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.
2003 Ford Windstar transmission complaints
Page 7 of 9: complaints 161 to 190 of 225, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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. 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
I was driving my vehicle and came upon a red light. When it turned green I pressed on the gas and I heard it rev up but did not move. Was able to let it coast to the side. I called aaa and had it towed. The mechanic looked it over and said I would need new transmission. Before the incident, it never showed any signs of slippage. Still awaiting to come up with $1,300.00 to have transmission rebuilt.
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.
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.
My 2003 ford windstar keep showing system information error and ABS, brake light,od offlights stays on. This normally starts after about two to three minutes into driving.
Transmission on the ford windstar 2003 goes without warning. In the middle of driving down a major highway it decreased in speed to a stop. The engine rev. Would not go into gear. It is a big problem in these vehicles. You can find addition complaints about this and others on a website www.carcomplaints.com. I went as far as writing ford to let them know how dissatisfied and upset they expect me to pay for their malfunctioning transmissions. Please investigate. I don't think someone life should have to be sacrificed in order for ford to correct their problem and now my issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving at relative low speeds of 5 MPH, the rear suspension broke causing the wheels to collapse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle and any repairs would be at his expense. The manufacturer was also contacted and confirmed the dealers advice and offered to discount the repairs. The vehicle was left at the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The failure and current mileages were 113,000.
Recently lost vehicle mobility on my 2003 ford windstar sel (type ax4n transmission). Required new torque converter and complete transmission rebuild.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the engine began making unusual sounds and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local repairs shop where she was advised that the transmission had failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving at 50 MPH, the contact heard a noise under the vehicle. The vehicle was difficult to control so she pulled over. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a crack on the rear axle. The contact called the dealership and the dealer advised her take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were 140,780.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 30 MPH, there were unusual noises coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, it was found that the rear axle was broken in half. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the vehicle was out of warranty and would not provide any assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were approximately 72,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving at 40 MPH, the rear axle suddenly broke in half. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed the axle had rusted from the inside. The failure and current mileages were 83,000.
I bought a 2003 ford windstar new . I am the only driver 66 years old. I backed out of my driveway in jan. 2010 and could not go into reverse or forward. Towed to dealer, had to replace transmission,000 km., factory rebuilt $ 3500. Now april 2010 put 5000 km.on took in for oil change and to check on tranny, it was not shifting properly{stuttering}. Mechanic said he had to replace torque converter, found fluid in and now replacing radiator. What next????? Ford should be replacing transmissions, too many complaints. I am afraid to take it on the highway in case I loose it again. Help!
While driving in ky my transmission suddenly failed, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. There was no warning, no lights, no noises. The car simply stopped accelerating. There were no forward gears nor reverse.
Transmission failure with absolutely no warning. One second I'm pulling on to the roadway with a working transmission the next second my vehicle is sitting in the way of traffic and can not move. As I have researched this,this has happened quite often. This is very dangerous and something needs to be done.
Transmission failure 2003 ford windstar. No indication of transmission problems leading up to the event. Smooth shifting, no shudders, no hesitation on acceleration. Stopped at a traffic light-busy intersection. On acceleration, windstar moved forward into intersection, rpms increased rapidly without anymore forward movement. Ford dealership diagnostics reported transmission failure but could not be more specific than torque converter, input shaft or hydraulic fluid pump. Some ford windstars share a transmission type (ax4n/4f50n) with the ford freestar which is being investigated for a similar complaint with odi (the federal safety agency action number : pe09033). Vehicle had 95,000 miles with regular service actions. Found numerous other anecdotal evidence is more widespread than the 3 reported incidents with the federal safety agency. See http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/windstar/2003/transmission/transmission_failure.shtml. No action to repair vehicle yet. Transmission still available for investigation (for a little while longer anyway). 911 called on incident because of a dangerous traffic situation in a busy intersection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. She stated while driving at speeds of 60 MPH in clear conditions, she noticed grey smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. She was able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway without incident. She waited until the police arrived to assist. She noticed the rear driver's side wheel was collapsing inward toward the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they found the rear axle had failed. The rear axle and the entire driver's side rear wheel assembly was replaced at the owner's expense. There were no recalls on her vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 80,000. The VIN was not accepted.
Automatic transmission failure with no warning. Transmission had to be rebuilt.
Sudden lose of transmission function, driving and suddenly there is no gears just neutral, no warning, 2003 ford windstar.
Without any prior problems or warnings my 2003 ford windstar with only 66,600. Miles the transmission just quit. I parked it christmas eve and it was fine three days later I went to leave and it won't go into gear. I have also had electrical problems with the back hatch sensor. It says door is ajar and either minutes later , hours , days while I'm driving it will start beeping , lock the doors and light goes off.
Od light flashing, ABS light on, speedometer not working, odometer not working, air conditioner not working, smoke underhood, engine light on this all happened to my wife while on the interstate about 90 miles form home.
Abs light comes on intermittent. Being station in europe, it is very important to have my automobile 100% with the autobahns. My windstar is a 2003 with only 60,000 miles. It has been doing this for the past two years. Also the transmission went completely out. While driving it lost all forward gears and reverse. I had to pay to have transmission rebuilt. This happen feb 2009.
The hard shifting started about a year ago. Now with 160,000km the transmission now shudders and shifts erratic. I was told by the transmission shop it's the torque converter not working right which is caused by the a defect in the valve body. A complete remanufacture making it better than ford can will run $2500. $1800 if I remove and install it myself.
We bought a used 2003 ford windstar lx. We have had one electrical problem after another. Anti lock brake lights going on. Engine light going on. Driving down the road and all interior lights go on and stay on or the lights start flashing and flickering. Yesterday the anti lock brake lights have gone on again. Recently this has been happening several times a week. This morning we were at a stop sign waiting to pull out onto a major highway and the car would not move. My husband stepped on the gas. The engine roared but the car would not move forward nor would it move backward when put into reverse. We have had this van at the garage numerous times for these repairs. Each time being told that the problem resolved. Each time spending several hundred dollars.
We have a 2003 ford windstar, the vehicle has always had problems when we drove, sometimes it would feel like the transmission was going, well it did one day going to work, the torque converter came apart damaging the entire transmission and the vehicle has less than 65000 miles on it we begged ford for help because we think this should not have happened to a vehicle this young we have owned lots of vehicles with well over 150,000 miles on them.
We have had many different problems with our '03 ford windstar. We have had the powersteering pump replaced 3 times. We have had the transmission rebuilt because is quit working. The ABS and brake light on the dash are always on. We can not adjust the temperature of the A/C or heater. It is always cold. The rear air selector switch does not work. The dome lights flicker from time-to-time. The rear speakers work about 1/2 the time. The brakes sometimes make a growling sound when applied. The mechanics can not find the reason for the noise. The rear door indicator switch needs to be replace. When we shut the rear hatch (door) the doors will not lock because it seems that a door is still ajar.
No problems with 2003 ford windstar transmission. Vehicle has approx 88,000 miles. Vehicle running at highway speed when transmission whined and quit. Left occupants stranded. Upon online search, hundreds of issues with the make and model having issues with the same part.
We had to replace the transmission in our 2003 ford windstar in late 2006 to early 2007 and now we need to replace it again. The 2nd time the o/d light started flashing and within and hour to an hour and a half the car needed towed back to our house where it is sitting now. Another problem we have always had is an electrical problem. The overhead light comes on whenever it wants to and we lose the electric in the back passenger door whenever it wants to go. And recently the lock on that same door will continually lock over and over for about 10 times and then locks.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history