NHTSA Complaint #10438915 — 2002 FORD WINDSTAR

THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AFTER 9:00 PM ON SUNDAY EVENING (12/4/11) WHEN I WAS BACKING THIS CAR TO A ROAD IN THE PARKING LOT OF PRINCETON ALLIANCE CHURCH, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY. I TURNED ON THE ENGINEER AND PUT THE SHIFT GEAR ON REVERSE AND IMMEDIATELY HEARD BIG NOISES OF GRINDING/SNAPPING SOUNDS. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR AND FELT THAT I HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND REALIZED THAT I DID NOT HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. A GENTLEMEN IN THE SAME PARKING LOT CAME TO ME AND SAID FROM HIS EXPERIENCE THIS WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE AND OUR FAMILY MEMBERS PUSHED THE CAR BACK TO THE PARKING POSITION AND RELIEVED THE TRAFFIC AFTER A HOLIDAY CONCERT. I AM SCARED TO THINK IF THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY. I ALSO FELT LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT. *TR