34 problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2003 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 2003 Windstar.
2003 Ford Windstar transmission completely failed at 87343 miles. I have seen thousands of reports on 2003 Ford Windstar transmissions failing under 70k miles. Transmissions should be recalled.
My spouse was driving our 2003 Ford Windstar home from church and while turning right onto our street the transmission failed, no longer powering the vehicle. She coasted to a stop in front of our home. I had the vehicle towed to a local transmission repair shop and was told by the mechanic that this is a very common problem in Ford Windstars and that he has had to prematurely replace many of these transmissions. We were very lucky during this incident. It could have easily happened on the interstate highway and caused a severe crash, injuries or death. Ford customer relations informed me they had no recall actions underway for this problem on my vehicle, but to save any receipts in case there was a future reimbursement/recall effort.
Transmission failure, van will not shift into any gear, forward, reverse, 2,1.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact reversing from a driveway, the transmission failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but the diagnosis was unclear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The contact was driving 55 mph when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the transmission had not been inspected. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.
Driving on highway, my 2003 Ford Windstar had a 100% transmission failure. The car was running, but would not go forward or reverse. I did previously report transmission issues (slipping) to Ford on more than one occation. Ford was unable to locate or identify an issue with my transmission. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
My transmission failed today in heavy traffic no warning, very scary. I googled for know problems only to find out I am not alone, it appears there are more than few hundred owners of 2003 wind stars with the same dangerous failures. How come this is not a recall, when you are traveling 60 mph center lane and your transmission quits no warning. It was just the blessing of god I got out of that situation without being seriously injured and I found out about it tonight for the first time. Ford knows about it and has not even tried to make the public aware that this has and could happen without warning placing owners in what could be a life threatening situation.
While driving on the highway my transmission failed without warning. I have researched the year and found multiple complaints regarding this particular year and transmission problems. Cannot believe Ford has not issued a recall - $3,400 later I am getting my van fixed.
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. Kmj.
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.
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.
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.
After having the 2011 rear axle and subframe recall done my transmission failed with no warning signs what's so ever . . . . Shortly after spending two thousand on having the transmission rebuilt in August my brake light came on and my abs starting kicking in when I apply my breaks and when my abs light comes on my brakes are fine and my van doesn't come up on the abs recall . . . . . . Ford needs to get their act together and fix these vans.
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.
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.
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.
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 NHTSA further investigate this potentially life threatening failure.
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.
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.
2003 Ford Windstar, low kim, traveling hwy without any warning lost acceleration, rpm's all over the place, almost crashed while attempting to coast to road side. Numerous identical reports submitted Ford ignores, transmission failure without warning. Ford must take responsibility before someone is killed. Cant imagine them putting their own family at risk by putting them on the hwy or a dirt road with this wide spread problem with the 2003 Windstar. Only after my sons shaken phone call from the 401 with the sound of traffic in the background did I start my own research and discover the exact same problem of sudden transmission failure with other persons voicing concern for their own safety and safety of their families. Fix it Ford.
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 saftey 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 NHTSA further investigate this potentially life threatening failure. This seems to be a major issue and I do think it should be addressed ASAP.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle began to decelerate extensively. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission was failing and would need replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no recalls for the automatic transmission and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Complete failure of transmission with no visible or audible warning. Transmission changed per Ford spec as well as the rest of the fluids. There is a high rate of failure of this component according to a number of independent reporting agencies via the web. The transmission in a 2003 Windstar seems to be particularly prone to very early and unacceptable failure. I am extremely thankful that the transmission failed at stop and not during operation with my wife and 4 kids in it. From other reports via independent reporting agencies, we were fortunate.
Complete transmission failure, Ford Windstar 2003, second transmission. Under 90,000 miles. . Read more...
Transmission failure from first to second gear. Van is still drivable, but it has a very noticeable jerk when shifting from first to second gear.
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.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 05/01/13 the consumer stated the transmission has since failed again.
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.
Automatic transmission failure with no warning. Transmission had to be rebuilt.
Transmission failure without any warning sign. Left on in the road with engine running, but would not move in any direction.
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 stearing 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 absolutly won't go off!!!!. Also replaces,breaks,roaters(which were totaly rusted).
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.
My wife pulled up to stop and when the light changed she had no gears from the transmission. No warning signs or sounds. We had the van toed to the nearest dealership( champion Ford) it was diagnosed as a internal transmission failure. We were told it would be 3,319. 94 to replace the transmission and flush the system. If we wanted to have the transmission taken apart to find the failure we would have to pay for the tear down and if it still had to be replaced then the replacement cost would be added. What do you do? the van only has about 75k miles on it. I authorized the replacement. Upon talking with a prior Ford mechanic (retired now) I was told that this is an ongoing problem with the Windstar transmission. After doing a little research on the web I see that it is still a problem in vans newer and with lower mileage than my own. There is a problem here Ford. Fix it!.
The transmission failed after 43,00 miles and had to be replaced. I spoke to a local aamco transmission store and they told me this was the fourth such problem with 2003 Windstar's they had seen in a month.