2003 Ford Windstar: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 2, 2014 · Transmission · 78,500 miles · VA

While driving lost all power to transmission. Car would start but not move in any gear. Code scanner shows no codes, engine light does not stay lit. Mechanic's guess in torque converter. Seems to be a too common problem.

Filed Mar 27, 2014 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and would not accelerate when the contact depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the torque converter output shaft had failed. The torque converter was replaced by the mechanic and the defect was remedied. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 5/27/14*cn

Filed Jan 20, 2013 · Electrical · MN

The battery light comes on occasionally. When it comes on, the electrical system has reduced power. This is confirmed by the headlights dimming, wipers moving at slower speed. If I turn the ignition off and then restart, the battery light goes off and everything functions normally. If I don't turn the car off, it will die in a short time.

Filed Nov 7, 2012 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65mph, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the transmission had to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 150,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 114,089 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Transmission · 102,480 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jul 22, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 124,550 miles · NJ

Abs/brake lights are coming on constantly....losing power....front/passenger side windows will not work, lights go on and off.....

Filed Jun 11, 2011 · Transmission · 117,316 miles · ME

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 the federal safety agency further investigate this potentially life threatening failure. This seems to be a major issue and I do think it should be addressed asap.

Filed May 23, 2011 · Transmission · 101,000 miles · MO

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 the federal safety agency further investigate this potentially life threatening failure.

Filed Mar 4, 2011 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · NY

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!

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Acceleration · 97,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the when he turned off the cruise control; several warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle started to lose power, but the contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The contact found a recall campaign number 09v399000, vehicle speed control. The vehicle had not been inspected when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage and current mileages were 97000.

Filed Oct 22, 2010 · Transmission · 70,500 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar limited edition. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who replaced the torque converter and the transmission pump. Eight months later, the same failure occurred the vehicle was taken to the same dealer. The dealer replaced the torque converter and the transmission pump. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,500 and the current mileage was 90,000.