NHTSA Complaint #11165119 — 2002 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED GARY CROSSLEY FORD AT (816) 781-4844 (LOCATED AT 8050 N CHURCH RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64158) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED 2002 FORD WINDSTAR OUTPUT SHAFT FAILED CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHICH INCREASED THE RISK OF CRASH.*JB