2003 Ford Windstar: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Sep 1, 2014 · Transmission · 111,545 miles · OH

Transmission failure, van will not shift into any gear, forward, reverse, 2,1.

Filed Apr 29, 2014 · 158,000 miles · ID

I stopped at a stop sign and upon pressing the gas the van lurched forward a bit then I lost all the gears. Had to push it off the road with 4 children seated inside. It's like it's stuck in neutral, no gears at all. Had it towed and currently waiting on mechanics diagnosis. Very unsafe!! We could have been injured or worse. Something needs to be done about this!!! I see page after page about this happening to people. Same problem same model & year of windstar. Shame on ford motor company.

Filed Dec 21, 2013 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · WI

I went to put the ford in gear and it would not go into gear any gear, I see there is a lot of complaints on the matter. There should be a recall on this transmission before someone gets hurt or worse.

Filed Aug 14, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 157,632 miles · MT

I was driving home from whitefish montana which is about 20 miles from my home when the van just stopped, it kept running but would not move so I shut the van off and it wouldn't start unless it was jumped, so we jumped it all the way home. We ended up replacing the battery and the alternator the van ran good for one day and than my o/d light started flashing and the van was running really rough and would not shift our of first causing me to only go 35 MPH in a 70 MPH, not fun at all. Got it home and looked up some information on line and they told me to check the #19 fuse in the fuse box under the hood and sure enough the fuse was blown so I drove it around the block and it blew again. So we put in a 20 amp fuse and I made it home but this morning I went out to go to work and it started and it drove but than just stopped there was nothing there, I turned the ignition off and tried to restart it and nothing, no noise no nothing so I had to push the van to my house, just imagine what could of happened if I would of been in heavy traffic and my van did this. I love fords but this is ridiculous I can not afford to fix all these issues that continue to arise what next a fire under the hood. Please someone help me with this.

Filed Dec 13, 2011 · Transmission · 153,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Apr 15, 2011 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Mar 14, 2011 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH and attempting to change lanes. When the accelerator pedal was engaged there was no power response. Also, a rapid increase in the rpms occurred. The gear would not shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact suspected that the failure was related to the transmission but the mechanic had not yet confirmed the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 05/04/11 *bf updated 05/09/11

Filed Nov 4, 2010 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · AL

Premature transmission failure. 105000 miles. Fluid replaced at recommended 60k interval. No indication of transmission problems. Van was parked, started and would not go into gear.

Filed Jun 9, 2010 · Transmission · 90,138 miles · GA

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.

Filed Dec 30, 2009 · Transmission · 66,600 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Seat belts, Transmission · 50 miles · KS

Consumer complained about two. First, the transmission will not shift properly when changing gears. This condition almost caused a rear end collision. Secondly, driver's side seat belt will not latch if any type of debris got inside of the buckle opening, leaving the driver without any restraint if the vehicle got involved in an accident.