9.3
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,224.00
Average Mileage:
83,158 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints
Most common solutions:
- put in another tranny (21 reports)
- not sure (18 reports)
- replace or rebuild (5 reports)
- replaced torque converter (2 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Windstar transmission failure
2009Oct 12
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
This car was driving perfect and then all of a sudden the RPM shot up high and the car stopped accelerating. Left me stranded on the way home from work- we took it to two different car repair places and both said the tranny had to be replaced- this is absolutely crazy- with all of the problems with the tranny you would think Ford would do something about it! Absolutely the last time I will buy a ford.
2009Sep 15
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Same as everyone else here it seems, drove my van to work, when I got off work; went out to van and no reverse, drive, 1, or 2nd. This sucks. Hope its only the torque converter. I think there should be a recall on these from reading all the problems that this van has had. I HATE FORD!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 13
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 84,876 miles
Just paid off van on 09/11/09 came home from work, and wife tells me her van won't go into gear. It was late so I didn't even check it that night. The next day I went to see what was up with the tranny. The van starts and doesn't show any trouble lights at all. My moms boyfriend has a mechanics code reader and that didn't say anything either. I started calling around to friends in the auto field they said it was an internal problem and gonna have to rebuild or get a refurbished. So I'm looking for a transmission online today, and find this page. Now what are the chances that 41 people with this same van have the same problem at the same mileage. Seriously 2 F-ing days ago I paid this thing off and now, by the looks of it, its gonna cost me 2,000 to 3,500 to fix. F-that! I have had 18 vehicles in my life and the one time I take a chance on a Ford my suspicions are confirmed FORD SUCKS!!!!!!! Never again. My 2005 Chevy Malibu has 146,786 and I haven't had one problem with it. stick to Chevy or Foreign no way am I putting a single dollar into this P.O.S. van. Sorry Mike Rowe "Why Ford Why now" I say Why
2009Sep 07
Windstar LE
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
Our ford windstar had complete transmission failure just by driving in a grocery store parking lot. No gears although park worked just fine. Every gear was just like neutral. We will detail the van and hopefully sell it as soon as it's back from the shop. I do hope the next owner has better luck. I will never buy a Ford again not just by my experience but also because the people around me have numerous problems with their fords too. F.O.R.D. obviously stands for Fix Or Repair Daily. Junk pieces of crap to put it lightly. Buick here I come.
2009Aug 19
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
Bought van with 40k, at 128k, took vehicle to shop running terrible. Mechanic told me the coil was bad (it was). Told me the engine code reported intake manifold gasket was bad, would be part of coil replacement for parts removal and would get a discount if I had both repaired. I knew he was full of ****. This vehicle always ran like a top and did again after the coil repair. I took the vehicle home, fixed the coil myself and didn't touch anything related to the intake manifold. But when told I was taking the vehicle home with no repair he told me he had to "get it ready". To my surprise, after fixing coil, my transmission was suddenly making lots of noise (not there when I went to the shop, I suspected foul play), a friend owned a tranny shop, he told me the planetary gears were bad, $2500.00 to fix. I didn't have the money at the time, Dec. 22, 2008. Drove kid to school and back the rest of school year, with lots of whining noise. Then the OD light started flashing and shifting badly when on, shut it off and it would reset, shifting fine. Finally, decided to take our chances, drove twice to Maine from Ct, 250 miles one way, got off the highway 2 miles from home 2nd trip, transmission shifting badly and slipping horribly. Drove up a huge hill, pulled in driveway and is now dead, 134k. Made it home, thank God! We had our two small children with us. I've owned lots of Fords, cars and trucks, over the last 20 years and NEVER have been stranded away from home. ALL of my mechanical problems have been in my own driveway, I know its hard to believe. NONETHELESS, I still need to pay up to fix it. Two more payments and its all mine. $20,000 and its worthless, cheaper to replace the entire vehicle than fix it. I may again buy Ford, because if you think this is bad, you should hear about my NEW DODGE Pickup, 5 water pumps in one year, grinding gears in auto tranny, Dodge dealer says its "NORMAL", etc..........
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 09
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Van starts and runs but will not drive, reverse, 1 or 2
2009Aug 07
Windstar SEL 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
My Ford Windstar has been nothing but a problem since I bought it used with 30000 miles on it in 2005. It has left us starneded several times and today the transmission went out. We were driving and suddenly a bunch of smoke started coming out the back and then warning liights came on saying check transmission. I have always made sure I have kept up on the maintenance of this vehicle and am very dissapointed in this FORD product. I also have a 2005 Ford Taurus that has been a headache to own. I will never own a Ford vehicle again.
2009Jul 31
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 84,235 miles
I was 2 hours away from home and without any warning the van stop going forward I
drifted to the side of the road and tried reverse, still a no go, finally had to have it hauled away. I was on my way back from vacation with five other people an all their luggage.
Also, the driver side power window will not work as well as the power vent on the driver side.
Update from Aug 13, 2009: I first change the fluid and filter in the transmission cranked it up put the trans in drive and the reverse still nothing.
I had a unemployed Ford mechanic look it and he suggested that the torque converter could be the problem.
So, I let him tear it down(he had all the necessary tool to work with) the torque converter was the problem.
This mechanic said that ford has a lot of "problems with their torque converter failures due to the fact the metal
for the splines seamed not to have hardenend enough", for the years 1999 through 2003. For less than a third
of the cost to take it in and let some put a transmission in I was able to be back on the road in the last two days.
The next challenge will be fixing the power window on the drivers side and the rear foldout window on the same side.
M.J.
2009Jul 17
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
The van would start and then it wouldn't shift into gears. Fords are POS! I won't buy another one.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 29
Windstar SEL 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Very similar to my co-sufferers - no warning, my wife pulled out of the driveway and started down the street. 100 yards down the road, no sound, no warning, no grip - just neutral. Pushed it back to our house, had it towed, need a new tranny. Luckily, the local guy is nice, is familiar with this problem, and swears he won't use any Ford replacement parts. I bought the van 2 weeks ago from a friend in the military who has just been deployed to Korea. I can't decide if I should let them know or not!
2009May 24
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I am disabled and still owe on this van that looks GREAT just sitting in my yard. I really thing FORD should fix the tranny and "check engine" lights. With the economy the way it is and the poor quality of AMERICAN made products where are we to turn??
2007Sep 01
Windstar SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I purchased my 2003 Van in 2005 with 30,000 miles on it. At 50,100 miles the transmission went completely out and it cost $2300 to replace. Now at 81,000 miles the transmission is going out again. I have gotten behind on 2 payments and now Regional Acceptance wants to repossess the Van. Also, the electric windows have torn up twice. NEVER EVER BUY A FORD.
2009Jun 01
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,002 miles
Do I like the Windstar--Yes love it. Should the tranny be fixed by Ford and not me? You
betcha, they should pay it. Would I buy another ford-NO- neither will any of my family.
Wonder why people buy foreign cars, they fixed a car for me years ago.
This is not a good solution to "Buy American", would love to, if a warranty that was worthwhile existed.
Yes, at least I feel better now??
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 16
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
June 19 2007, transmission went out on my Ford Windstar, stranding my wife at work 50 miles away. Had the transmission rebuilt at 50,000 miles. Warranty covered 24 months or 2400 miles. cost $2300.00
May 16 2009, we were leaving for a food taste testing for my daughters wedding and I pulled out of the drive. There was a strange humming noise and when I tried to put the car in drive, it would shift but would not move, No forward, reverse nothing. Checked the mileage and I am at 79,000. Will have it towed on Monday and I am hoping that it is not the transmission, but reading all of the other complaints, it probably is.
I agree, the US car makers wonder why no one wants to by their cars. This will be one of my last ones, as soon as I get it paid off.
2009Apr 16
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
I'm a Chevy man, my girlfriend bought this piece. What a high cost to fix. The transmission just went out while driving down the road in the Windstar.
2009Apr 30
Windstar Limited 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
I have been a Ford man all my life NO MORE will not buy American the next time. I called Ford Customer Service the man was nice but, they would not help even a little bit. Total Transmission Failure at 53,000 miles for a 03 always serviced at Sarat Ford in Agawam, MA (bought it new from them) talk to Service Manager. He told me they couldn't help me “that is what the warranty was for”. The perception is American cars are junk this doesn’t help there cause. Will have to go another path from now on too bad the company is so short sighted. They will pay for there mistake, bad press spreads fast. I will tell everyone who will listen not to buy a Ford.
2009Apr 19
Windstar LS
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Sudden quit on transmission, no warning sign at all. Very expensive to fix. Ford should be responsible to the transmission failure.
2009Apr 23
Windstar V6
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
I'm another victim too! Transmission failed at 134K miles. No warning! Stranded my wife aprox. 25 miles from home. Very expensive fix! Notified Ford of the incident. Probably bought my last Ford. Should have done it earlier! Shame on Ford for selling a piece of crap that won't last!
2009Apr 14
Windstar EX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
This seems to be a problem that if it has not already happened to your Windstar, when it does, Ford should be responsible for fixing their piece of crap transmissions.
2009Mar 11
Windstar XL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
As I read other rants on this piece of junk, this is the same old story told over and over. Making right turn, then without warning the van coasts to a stop, still running, and there you sit. 82000 miles 1) heater core 2) rebuilt intake of something something 3) complete brake overhaul 4) engine light that won't stay off 5) using a qrt of oil every 750 miles and now the tranny 'thanks ford'. I can't stand when a windstar pulls up next to me at a light. I get ill.
2009Mar 10
Windstar LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
While reading other complaints about this van, I realized I could have written any of them. My van was purchased used from a dealer in 2004. It had only about 12,000 miles.
It has been in the shop for several different problems. The brakes have been done 4 or five times. I've also experienced the flickering lights and chimes going off. The rear door ajar light comes on often as well. 2 days ago, the transmission went out. Haven't had it fixed yet, don't know if we should. Looking at the cost of a Windstar transmission job, I probably won't. Won't buy another Ford, either.
2009Feb 07
Windstar Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Even before the transmission went after only 61,000 miles (it was purchased used from a Ford dealership with 16,000 already on it) I was having problems. The rear passenger door would open on it's own, the "Rear door ajar" message is on even though the back hatch is closed, the back rear window won't always open, the lights will go on or flicker by themselves, so I just keep the interior lights off. I had Ford check these out numerous times and they never find a problem. But now the trans went and the limited extended warranty is up of course. I had to pay almost $2400 dollars out of pocket. Luckily I was in a parking lot in a nice neighborhood when this happened since I had my little ones with me, the car just went into neutral and we had to push it into a space to be towed away. It appears this is a "Trait" of the Windstar, which is a shame I love my van but will not get another Ford since Ford does not stand behind their product. I will
2007Dec 01
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
The FIRST time we replaced the transmission in our 2003 Ford Winstar was in late 2006 to early 2007. We was living in the country and there was plenty of drifting snow all the time! Thats when we lost the transmission the first time and we were told that all the snow could of somehow packed up somewhere in the engine and caused the transmission to somehow fail. Ok whatever!! But since then we now live in the city limits( not because of the transmission) LOL but now our newest problem is that we just recently had our O/D light start flashing and since we never had that happen the last time the transmission failed we would of never though that would be the problem again! But guess what...we got stranded again! The van started slowing down and wouldn't go over 30 mph and then just stopped. So we pulled over and turned it off for a minute and then started it back up. It drove again for a few minutes and lost the rpms and stopped again. Eventually we had to have it towed home which was about 75 miles away and the tow driver let my husband ride with him to go pick up our other car so he could come back and pick us up. (atleast a mall was near by) LOL. So as of now we are looking for another transmission. And the only reason I am fixing it again is that I need a van to transport children for the business I own. I really don't want another car payment so it seems like the best thing to do at the moment. But I just want to thank Ford for another fine product they sent off the assembly line! LOL NEVER AGAIN!
2008Dec 11
Windstar SEL 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,244 miles
On our way Christmas shopping and stopped at stop sign... Check brake fluid lights came on, hubby took foot off brake to pull over to side and lost all go to the engine... Wouldn't go into reverse, forward, nothing.....
Towed to our mechanic, told us the filter was clogged and overfilled the tranny. Having it rebuilt to the tune of a minimum $2400.... Not impressed as this was the high end, top of line piece of crap that is only 5 years old... It was also meticulously maintained and no sign what so ever of the transmission going... No sounds, no burnt smell, nothing!!! Even worse, waiting for our new Ford F150 to be delivered... If only we could change our minds!!!! GRRRRRRR
2008Dec 01
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,500 miles
We bought this Windstar used in 2006 with 29000 miles. The vehicle has been serviced regularly. The other night wife was driving the van when it shut off on her. She coasted to the side of the road, restarted the van, however the transmission wouldn't engage. Had the vehicle towed to a local garage. Described the problem to him, he said it sounded like the planetary gears were bad. He pulled the transmission, the planetary gear was bad, due to a lack of lubrication (evidently FORD redesigned the transmission to correct this problem). Mechanic said he has rebuilt many of these transmissions all from the same problem. He said the lube tubes don't allow proper lubrication and when he rebuilt the transmission he updated the parts.
2008Nov 26
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Car driven about 53 miles that day no signs of problems what so ever. Parked in garage. 1hr later went to pull out of gagrage to sweep floor and van move about a foot, clunked, and started wining. Now wont even flinch in any gear or position and still wines. Fluid looks great. Total shock. Pulled tranny, looking for used one.
2008Jul 19
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Took the family of 5 to yellow stone park (1,500 miles away)checked all fluids. The van was running perfect no sign of any problems - then without warning we it seamed to go into neutral the trans pump blew out and left us stranded in the middle of nowhere for hours before we got it towed to two different places ( $ 1,200 just in towing plus a rental car ) Thank God we found a good trans shop( ATS the second shop) who cared and got us on the road again in just 2 days ($ 2,700 ) .I thought we had a good van but it left us in the worst possible place.I never would have taken that van that far if we had some problems with the trans but again no signs at all. The mechanic said FORD made a bunch of bad pumps out of cheap metal and he fixed a lot of them .Don't take your windstar on vacation . also we had many other weird problems with it not related to the trans. Ford needs to address this problem and take responsibility for it if they want us to buy their junk cars!
2008Jun 25
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Ok well I bought this vehicle from CarMax two years ago. For the most part, I've had no problems really until a couple of months ago. The only "problem" that I had was that the check engine light kept coming on and going off. This started right after I bought it. I took it back to CarMax and they hooked it up to the machine. They told me they didn't know why the check engine light was on because it wasn't "throwing" any codes.
At that time, they told me it was probably just the seal on the gas cap and to just ignore it. He even told me that Ford Windstar's are known for this problem. Fast forward one year to time to get it inspected. It failed the emissions test. I took it back to CarMax and again they said it wasn't anything. I waited until the next morning and when I started the van up the check engine light was off so I rushed it back to the station to get it re-inspected. Guess what? It passed!
Well, now fast forward to June 25th... My mother went to WalMart and on her way back with no warning the engine revved up and she couldn't accelerate. It was pushed to a side street and I called a tow truck. The tow truck towed it to a friend's shop. I have an extended warranty but I really had to jump hoops to get them to fix it. Finally, my warranty company said that it couldn't stay at my friend's shop and had to be towed to AAMCO. AAMCO was great and got it fixed with no problems. BTW, remember that you need to get transmission flushes every 30,000 miles.
Anyways, I went back today for my 10 day post transmission inspection. The guy went and drove it and came back and hooked the van up to the computer and guess what? It's throwing a code! It's code P1633. I was told that it was a dealer problem and I would need to take it back to a Ford Dealer. I took it back to my friend's shop and he said that he could fix it. So, yet another time in the shop. I don't know how long I'll be out of the van this time, but I'm just so frustrated. I was without the van for a whole week while they were trying to get my warranty to pay up and approve the repairs.
I think I've decided that as soon as we get the income tax refund check in January or February that I'm going to trade in the van. There really should be a recall on the transmission and about the check engine light.
2008Jun 22
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
This is terrible as I still have another 22 months left to pay on this van and the transmission
went without a warning as we were driving home from church. We turned at the light and I
stepped on the gas and nothing! We were stranded! I had to have the van towed home as I
do not have the money to have it fixed and the Dealer will not do anything as all of the 1st
and extended warranties are no longer in effect. This really makes us want to own another
Ford! I think not! I will be paying over $300 a month for a yard decoration now. I believe that
Ford Company should have a recall on these Windstars right now!
2007Nov 16
Windstar 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
On the way home from dinner, our transmission went into complete failure...no reverse or any forward gears. Had it towed to the local Ford dealer. Monday we received a call and were told $2500 for a repair with a 30 day warranty or $3300 for a brand spanking new Ford transmission with a 3 year 75,000 mile warranty. Being a total idiot I opted for the $3300 job. It's now June 2008 and the transmission is shuddering between every gear and that began about 60 days after the new transmission was installed. Brought it back to the Ford dealer and got a phone call to come up there. They found water in the transmission. The service manager told me that a new one could be ordered and would be in the next day. I just got back from the dealer as it's been 3 days since they ordered a new one. Now Ford won't cover my warranty and says now my radiator is leaking into the transmission. Monday, June 23rd they're going to do a pressure check on my radiator and I insisted they check the fluid in the transmission for Prestone. I fully expect to have to pay for a radiator now and another transmission. Ford sucks and will not stand behind their Windstars. This should have been a recall issue years ago.
2008May 31
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 87,300 miles
I was driving down the road in a wicked thunderstorm with my 4 kids to pick up my wife from a hard days work. There was no warning light, no noise, no nothing! I thought we were hydroplaning as I heard the engine racing but we were not accelerating. I left off the gas and turned the wheel slightly I could turn so I knew we were not hydroplaning. I hit the gas again and realized we were not in gear. I am really pissed. Extended Warranty expired @ 75,000 miles. Vehicle to be paid off next month. Should I sink 3,000 dollars into this or trade it in and by something else?
2008May 15
Windstar SE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I was driving down the freeway when the transmission disengaged. I never had any transmission problems. I came with warning. The fluid was full. I am looking for some advise or similar experiences.
2008May 21
Windstar SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
This van I have a feeling is on its way down hill. First the Door alarm wouldn't go off until was driving for about 1 minute which started months after coming home new, Then the alternator died 6 months ago and now the transmission. Wife was driving down the road last week (May 2008) and all of a sudden, no warning the van went into neutral. NO gears what so ever. NO warning or feeling of slipping I have seen. Re-manufactured transmission from AAMCO is about 2700. This should of been a re-call as I am finding multiple complaints of this same problem.
1920May 01
Windstar SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I have had SEVERAL problems with this piece of crap...1st interior lights go off and on...not a big problem just keep them off all the time....2nd Back windows wont operate...3rd Alternator goes out....4th side mirrors don't work......5th tail light...blinker on right side go out and now the transmission... I HATE FORD
2008May 05
Windstar V6
- Automatic transmission
- 119,000 miles
was 200 miles from home trans died had to be towed husband recently redeployed had to handle everything alone no warning just driving and bingo no forward reverse nada
ford should be held responsible mechanic said trans could not be rebuild had to buy new one from ford
2008Apr 16
Windstar Limited 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I was calmly driving down a side road, approached an intersection and made a right turn. Then without any warning, light, noise, etc., the transmission went into neutral and I had to coast to a stop on the side of the road. I had no forward or reverse gears, no leaks, transmission fluid was full and recently changed. Had the vehicle towed to a Ford Dealer, who looked at it, said I needed a new transmission. There were no outward signs of problems on the transmission, the cables and linkages were intact. No cracks or leaks visible. They are stumped, don't know what the problem could be, had it for a whole day, but never pulled it in the garage (at least I think so, because I went there and it was parked exactly where the tow truck left it.) Any way, the estimated repair/replacement cost $2195.00 for a refurbished transmission and $1100.00 in labor (which includes $300.00 for miscellaneous expenses). This vehicle was great until the warranty ran out - then all hell broke loose. This was the third major repair problem. First the Alternator blew, then the check engine light came on, $400.00 later new intake gasket for lean codes. The car is in great shape, but now it's costing $$ to maintain. Hopefully mine will only be $600.00 bucks for a converter!!!!!!! I think Ford has these cars pre-programmed to break down after the warranty expires.
2008Jan 29
Windstar SEL
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
I thought I had a great vehicle. I planned on keeping this minivan till it was lifeless.
On my way home from work, I stopped at a stop sign and it would not go again.
Just like that it quit. No loud bang, no leakage, nothing leading up to it. It just
quietly slipped out of running.
I then turned off the engine, put it in park, restarted it, checked all lights, then put it
into gear. Nothing but the rev of the engine. I tried reverse. Nothing.
So I had it towed to the shop, and started looking online for transmissions. That's
when I came across this website.
I will find out tomorrow what exactly is wrong and how much it will cost.
Any recommendations?
2007Dec 28
Windstar Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
August 17, 2007 buy from Ford Dealership. "Will be great dependable, had all service work done here". Sign papers and drive 2 blocks for lunch and have electrical problems. Take it back, and they had it more than us the first 3 weeks..... but to the transmission... 3 months of ownership and it gives no warning just backs up 2 feet and won't go backwards or forwards. Dealership says, get it here and we will look at it. Pay tow charges. Dealership says it's your transmission (duh, do ya think?). A few days later when checking on it, we are told it will cost us $600 just to tear it down and diagnose the problems. We call a transmission shop who towed it from the dealer to their business for free and replaced the torque converter for about $650. Ford and the dealer was not willing to work with us in any way. Transmission shop said they had seen this in several of these mini vans.
2008Jan 23
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
My transmission failed in a 2003 Windstar originally Oct 2007. I paid to have a new Ford 3 year factory warranty transmission installed by an independant mechanic that I have been going to for 20 years. Now four months later the 2nd transmission has failed. The mechanic sent it to the dealer to check out due to the Ford warranty. They are telling me the warranty is voided, for I have water in the upper section of the transmission. I have no idea how this could have happened and no one can give me a reasonable explanation. I am stuck, getting ready to have this 2nd transmission rebuilt and then trying to sell this vehicle, I have been a loyal Ford customer for 20 years..No more...Any comments?
2008Jan 16
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 152,000 miles
While driving down the road at 60 mph the transmission suddenly went out. I had to coast to the side of the highway where I tried putting it in every gear...none of which worked. The only gear that works is neutral, which doesn't get you very far! I dread finding out how much this is going to cost.
2007Dec 19
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
I was searching for recalls when I came upon this site and read someone that has had the SAME problem my brother in law is having now with his ford windstar. He got in the van today and got half way out of the drive way, and that was it, the transmission was gone! My brother went to take a look at it and says the transmission is shot. My brother in law does not know what he will do, he does not have the money to fix this. I am surprised there has not been a recall about it. It is just another problem added to the list of the windstar?
2007Dec 21
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,556 miles
Had the same tranny problem, reverse only, no drive gears 1 2 3, OD. Not sure what it will take to fix, but it's Christmas time.... JUST OUT of extended warranty at 100,000 miles. Only 556 miles over. Imagine that....
2007Dec 07
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
It's the same sad story--no warning, nothing, and then you put the car into gear and nothing happens except a loud whirring noise--no drive, no reverse. The transmission place could not believe the mess when they cracked it open. Basically the planetary gear pretty much "exploded" and totaled most of the other parts, torque converter, sun gear, to name a few. I will NEVER buy another Ford. Almost every car I have ever known has been a Ford, but never again. What can you say about a company where this has happened this many times to a fairly new car? Without a thought of issuing a recall? Crap! It's all crap. We pay top dollar for an American made car, trying to be good Americans...and look where it gets us? Buying new transmissions for exorbitant amounts of money. As soon as I can I am going to ditch this pile of garbage and get something more dependable.
2007May 29
(reported on)Windstar Limited 3.8 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 39,459 miles
This Ford windstar has been a piece of junk since I got it a year ago. It started when I start my car the O/D off light blinks on and off again and again. Then you hear a loud humming sound I don't know from where. This also affects your reverse lights as I found out as I almost was rear ended at a grocery store if your O/D light is blinking your reverse lights don't work! It does not go faster than 55 mph and that is forcing it I was on highway going 70 mph and the car down shifted on its own forcing me to slow down to about 55 mph. dinging and beeping from chimes is very annoying I don't even know why it's dinging for one minute after I start it. FORD WINDSTARS ARE JUNK 2003 LIMITED IN DRIVEWAY COLLECTING DUST WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES AND STILL OWE OVER $12,000 ON LOAN NEVER BUY A FORD
2006Dec 27
(reported on)Windstar SE 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My 2003 Ford Windstar is a lively nightmare.. I've replaced the tranny for about 2 grand and now its gone again... Only this time there's another problem with it... engine light on now, reading codes p0171 and p0174 system too lean.... possible vacuum leak in the intake.. engine races at about 3,000 rpm.... someone said it could be my idle control sensor doing that... not really sure... So you do the math... vacuum leak in the intake and new tranny... it really sucks... I'm about ready to drive my van into the river... bad enough I still owe about 15 grand.... Can anyone solve or give some good advice of this problem? And if no one knows what ford stands for... here it is... FOUND ON THE ROAD DEAD!!! If you have one, trade it in, shoot it, whatever... just don't purchase a Ford, it can be headache.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 16
Windstar SEL 3.8L
just bought this van it is in mint condition..beautiful and now it left me stuck ....i have muscular dystrophy and i need my van to get to the doctors i live on disability and im so in trouble....thanks ford....
Michael B.
Homestead, PA, USA
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