Automatic Transmission Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

On may 23rd 2022 I was driving on interstate 45 the speed limit through where I was driving was 75 all of a sudden with no warning no engine light on my transmission stopped working and I could not break I was able to safely get over thank goodness but there is a recall on my transmission which almost killed me that needs to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

10/16/15 bought van. 10/30/15 stop had towed home. Call dealership had towed to there place. They ran a red wire from fuse relay to inside of dashboard took over a week got it back. Not in even week later transmission start messing up told them wouldn't change gears. It went out. They didn't want to fix it file complaint with (dmv) investigator got in touch with them agreement was they will have it fix we dont pay labor, we just pay for trans and fluids. Had it towed they been had van year. 10/2016 they found trans cost 515. Paid them. Then in 11/2016 said radiator was cracked we had to pay 102. 84 another month 12/26/2016 got van. Its messed up smoking brakes burnt up. The speedometer lines under van not connect just hanging dont match up one broke at the end. The odometer not hook up. Told them then carried to inspection failed. Make a long story short they lied the trans cost 250 the guy that was working on it busted radiator busted it they didnt tell us. They responsible . The miles have been rolled back. 2 times. 10/15/2015 says 144448. Now 01/02/17 says 144208. They been had a year and the odometer disclousuer statement was signed by the lady not me are my wife. She said she didn't but did. Want give us money back and they put all the invoices in his name and dealership name like we didn't pay for anything and she still want give me a invoice for the 515 for trans. The man going to tell me put it up for sale cant they messed it up and took all our money we only get paid once a month. Want our money back.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

7/21/2011 bought van from private party. Recall completed in March of 2011 regarding back axle. On 7/13/2012 8pm, my 18yr old son, while driving home from lacrosse practice, nearly killed. Upon pulling out onto the main road, he lost all controls, no steering, no brakes and no power. He coasted and prayed it would stop. I arrived, we called aaa. Flatbed to my home driver could not believe his eyes. The engine had fallen out. 7/16/12 called Ford in mich and spoke to rep. To be towed 13 miles away to route 23 auto at our expense. Really? route23 wanted nothing to do with me (they did recall). Went back and forth then per rt23 "it will be a month until we can look at it" getting know where. 7/18-22 borrowed friend car for tournament. 8/1/12 called magarino Ford and with great concern had a flatbed that night. This tow truck driver could not believe it. Fluids raced out and double stabilized for engine sliding during transport. 8/2/12 magarino called 9am, pictures sent to Ford and awaiting reply. 8/5/12 t/c from m stating Ford refuses to buy back and sending a subframe. You mean a recalled one? magarino caught in middle I questioned whether he would put his children in this van. He softly replied, "no" what am I to do, out of work 2 years, single parent with no car to find work. 8/8/12 I questioned Ford why this van ever left rt 23 auto, according to researched paper a part was waiting on. You mean to tell me that upon this fixed axle nobody noticed the subframe was rotted from inside out causing the engine to fall out the next summer nearly killing my son! but they signed it was fine! really? now we have case # 1373091992 8/10/12 picked up van. Broke= a/c, r-window, heater engine, airbag, brake light on, runs hot steering= thumps makes noise (full fluid) skip gears, sways, barely can get up a hill. 11yr old scared to drive in it.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer states problem with vehicle transmission the consumer stated water would get inside the transmission at times and the reverse gear is failing.

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.

While driving my 2000 Ford Windstar in a grocery store parking lot, preparing to go onto a very busy road, the van made a loud bang and slammed to a stop. I was alarmed as I had my foot on the gas pedal at the time and I was going about 10 miles an hour. The jolt from the sudden stop was enough to jerk myself and my 3 children forward, it was rather shocking. If I had been going 65, or if there had been a car close behind me, and it slammed to a stop, it would have had catastrophic results. I pressed the gas to go, and nothing. The only gear that would work was reverse. I had to park it and call a tow truck, it was taken to a Ford dealer who determined the transmission needed to be replaced. The van had 115, 552 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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?.

Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on,and when I took it in to have front end alianed. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200. 00 oni can"t afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mftr about the recall that that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do,because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives?because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. And my son is disabled and has numerous dr. Appts. Miles away. But my hands are tied. The mftr. Did advise to have another recall checked out which is the speed control because it can catch fire. When I asked why,you just told me it was unsafe to drive. He advised it could catch fire just setting in the drive not running. I was not notified of either one of these recalls by mail or other wise until I called to complain about the front coil springs. How does these billion dollar companys keep getting by with negligance. There are lots of recalls on this vihicle. Please help!.

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.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 40 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. There were no warning lights prior or after the failure. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle; therefore, it was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised her that she needed to replace the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 97,000.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 45 mph when the vehicle came to a stop. The engine was still running, but when the contact tried to accelerate the vehicle would not move. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contacts mechanic did not mention anything specific that caused the failure, only that this was a common problem with that year, make and model vehicle and that it had to be replaced. The failure and current mileage was 115,000.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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 updated 05/09/11.

The transmission in my 2003 Ford Windstar. I understand this is a very common issue and should be addressed in a recall.

Spouse was driving 2002 for Windstar down 40 mph road and transmission stopped supplying power to the front wheel drive and vehicle stopped moving.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 20 mph the transmission suddenly malfunctioned in the middle of the road. The contact then pushed the vehicle to the side of the road and had it towed. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the transmission and the manufacturer informed the contact there is no recall and the vehicle has to be towed at the contact expense to the dealer. The contact stated this is a known issue with the transmission for this year make and model. The contact stated manufacturer should issue a recall. The failure mileage was 85,000. Jo.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds to make a turn and after braking, the vehicle would not accelerate forward. No warning lights illuminated on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was unable to be driven so it was towed to a dealer. They informed the contact that the input shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

I was just driving down the road and my transmission on my 2003 Ford Windstar completely went out with no warning! no drive or reverse! thankfully I was on a back road and not the hwy. The transmission will have to be replaced but I dont have the money to do so right now. In the manner that the transmission goes out without any warning, this is a huge safety risk and could cause a wreck that results in death.

2003 Ford Windstar rear axle complaint and transmission. First of all, I was left stranded when the transmission went out on christmas eve. Merry christmas to me from Ford. Ford wants $3800 to replace it. The van is only worth that. Then I find out that Ford has had many complaints and failures with the transmission. Why do I have to pay for this. I take care of and maintain my vehicles and I get this handed to me. Then the dealer tells me that the axle needs to be replaced and it might be 6 weeks before the part even comes in. They will not buy the van back because it is a 2003. I think they should. They are the ones who sold me this vehicle and now I have to deal with it. Buy the time they pay for my rental and fix the axle, it would be cheaper to buy me out and save there customer alot of stress.

Ford winstar will not stay in park.

2002 Ford Windstar. Consumer states that when the vehicle went in for inspection for a recall the consumer was informed that the axle was cracked. The consumer was informed it would be 3-4 months before the vehicle is returned to him. Prior to the axle failure, the transmission had to be replaced and the rear door would spontaneously open.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving forward. There were no prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a gear in the transmission needed to be replaced; the part had been re-engineered as it was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 72,000. The cruise control module and wheel bearings had to be replaced. Updated 05/23/11.

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.

Transmission: 1998 Ford Windstar Mini van: while trying to turn around in a driveway, I put it in reverse and there was not a reverse or drive gears ,nothing. The motor revved, but could not move. I was stranded with no warning. Had to have it towed since it would not move. After doing research online, other owners, this is a common problem with the Ford Windstar Mini van. I feel this is definitely a safety hazard. I agree with so many more consumers, why hasn't this been in a recall. It is very, very dangerous, since it just stops without any warning or problems. I realize it is too late for me since mine is in the shop already. However, I am on a limited income and probably will loose the vehicle due to no funds for the repair. If it had been on a recall, this would not have happened. This is my first Ford vehicle and more than likely, will be my last! please do your own research and you will see how common this problem has been. Thank you.

2003 Ford Windstar' transmission went out while driving on the highway without any warning. Car only has 56,000 miles on it.

The right front sub frame on my 2003 Windstar corroded causing the lower control arm to separate and wheel to pull out. Lost steering. Also axles shaft pulled from transmission and fluid ran out. Fortunately at slow speed so no accident, but what if I were on a freeway running fast?.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 10 mph the contact noticed that the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 130000.

While driving a 2000 Ford Windstar that had been regularly maintained and brought to the dealership for every checkup, the transmission decided to go out. I had parked the car and when I went to go forward, nothing happened. The car had been running great up until this point and there were no warning signs of the transmission being ready to give. I had to get the car towed to get a rebuilt transmission. I do not have the old part, but have heard it is a rather common problem among '99-'03 Windstars.

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 blowes again. ,.

Sudden failure of transmission while driving at low speed, taking left turn up a small incline in the road. Car would not move with engine power either forward or reverse. Felt like it was in neutral in all shifter drive and reverse positions. Towed to repair shop, vehicle required complete rebuilt transmission costing over $3000.

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.

I hit a small pot hole and when I got to the parking lot I was told my rear tires were side ways. My husband was able to get the car home 2/10ths of a mile. When the mechanic look at it he said the pot hole wasn't the problem. It was already cracked. He said he had repaired a number of axles on Ford. Also, my transmission began skipping at the same time this whole incident started. When we first bought the van, I was in line in the cafeteria and a gentlemen asked me if I was picked each day in a Windstar and I said yes. He informed me that Windstars are notorious for having transmission problems. I know he is right.

2002 Ford Windstar bad transmission po code 734.

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.