vehicle to cruise off the roadway. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that the torque converter failed. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 83,727 and the current mileage was 92,200. updated 02/22/12*lj updated 05/03/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph and attempting to change lanes. when the accelerator pedal was engaged there was no power response. also, a rapid increase in the rpms occurred. the gear would not shift out of the park position. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the contact suspected that the failure was related to the transmission but the mechanic had not yet confirmed the failure. the failure mileage was 130,000. updated 05/04/11 *bf updated 05/09/11

While driving my 2003 windstar at 40 mph on a busy highway during the morning rush hour it lost power. the van had to be pushed to the side of the road. the van would start but it would not engage in either drive or reverse. there was no warning to the transmission failure. aaa towed the vehicle. the mechanic has to rebuild the transmission and replace the torque converter. five days prior the vehicle was returned from the ford dealer with a new rear axle (recall, 10 weeks at the dealer). at the time of failure the van had approximately 116000 miles. the windstar will be repaired at a cost of $1849.11. i can not replace the vehicle at this time (i would like to!). ford motor company doesn't care! *tr

Like many other people, i have had problems with abs and brake lights. mine constantly come on all the time. even when i had my brakes done, they still came on. also my car like to idle high and my check engine light has been on forever. it never goes off, and i have had work done so there is no reason for it to be on. now i am having problems with my od light blinking. i was on my way home from work, and the light starting blinking. all the sudden my car wouldn't move. i had to turn the car off and then back on to make it home. it was pretty scary and i have read my complaints and know that i am not the only one with this problem. ford seriously needs to do something about these issues. i just had my transmission rebuilt last year. right now, i would not recommend a ford to anyone. i have read a lot of complaints and have seen some people had some pretty serious accidents because of these problems. when do you recall something?? after people have been hurt. crazy!! *tr

The transmission in my 2003 ford windstar. i understand this is a very common issue and should be addressed in a recall. *tr

Complete failure of transmission with no visible or audible warning. transmission changed per ford spec as well as the rest of the fluids. there is a high rate of failure of this component according to a number of independent reporting agencies via the web. the transmission in a 2003 windstar seems to be particularly prone to very early and unacceptable failure. i am extremely thankful that the transmission failed at stop and not during operation with my wife and 4 kids in it. from other reports via independent reporting agencies, we were fortunate.

I was driving down the road and all of a sudden i had to acceleration or reverse or anything. it was like i was out of gear. i drifted over to the side of the road and called a tow. i needed a new transmission. that was feb. 2011 i just had the same incident happen again to me dec. 2012- transmission needs rebuilt again! mileage is 82000 are you kidding! 2 transmissions in less than 2 years! the torque converter both times! *tr

Recently issued recall of 2004 ford co. minivans for input shaft failure, all ford windstars including 2003 models have the same issue. freestar van is nothing but a name change for the same poor unsafe vehicle. along with the many safety issues, owners should be compensated for the repairs made on substandard vehicle. including the frame issues, brakes issue, electrical and engine quality. *tr

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 20 mph the transmission suddenly malfunctioned in the middle of the road. the contact then pushed the vehicle to the side of the road and had it towed. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the transmission and the manufacturer informed the contact there is no recall and the vehicle has to be towed at the contact expense to the dealer. the contact stated this is a known issue with the transmission for this year make and model. the contact stated manufacturer should issue a recall. the failure mileage was 85,000. jo

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds to make a turn and after braking, the vehicle would not accelerate forward. no warning lights illuminated on the instrumental panel. the vehicle was unable to be driven so it was towed to a dealer. they informed the contact that the input shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 77,000. ..updated 09/29/11 *bf the consumer stated the cost to repair the vehicle was $1500.00 updated 10/05/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the power failed and he was unable to accelerate any further. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the torque converter. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

2003 ford windstar transmission problems , the torque converter broke on my van . the van came to a complete stop , this is very dangerous ,there should be e recall ,this has happened to almost everybody that owns this ford model. also there is a recall for rear axel .now front and rear frame mounts. there should also be recall for electric windows do not work half the time. these vans are dangerous ford should have to by them back. *tr

I was just driving down the road and my transmission on my 2003 ford windstar completely went out with no warning! no drive or reverse! thankfully i was on a back road and not the hwy. the transmission will have to be replaced but i don't have the money to do so right now. in the manner that the transmission goes out without any warning, this is a huge safety risk and could cause a wreck that results in death. *tr

2003 ford windstar rear axle complaint and transmission. first of all, i was left stranded when the transmission went out on christmas eve. merry christmas to me from ford. ford wants $3800 to replace it. the van is only worth that. then i find out that ford has had many complaints and failures with the transmission. why do i have to pay for this. i take care of and maintain my vehicles and i get this handed to me. then the dealer tells me that the axle needs to be replaced and it might be 6 weeks before the part even comes in. they will not buy the van back because it is a 2003. i think they should. they are the ones who sold me this vehicle and now i have to deal with it. buy the time they pay for my rental and fix the axle, it would be cheaper to buy me out and save there customer alot of stress. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures with the abs, brake light illumination, slow gear shifting and power windows and door lock failures. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that there were no recalls for the vehicle. the manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.

Transmission reverse failure. i now have no reverse. cost to rebuild is $2,200.00 from durabild transmission. i have not repaired the transmission for i do not have the cash to repair it and hoping there was a recall on this part also, since there is 5 other recalls on the 2003 ford windstar mini-van. since this is my only vehicle, i'm using it currently with no reverse. i have found over 100 other transmission complaints for this model and year located at this link... http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/windstar/2003/transmission/transmission_failure.shtml i have found on-line that transmission problems have occurred with previous windstar model years and seem to be still happening even though corrections were attempted. below is a link to wikipedia and tranny problems can be found listed under problems... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ford_windstar i currently have made a recalls appointment for this coming thurs. with a ford dealer. i believe these windstars were lemons and glad ford does not build mini-vans any more. i will never buy a ford again!!! thank you for your attention to this matter. *tr

Stopped at traffic light. when light turned green van would not move. there were not any noises, warning lights or issues to indicate a problem. van required a tow truck. mechanic diagnosed the problem as failure of torque converter. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle began to decelerate and would not accelerate when the pedal was engaged. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated the torque converter had to be replaced because the splines were worn. the vehicle was repaired. approximately two years after the vehicle was repaired the failure recurred. the vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. updated 01/02/2013*lj upadted 1/7/2013 *js

Just another day of driving down the street on the bumpy road. when i finally pass the construction area to the newly paved road to come to a stop at the light, car started to skid locked up the front wheel. whole van shack. then the abs and brake light came on. it was a life or death experience for me! now the abs and brake light lid up on the regular bases. help!! *tr

Premature transmission failure. 105000 miles. fluid replaced at recommended 60k interval. no indication of transmission problems. van was parked, started and would not go into gear. *tr

2003 ford windstar rear axle ready to break. ford says it is not part of the recall even tough our dealer documented the problem. *tr

Sit down, get a coffee, because you will be reading a book. i purchased a 2003 ford windstar, with 20,000 miles, in 2005. i've had nothing but major problems. in 12/2008 with 87,205 miles the transmission went,that was 2013.00 , then in 3-2009 check engine light, had to replace gaskets, that cost 500.00,. then in 10/15/2010 i had to bring van in for different sensors, and abs light, and emergency brake light kept coming on. that was . that was 232.00. then on 10/19/2010 brought van in to the ford dealer, because none of my gauges work, letting me know how fast i'm going, or how much gas i have. they say it is the gauge cluster, that's 500.00 alone not including labor, they inform me i have a hole in the left rear axle, and i have to leave the van there, and i may also need a new alternator, and it may takes weeks for the part to come in. that's not including other miner repairs along the way. the best part of all. i still have 6 payments left. what rights do i have? i can't believe all the major issues. they should take this van, and give me a different one. not a ford. i told you, that you were reading a book. *tr

2003 ford windstar, less than 60000 miles, transmission just died, no warning no nothing...unable to repair due to the cost of rebuilding, estimate is $2300 on a 4000 dollar van. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while traveling at any speed the contact heard a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the rear axle was cracked. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileages were 84000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 30 mph and the transmission would not respond when the accelerate pedal was engaged until after several attempts. the engine exhibited an unusual increase in rpms. the vehicle continued in operation with the repeated failure and was taken to an independent transmission specialist where they informed the contact that the clutch and torque converter would need to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the malfunction. the failure mileage was approximately 102,000. updated 5/2/11 *cn updated 05/23/11

Spouse was driving her 2003, ford windstar se, going up an on-ramp to a major high way, when the vehicle's engine revered high, slipping out of drive and the vehicle came to a stop afterwards. drive and or reverse doesn't work on the van. vehicle has all the power, but once put in drive / reverse hitting the gas, you go know where.. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving 2 mph and attempting a turn when she heard a loud, unusual pop. the vehicle then came to a complete stop without stalling. the contact had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. the contact was advised that the front axle was corroded and had fractured in two. in addition, the rear axle was also fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer to determine if repairs would be made to the vehicle. the failure and current mileage was 78,714.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer advised the contact that there was a recall for the failure under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (power train: axle assembly). the dealer later advised the contact that her vehicle was not included in the recall because of the manufacturers date. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the approximate current mileage was 115,000.

2003 ford windstar' transmission went out while driving on the highway without any warning. car only has 56,000 miles on it. *tr

The right front sub frame on my 2003 windstar corroded causing the lower control arm to separate and wheel to pull out. lost steering. also axles shaft pulled from transmission and fluid ran out. fortunately at slow speed so no accident, but what if i were on a freeway running fast? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving 10 mph the contact noticed that the vehicle would no longer accelerate. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 130000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 30 mph the vehicle began to vibrate and all of sudden he heard a noise. he noticed that the axle was cracked in half and the rear end of the vehicle was on the ground. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. the current and failure mileages were approximately 130,000. the vin was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving at 30 mph, the rear tires began abnormally tilting inward. the contact moved off the roadway and found that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the failure and the current mileage was 110,306. updated 10/13/10*bf the consumer stated he heard unusual noises coming from the vehicle and soon discovered the rear tires were tilted in at the top. he discovered the axle was 3/4 cracked through. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. updated 10/14/10*jb

2003 windstar transmission lite dash "over drive is off". i checked the fuses no.14 10 amp was blowed this also goes to the side electrochromatic mirrors that stopped working. put new fuse in. i drive 14 miles at 45mph fuse blows again., *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving approximately between 60-65 mph, the rear end of the vehicle completely collapsed. the contact was able to drive onto the emergency lane. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and to be repaired. the technician stated that the failure was related to the rear axle which caused other additional damages. the contact had not been informed by the dealer regarding the specific components that were affected as a result of the rear axle failure. the vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. the failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated he also owned a 2001 ford windstar and experienced rear axle failure. he examined the 2003 vehicle and found that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs. the failure and current mileages were 74,000.

Complete transmission failure, ford windstar 2003, second transmission. under 90,000 miles. just review some of the complaints @ this site for a start http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/windstar/2003/transmission/transmission_failure.shtml with a small internet search - you can find these the failure @ highspeed ramant with 2003 ford windstar - this is an emergency situation. *tr

Transmission failure from first to second gear. van is still drivable, but it has a very noticeable jerk when shifting from first to second gear. *tr