Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Ford Windstar - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Sudden loss of power being transmitted from the engine to the wheels (later determined to be a failed torque converter that also destroyed the transmission).

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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!.

1998 Windstar, transmission failure, complete overhaul , $1700. 00 dollars, the van was bought for my mother, she's 81 , the van was thought to be dependable and left her on the road. Mechanic said the planetary gears were shot, new gears and torque converter, complete overhaul. The van was owned by my mother in law , bought new , when she passed away I gave it to my mother, two women drivers, over 60 years of age, so there was no abuse to the van, always taken to a mechanic for oil changes and maintenance,,,what gives. . .

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Minivan caught fire as result of transmission torque converter failure. Driving on a short excursion (about 50 miles at highway speeds) with girl scouts the driver noticed that the rear window was not clean or clear as normal. As they approached a traffic stop the transmission over-drive light started flashing. When the vehicle pulled away from the stop it was not able accelerate above 45 mph and approximately half mile from the stop the driver was alerted of fire under the vehicle by passing drivers. The minivan driver immediately pulled over to evacuate passengers and call for help. When the van was stopped and its engine turned off the fire subsided with little damage. The fire department arrived and put absorbent to dry oil dripping from under the vehicle in the area behind the front wheels. The van was towed to a dealer where it was inspected and found that the torque converter had failed. As of 8/13/08 it is there waiting for repairs. The dealer recommends replacing the transmission.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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.

Mid-summer vacation trip from west virginia to north carolina. Within a few miles of return to west virginia the transmission started to leak and eventually lost approximately 8 quarts of fluid. Major slippage started within 6 miles of home. We managed to limp to our driveway before the slippage was so bad we could not move the vehicle forward. I installed 8 quarts of fluid and drove it to repair shop -- no sign of leakage on that 15 mile trip. I subsequently drove the vehicle to a transmission repair shop, another 15 miles with no leakage. The transmission repair shop pulled the transmission, replaced the front seal and replaced the torque converter (slight groove on shaft that repairman said would cause the new seal to fail if the torque converter was not replaced). Vehicle had just under 65,000 miles on it when failure occurred. Note: the seal failure appears to be related to an overheating condition. This is made obvious by the fact that no leaks occurred during two 15-mile trips subsequent to failure and before repair was conducted. Anothe downside to this experience is that after spending $1100. 00 for the repair there is no warranty because the transmission repair shop did not disassemble and inspect the transmission, which would have been another major expense. The transmission function appears to be ok but I won't be trusting this vehicle again for long trips out of town. Given the 65,000 mile failure and internet history of low-mileage transmission failures without resolutions from Ford, this will be the last Ford I will own.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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.

: the contact stated that while driving 70 mph on the highway the torque converter seal ripped away ending up burning the transmission. The dealer indicated that there was a torn seal. Prior to this incident the overdrive symbol from the panel started to blink. This incident did not result in an accident. The contact took the vehicle to a service dealer in which a transmission flush was performed. The dealer also put an additive to the transmission seal.

: the contact stated when the vehicle was pulled into an intersection, the vehicle stopped. This happened at 32,000 miles and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. The transmission was replaced. Then at 62,000 miles the vehicle was being driven 70 mph, and the transmission stopped. The vehicle was pulled over and towed to the dealership. The dealership replaced the transmission again. The vehicle is now at the dealership because there was a grinding noise coming from under the vehicle. The diagnostic test determined the torque converter was causing the malfunctioning of the transmission. The transmission will be replaced a third time at 70,000 miles.

On 9-15-05 my wife made a round trip of 70mi. The next day there was a large pool of transmisssion fluid on the garage floor. I had my auto repair check out the sourse of the leak,looked like a front seal on the transmission, I called sunland Ford was told its was out of warranty,this van only has 42,770 mi. The torque converter caused the trans to over heat and , blow the seal, the tranmission shop said this should never happen at this mileage,the trans had been serviced at the required time ,when they pulled the pan it was full of steel shavings,I had to have it rebuilt at a cost of $ 1554 this is real hard when you are retired, I sent Ford a letter w/ repair invoice on 9-24-05 they called on a Friday about month after I sent the letter said there were no recalls for my problem, and that is the way it stands as of now ! I see on the complaint search this is not the only complaint ,for trans problems and more, they should have to stand buy their claim of "built Ford tough" sorry I bought a Ford.

Updating complaint 10116674 - mechanic informed us the planetary assembly has catastrophically failed and says this is ridiculous for such a low-mileage vehicle. He stated there must be a manufacturer's defect. He will save all ruined parts - total will be about $2,300. Will Ford have the integrity to stand behind its products? will NHTSA force a recall due to the high number of failures on these vans? the consumer still did not receive a response from Ford. There was a planetary assembly problem with the consumers 1999 Ford Windstar. At 51k miles, the planetary assembly had broken and needed to be replaced along with the transmission, torque converter, sun gear, solenoid and the reverse drum.

I purchased my car from poway Honda in February 2004. One week after driving it off the lot the check engine light came on, they claimed to fix it and it came on four more times after that. We also complained that the car was clunking into gear between 1st and 2nd gears. No one could find a problem, a couple weeks later transmission fluid was spraying out all over the back of the car, they claimed to not be able to find a leak. We literally had the car in every month since then. Poway Honda, where I purchased the vehicle, refuses to even help me anymore. Finally, a year later, the transmission started making funny noises. Perry Ford rebuilt the transmission. One week after that we had to pull over on the side of the freeway (with 5 children in the car) because it was spraying transmission fluid again and smoking, the car was towed to perry Ford. They overhauled the torque converter. Now, one week later the overdrive light is blinking indicating a transmission problem. The car sputters into gear. Also, when the car is in cruise control it doesn't slow down going down hill, the gears do not catch and it just gains more speed. I am so furious with Ford motors and sick and tired of dealing with this piece of junk that I will never by another Ford vehicle and I would advise no body else to either.

Transmission shifting problem, no leak. Had speed sensor replaced and while there had fluid flushed and changed. The day after returning home with vehicle noticed small amount of fluid on carport. Returned to dealer within 2-3 days. Was told that maybe some fluid had spilled while changing. Several days later noticed much more fluid on carport. Returned to dealer. Now they say the torque converter seal was cracked. It was not leaking at all before being serviced. This seal just mysteriously decided to leak immediately after the transmission was serviced?.

On oct 30, 2004 engine light came on toke to dealer leaking head gasket costing $459. 00 now the transmission has failed which is going to cost 2398. 00 to fix two major repairs in 2 weeks this is crap Ford so fix the problem with a recall.

At about 40,000 miles a vibration started to occur in the right front wheel between 5 & 40 mph. I took it to a Ford dealer an was told this is not uncommon and it is caused by a defective torque converter. The dealer flushed the transmission. This vibration appears to be less when the fulids are cold. This problem will continue until I have the transmission overhauled. The car now has about 43,000 miles on it.

First, the o/d light flashed. A few days later, whie driving on the higway with all my kids in the van, I saw tons of smoke coming from behind the van. I pulled off the highway and saw all the transmission fluid pouring out under the front end. I drove to an exit, called for a ride home (it took two separate drivers to come and get me and the kids!) and got the van towed. The torque converter clutch went, and then caused the transmission failure as well--at 74,000 miles. Every garage I called said that this is a bad transmission, and they replace/rebuild it all the time.

My 2001 Ford Windstar van had its transmission replaced at 47,400 miles. The reason that it failed was that the torque converter went and the transmission overheated. I spoke to the service manager and transmission technician about this and the technician said that it was a problem common to this model. I called Ford and was told that there wasn't anything that they could do for me. Transmissions should not go with less than 48. 000miles on them.

The overdrive light began flashing when driving at highway speeds. An electronic diagnostic test performed revealed the failure of the torque converter clutch and the stator. The recommended action was to replace the transmission, at a cost of $3,086. 72. A transmission shouldn't fail at 65,000 miles.

While driving 65 mph, the over drive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Black smoke poured out of the exhaust pipe . Consumer was able to pull over and drive the vehicle home by pouring a quart of the transmission fluid into transmission cooling unit and lines. Consumer had a mechanic inspect the vehicle, and mechanic determined that torque converter needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

Consumer stated that while driving and stopping at a light he had no gears, except reverse and park. Consumer had vehicle towed to the mechanic. After mechanic evaluated the vehicle consumer towed it to a transmission shop. He then called the manufacturer, and was told to contact a Ford dealer in his area. Consumer contacted a Ford dealer, and was told that they could not do anything because he did not purchase the vehicle from them or had the service done there . Transmission and torque converter had to be removed. Failure was the result of a broken sun gear. Consumer still has the part.

My 2000 Ford Windstar with (46,000 miles) recently began making a small whirring or ticking noise under the hood. Examination by the service department at a local dealer indicated that the origin of the problem was the transmission. Upon teardown of the transmission, it was discovered that the stator support bearing had "blown apart. " the dealer wished to replace the entire transmission for $3700. An independent mechanic also examined the car and found that in addition to the stator, the pump shaft, torque converter, and clutches would all need to be replaced. There was no damage to the gear train or the solenoids. It seems unbelievable that such extensive damage manifested itself in nothing more than a small ticking sound that mechanics at the dealership were at first unable to even detect. It is even more amazing and frightening that the vehicle was still drivable. There was nothing suspicious found in any previous service visits to suggest that such a failure was imminent and no dashboard warning lights of any kind. Had this vehicle failed while in transit, serious injuries may have been possible.

Transmission has always kicked forcefully and abruptly in low speed or on deceleration at low speed. There has been a transmission fluid leak(indicated by red fluid on and around the the transmission pan) but the fluid level has remained constant and at approved limits. We have mentioned this to dealers but have always been told that was normal and that if the transmission fluid level was within specifications then there was not a problem. On this date as we accelerated from a four-way stop there was an extremely forceful kick and the van lost power and forward motion and actually began to drift backward. The dealer told us we required a new torque converter, some new gears replaced, and that we would be better off having the entire transmission replaced.

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.

Purchased used 11/15/02. Upon 2nd routine oil change was advised that I had a trans. Leak pan gasket. Took the van to dealership (nemer Ford) where purchased, advised them that the van was not shifting properly in addition to the gasket needing replacement. They advised me that the gasket did need to be replaced and that I should have the transmission flushed and serviced, I agreed to this service. There was still slight shuddering when shifting, but not like it was. Upon taking it in for the 3rd routine oil change, I advised them that not only was the shuddering getting worse, but now the o/d light is flashing and the rpm's are jumping around. Also told them that when you initially start the vehicle there is a momentary grinding noise. Picked up the van and returned it for the exact same issues 19 days later. I have yet to take it back to the dealership as we are still experiencing all of the exact same issues, with the added twists of interior lights coming on when we hit bumps and turning off when we hit the next bump, when using the right hand turn signal, upon straightening out from the turn the left turn signal comes on all by itself, and last but not least there is an odor that can only be compared to raw sewer coming from under my hood, not sulfer, but sewer. To date the solenoid has been replaced, as has the torque converter, (with much resistance from the warranty company) I have a hard time believing that the Ford corporation is unaware of these problems, as I am clearly not the only consumer dealing with these issues. Thank you for your time, tiffany m. Sanchez.

Automatic transmission failure. Riding along at constant velocity it would knock like you are going over rumble strips. With a few thousand miles we took the van into the dealer reporting a "clunk" at about 10 mph. They said it was not a problem. At 40,000 miles now they say I need a new torque converter. Not knowing I had previously brought the van in we told them about the clunk and they said it was a problem. My neighbors who bought the same van from the same dealer the same day also had the transmission replaced about 1 month ago with about 39,000 miles. Her van just quit in the middle of an intersection.

Purchased new transmission for vehicle at 38500 miles due to torque converter failure that damaged transmission beyond repair. New Ford factory transmission installed in December required rebuild iin January of 2003 after only 1500 miles.

Torque converter failed with no warning. Upon failure, debris shot up into transmission. Internal damage to transmissin was so severe that we had to purchase a new transmission. Vehicle had only 38,500 miles at time of incident.

Total failure of transmission and torque converter while driving on off highway street. Vehicle was driven under normal conditions, no towing or pulling stress warranty expired. Dt.

While driving, the transmission seal separated from the transmission causing transmission fluid to leak to exhaust pipe, and the torque converter seal came off, dealer was contacted. . Consumer wants to know if her vehicle is involved in the recall 97v097000.