Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar - part 1

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque convertor, filter, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

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.

I was driving roughly 40mph and the engine revved up and then wouldn't accelerate. I was able to coast to a side road for safety. I tried to shift the car into gear to drive and the car didn't register the shifts. I took the car to a shop and was told it is a common problem, torque converter, in these cars. After searching online I have found that the problem is indeed common, and should be recalled.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 30 mph, the transmission failed to operate without any warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis who informed that the torque converter was faulty and required replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. There was a recall associated with the 2004 Ford Windstar model years. The NHTSA campaign id number was 12v006000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Js.

We stopped at a restaurant to have lunch. Came out to leave. Started the van and put it into reverse to leave parking place and it wouldn't move at all. Called our dealer and was told it sounded like the torque converter. That was exactly the problem. There was no warning at all. It just stopped working.

Torque converter failure with out any warning. Upon minimal research there are hundreds of other people that have had the same problem and several that have had this issue happen more then once on same vehicle. At various mileages. And the cost of repair if you dont get killed in a crash is very exspensive exceeding 1200. 00 . I have owned this van since 2009 and have had this in 3 times for recalls. Wiring,axle,subframe, the 2004 free star is a post Windstar model and there has been a recall issued on that model involving the torque converter. And wondering why the recall for the Windstar has not been enforced as of yet. It takes a death before action. What a sad state of affairs. These are dangerous vechicles and should be lawfully repurchased by Ford motor company. And removed from the nations highways. Before death not after.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, an abnormal grinding noise emitted from the vehicle and the vehicle decreased acceleration independently. The check engine warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 98,000.

Torque converter failure for the second time. First incident at 97,000 miles then again at 120,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle exhibited a sudden loss of power without warning. The vehicle would accelerate in either reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who recommended that the entire transmission be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of a recall similar to the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter) however, the contact was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.

I am the owner of a 2003 Ford Windstar and as of now there is not a recall out on this vehicle. But there is indeed a recall on the 2004 Ford freestar which has the exact same components and drivetrain. Ford has recalled 205,896 2004-2005 freestars due to the torque converter output shaft fail. The same issue is with my vehicle. . . I have had the worst service threw Ford in the follow up with this issue. I have beed inspected and many transmission mechanics verify this issue and states the following model of my van has been recalled. If this is so why hasnt my vehicle been recalled. . This is a huge issue , if my wife was driving my 3 children is this viehicle when this part failed it would have been much worse! ## VIN passed ## Ford wiindstar 2003 ##.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, the transmission failed without warning and the contact was unable to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 124,000. Updated 08/28/lj updated 09/05/2012.

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.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact's wife was driving 30 mph when the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the failure and advised the contact that there was a transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and stated that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 47,764. The consumer stated he noticed his make, model and year vehicle was not included in the recall, with the other Ford models. The consumer stated he experienced the same transmission failure as stated in the recall. Recall# 12v006000. Updated 03/02/12 updated 06/12/12.

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.

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.

We were driving on a highway in south carolina while on vacation and my van lost the driving power, the motor was running and the tachometer went higher as we tried to go, but were unable to move. We had to immediately glide off of the road and be towed to a local garage. The mechanic said that the main shaft and torque converter were defective and had to be replaced. At the cost of $1200 for repair, a rental car of $350 and a return flight to retrieve van after repairs, it was a very expensive torque converter and shaft.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that they were traveling 70 mph when the transmission failed. The contact allowed the vehicle to cruise off the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that the torque converter failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 83,727 and the current mileage was 92,200. Updated 02/22/lj updated 05/03/12.

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!.

I was driving down the road and all of a sudden I had to acceleration or reverse or anything. It was like I was out of gear. I drifted over to the side of the road and called a tow. I needed a new transmission. That was Feb. 2011 I just had the same incident happen again to me Dec. 2012- transmission needs rebuilt again! mileage is 82000 are you kidding! 2 transmissions in less than 2 years! the torque converter both times!.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the power failed and he was unable to accelerate any further. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the torque converter. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

2003 Ford Windstar transmiission problems , the torque converter broke on my van . The van came to a complete stop , this is very dangerous ,there should be e recall ,this has happened to almost everybody that owens this Ford model. Also there is a recall for rear axel . Now front and rear frame mounts. There should also be recall for electric windows do not work half the time. These vans are dangerous Ford should have to by them back.

Stopped at traffic light. When light turned green van would not move. There were not any noises, warning lights or issues to indicate a problem. Van required a tow truck. Mechanic diagnosed the problem as failure of torque converter.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle began to decelerate and would not accelerate when the pedal was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated the torque converter had to be replaced because the splines were worn. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately two years after the vehicle was repaired the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Recently lost vehicle mobility on my 2003 Ford Windstar sel (type ax4n transmission). Required new torque converter and complete transmission rebuild.

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!.

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 (NHTSA 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 NHTSA. . Read more...

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.

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.

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar. I turned the corner at a busy intersection and the transmission went out, no forward or reverse. I barely missed being hit while the van coasted to the side of the road. I have owned two previous Windstars that were a 1995 and a 1998 that I had the transmissions go out on but there was slipping and it was obvious the transmission was going. I bought another found because they are just about the only thing I can afford. There was no warning whatsoever this time. I had the vehicle towed to a transmission shop where they said the transmission was gone and the spline had been stripped off the torque converter. He said he sees this kind of thing all the time with Fords. They are rebuilding it for me for $1800. 00. This is a dangerous situation since I read on here another person with the same van had a similar experience. Ford needs to be responsible when they put out crappy transmissions that go out with no warning. What's going to happen when this situation occurs on a highway? now I know why people refer to Fords as found on road dead. . Because they will break with no warning!.

My Ford 2003 Windstar, purchased 05/01/08 w/35000 mi, began rolling backwards on inclines while stopped in drive. First time was 08/01/08 coming out of a parking lot into traffic -- sitting on incline, waiting for traffic to clear, took foot off brake to rest it on gas, and back I rolled -- twice. Notified dealer (under 12/12000 dealer used car warranty), left van that evening (fri), picked up on wed, they couldn't get it to roll or find anything because there were no codes showing up. Brought it back, and wed evening had 3 separate instances of rollback, one on a city street (hill) and 2 on driveways where I rolled back until reaching level surface and the van stopped itself. Next day, rolled backwards again out of drive at office, then stopped on level surface, then began to roll forward on its own -- my foot was nowhere near any pedals. Took back that afternoon. Service mgr drove w/me and we rolled back at an intersection. Service mgr called Ford tech line while I stood next to him. Said that the tech at Ford told him that because of govt requirements to improve mph, Ford has lowered their idle speed and what happens is that at a stop, the slower idle causes the torque converter to slow down and eventually start going backwards which will cause the vehicle to roll back while in drive, especially on inclines. The tech said that they (Ford) are getting more and more calls about this, particularly on newer vehicles. He also said that the temperature of the transmission fluid makes it worse. Could account for why my Windstar rolled back much quicker and further than the one we tried that was sitting on the dealers lot. Nothing can be done about this problem according to Ford. From what I'm seeing in these other complaints, I've been sold a lemon that I need to trade ASAP. Would like to see a recall on the Ford Windstar transmission.

Nothing leading up to event. Christmas day the torque converter went out of my 2003 Windstar no warning $900. 2 months later seals $300, and now overdrive is completely. I need a new transmission $2000. This is my 3rd Windstar and at 90,000 to 100,000 mile the transmission starts giving trouble. What is the deal? you pay big dollars for a american car and it doesn't last. Honda's in which I don't want will last for 200,000 or more. If you could help please do so. I am not a dead beat asking for help, I am a fulltime baptist pastor with a wife and 3 kids just trying to make a living. Thank you for all you can do. . . .

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.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the gear shifter could not be moved into reverse or drive. The transmission was replaced twice because the failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the contact was advised that there were no failures found within the vehicle. Several days later, the vehicle stalled without warning while the contact was attempting a turn at 5 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer advised that the failure could have been caused by the torque converter but the transmission would need to be removed in order to identify the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 144,000.

-the contact owns a 2003 Ford winstar. The contact's family member and passenger were in tehe vehicle while driving through a traffic light when the vehicle stopped moving forward, but the engine continued to operate. The vehicle was towed. The mechanic replaced the torque converter. There were no previous failures or warning light indicators. The current mileage was 44,000, and the failure mileage was 44,087.

I own 2003 Ford Windstar, serviced by the Ford dealership. At 70,000 miles while driving on the freeway, the overdrive indicator light started flashing. Within an hour the transmission failed altogether, no forward or reverse gears. The teardown revealed a failed torque converter, input shaft support bearings, and burnt out intermediate clutch pack. The vehicle is at the Ford dealership having its transaxles replaced completely as it is beyond repair. The industry standard for transaxles is a minimum of 120,000 miles between rebuilds. My research indicates this transaxles model, the Ford axod and its variants, has been the subject of a huge number of failures, which are reported to occur at approximately 70,000 miles. The failures are alternately attributed to various components, which lead me to believe that internal components which are unreliable have been used in its manufacturing.