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.
2003 Ford Windstar transmission complaints
Page 5 of 9: complaints 101 to 130 of 225, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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 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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle transmission was defective and when attempting to switch gears, the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who rebuilt the transmission yet two years later, the transmission failed again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 162,000.
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.
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.,
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.
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.
I'm the owner of a 2003 ford windstar. I had my transmission fail while in the middle of driving.the van drifted to the side of the road,the steering was locked,the lights blinked,my od n blinker flashed off n on.my drivers side window won't go down. Also my ABS light absolutely won't go off!!!!.also replaces,brakes, rotors(which were totally rusted).
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