Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning transmission failed, causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.
1997 Ford Windstar: complete transmission failure
6 of the 192 complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 41 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Complete transmission failure cost $2,000 to repair.
Transmission failed, at the time of repair they found that the frame was broken, the van was purchased from them 6 months prior to the failure and they accused me of hitting a bump and making the frame break. I personally do not remember hitting anything in the van I drive it to an from work. If a bump small enough not to recall will break the frame would that mean the frame is defected? I personally feel that I purchased the van with a broken frame and driving it for six months in that condition could of caused my transmission to fail. I would like to get more information about this and see if there is anyway of being reimbursed of this incident. I feel the van should be considered a lemon if it was sold with a broken frame. If I hit a bump hard enough to break the frame shouldn't the airbags eject? Are they defective too? I've discussed this with charrap ford and they did reduce the price of the van repairs but have no explanation of the broken frame or the transmission. I traded in an 89 aerostar which didn't give me half the problems this 97 windstar is . I would like someone to investigate this and please contact me. Thanks! Vicki danley
Van lost power on acceleration and stopped. The front drive wheels locked-up. Dealer determined planetary gear in transmission blew. Manufacturer paid for the out of warranty (by 4 months) repairs. Note ford has history of planetary gear failing (my 91 taurus).
Transmission failed. Yh
2nd transmission failure: 1/26/99 @71,800 miles. Parked/when started, no reverse or forward gears. Repaired: multiple parts: ie ax4n, ax4s, bearing pump shaft/plate etc. Extended warrenty claim denied/ $3,500.00 out of pocket/ trans, still dysfunctional & power steering defective after last repair. Both failures occurred out of state/repaired out of state. Tomorrow I have to take van to akron oh (where last repaired) hope the transmission &steering will get me there in 1 peice!! Please help!! (don't know if trans problems related to recalled parts, this vehicle was not put into service until 10/97 & recall was 6/97. I have exausted my resources& would appreciate any help/advice/direction. Thought I had a ford warrenty, but I was sold something else, unfortunately.thank you, sincerely, linda
Service bulletins that may apply
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes P0741 or P1744 stored...
- Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park
- Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position
- Brake shift interlock
- Transaxle - AX4S - replacement application chart - windstar vehicles only
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
- Risk
- The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Recall number 97V097000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Windstar transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1997 Ford Windstar?
6 of 192 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar (3%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Windstar?
There is 1 recall and 41 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Windstar
Coil spring 26ABS 14Adaptive cruise 9Fire or smoke 8Check engine light 7Ball joint 5Engine failure 5
VIN decoder
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