2002 Ford Windstar transmission problems

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Suspension, Transmission · 125,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2019 · Transmission · 194,000 miles · MI

While driving on x way appox. 60 MPH, noticed smoke emitting from rear of car and begin hearing a clicking sound. As I was pulling car over to side the right rear tire suddenly deflated. Tow truck was called, upon loading of vehicle on bed of truck was able to see rear axle in the middle toward passenger side had rusted thru right in the middle of a bracket ford had installed in 2011 due to a recall. Was informed that in 2015-16 ford did another recall on the bracket not being improperly installed. As showed in the attached photo there is only one bracket installed, my understanding there should be two. But even then that does not resolved the rust problem, it just holds the axle when it does break or corrode thru.

Filed Jan 8, 2019 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle felt as if it shifted into neutral. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but failed to drive. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called gary crossley ford at (816) 781-4844 (located at 8050 n church rd, kansas city, mo 64158) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. *tt consumer stated 2002 ford windstar output shaft failed causing sudden loss of engine power without any warning which increased the risk of crash.

Filed Oct 30, 2018 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, a loud noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle it was discovered that both rear wheels were angled inward inside the wheel well. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle had fractured. The cause of the failure was not determined and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced in 2012 under the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 12v193000 (power train) to prevent the failure from occurring. The local dealer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2018 · Transmission, Wheels · 82,200 miles · FL

The rear axle broke at 45mph blowing out both rear tires thankgod we wern't hurt and had no cars behind us seen recall online called ford but was told the van was not part of recall was purchased in mi new and has u design axle

Filed May 25, 2018 · Tires, Transmission · 72,000 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the tire warning indicator illuminated and smoke emerged from the rear of the vehicle. The contact called lilliston ford at (888) 397-9172 (833 n delsea dr., vineland, nj 08360) and was advised that the failure could not be repaired without a diagnosis. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2017 · Suspension, Transmission · 195,000 miles · PA

On saturday morning july 15th 2017, I was driving at 2:30 am. I had just left for my first job and crossed a set of train tracks. When I did, the rear axle snapped almost causing me to crash. After looking for the cost to replace the axle, I came upon a ford recall. When I placed my VIN in the computer it came up that my 2002 ford windstar was in fact included in the recall. I talked to someone at ford via live chat on saturday after having the vehicle towed home and they stated that the recall was outstanding and I needed to call the ford dealership. I paid again to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Now tuesday morning july 18th 2017, both the dealership and ford is saying that they cant help me and I need to take care of replacing the completely rusted rear axle. The rust causing the axle to snap was the reason for the recall in the first place. I have owned this vehicle less than 6 months and now as a single mom am left without a vehicle. I will never buy another ford again in my life and I will also discourage my friends and family from purchasing fords as well.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Seats, Transmission · 25,000 miles · TN · crash

2002 windstar recall I was driving down the road one day to find out all off all the shifters but neutral the van suddenly had stopped going we could not go in drive reverse or anything find out stuck in middle of intersection with cars coming our way this problem is still unknown

Filed Apr 4, 2016 · Transmission · 108,900 miles · MI

April 3, 2016 while in motion on busy highway (I-96), vehicle just stopped going under power and rolled to a dangerous stop. Vehicle had no drive power to wheels. Vehicle had to be towed. Examination indicates transmission issue. Vehicle does not engage any gears and made no warning sounds. Mechanic says torque converter failed and is a common problem. The federal safety agency recalled ford freestar for this issue but windstars are most effected and have not been recalled. On a highway, this is dangerous at 70 plus MPH speeds. There was a family of four in this vehicle, when it just stopped going, with engine running. Someone can be killed in a rear-end collision from this warningless and sudden power-train failure. Vehicle has 108,900 miles and has undergone other recalls.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · 356,078 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving various speeds, an abnormal odor and noise were noticed from the passenger side wheel. The vehicle moved in reverse when the gear shifter was in the drive position. The failure occurred constantly and the anti-brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was serviced for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 356,078.