2003 FORD WINDSTAR Power Train Problems
112 NHTSA complaints on file
Power Train Issues in the 2003 FORD WINDSTAR
112 power train complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.
112
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Power Train Complaints
My family and I went to pull out of an entersection when the 03 Ford Windstar I purchased suddenly stopped pulling .almost getting rearended
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR, FILTER, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.
PURCHASED USED 2003 FORD WINDSTAR..IN 2005 ..WITH 30,000 MILES ..NOW HAS 107,000 MILES...AROUND TOWN DRIVING...GOT RECALLS..BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO DEALER FOR REAR AXLE FIX.INSPECTED TWICE..AFTER ......BRACKETS INSTALLED TO STABILIZE AXLE WERE INITIALLY INSTALLED TOLD IF AXLE WAS BAD , FORD WOULD REPLACE..DID NOT REPLACE. BENTELER AXLE WHOLE PROBLEM FROM START.WEAK METAL SUBJECT TO FATIGUE .BRACKETS WERE A BAND-AID.ACTUALLY MAY HAVE MADE PROBLEM WORSE.......AXLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING AST LOW SPEED..AND WHILE TURNING........
TRANSMISSION SLOW TO ENGAGE AFTER SITTING. THIS IS NOT ONLY A REPEAT PROBLEM AFTER BEING REPAIRED, BUT ALSO AFTER BEING TOTALLY REPLACED BY FORD DEALER. ABS NEVER RECALLED FOR SCDS 09S09. CONSTANTLY RESETTING AND DISENGAGING. AFTER 15 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, I HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF OR HAD ANYTHING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ( WHEN THE RPM'S WENT UP AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT PULLING) ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, NO PLACE TO GO. NEARLY CAUSING A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. WITH THE ABS PROBLEM, ANYTHING INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE, POSSIBLE ONBOARD FIRE, OR LOSS OF CONTROL, LEAVES YOU WITH A HUGE LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE.
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES WITHIN 60K MILE INTERVAL WHILE FOLLOWING THE 30K TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH. A FLASHING O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL DIE OUT OF NOWHERE AND THE PAST FEW TIMES IT HAS BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 75 MPH WITH NO WARNING, SMOKE, LIGHTS, ETC. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION START SMOKING FROM THE ENGINE BAY EVEN THOUGH THE FLUID WAS CHANGED. NOW THERE IS A MASSIVE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WHO REPORT A BAD DESIGN OF THE FORD WINDSTAR 2003 TRANSMISSION AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THE FORD FREESTAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE, BUT THE WINDSTAR WASN'T. WHY NOT? BOTH MODELS USE THE SAME TRANSMISSION. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD IS NOT WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND RECALL THE VEHICLE TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED CREST FORD FLAT ROCK (22675 GIBRALTAR RD, FLAT ROCK, MI 48134) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 138,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AT CARRIAGE FORD DEALER LOCATED IN CLARKSVILLE, INDIANA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED TRANSMISSION CASING IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: CAS-13693189. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TRANSMISSION JUST STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF NOWHERE , STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT PUT IN NUETRAL LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND START TO ROLL THE VAN WOULDNT BUDGE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND LEAKING ALOT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID . PARKED IT IN NEARBY PARKING LOT ADDED TRANNY FLUID STILL NOT DRIVABLE AND WONT MOVE IN ANY GEAR.
I WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL TO THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR, I TOOK THE VAN INTO THE DEALER AND HAD THE INSPECTION DONE AS WELL AS THE BRACKETS INSTALLED. ( 15S27). THE VAN WAS THEN PARKED FOR APPROX 5 MONTHS AFTER THE PROCEDURE WAS DONE AS I WAS GIVEN A COMPANY VEHICLE. I WAS THEN LET GO FROM MY JOB AND BEGAN TO DRIVE THE OLD TRUSTY VAN THAT WE HAVE AROUND. 2 WEEKS INTO DRIVING IT ON A REGULAR BASIS I BEGAN TO SMELL AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER. NURSED THE VAN HOME AND BEGAN TO ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. CHANGED THE WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVERS REAR AS I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. GOT IT ALL BACK TOGETHER AND FOUND OUT I STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HAD AAA TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT NOW MY...
TAKATA RECALL UNCONTROLLABLE DRIVING WITH STEERING REAR END FISHTAILING. *TR
2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS RECALL NOTICE REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER PERFORMED A VISUAL CHECK OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NOTHING WAS REPLACED. *JB
2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS RECALL NOTICE REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE AXLE. *JB
2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPAIR AXLE RECALL NOTICE UNTIL CONSUMER PAYS FOR A NEW $300 AXLE REPLACEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INSTALLED THE BRACKETS AT NO CHARGE. *JB
I WAS DRIVING AT HWY SPEED AND RPM'S WENT UP AND CAR SLOWED DOWN.STOPPED AND TRIED SHIFTING GEARS NO LUCK/MOVEMENT.HAD CAR TOWED.TRANSMISSION WIPED OUT SECOND TIME IN 14 MONTHS.FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP.
REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING,( BACKING UP IN DRIVEWAY) MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING INDICATOR BECAME TRAPPED IN THE SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR SHIFTER AREA, CAUSING THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT TO ENGAGE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR ONE WEEK AGO WITH 96000 MILES ON IT. BECAUSE I PREVIOUSLY GOT A 1995 WINDSTAR WITH AX4S TRANSMISSION, RUNNING OVER 190000 MILES WITHOUT ANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I THEN BOUGHT THE 2003 CAR WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE AND HOPE IT WOULD LAST THE SIMILAR LENGTH. THIS 2003 CAR IS WITH 4F50N TRANSMISSION. BOTH AX4S AND 4F50N TRANSMISSION ARE SIMILAR IN DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS BUT THEY PERFORM TOTALLY DIFFERENT. EVERY TIME DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF DRIVING THE 2003 CAR, THERE WERE ALWAYS A HARSH REVERSE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES. I HAD TO PUMP THE GAS TO REACH A HIGH RPM JUST TO GAIN A LITTLE REVERSE ACTION. THAT MAKES ME TEMPORARILY TO PARK THE CAR WITH THE FRONT FACING THE DRIVING LANE AT SHOPPING PLAZA. BUT I COULD STILL CARRY OUT THE REVERSE ACTION ON THE DRIVEWAY DURING THE MORNING...
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN THE COUNTRY AND HEARD NOISES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. WHEN SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING SHE STOPPED. DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE HAD SPLIT WHERE IT HAD BEEN BEEFED UP WITH BRACKETS AFTER FORD'S 10S13 RECALL. FORD IS SAYING WE HAVE TO PAY $300 TO MAKE REPAIRS ON AN ISSUE THAT APPEARS TO US TO BE A DESIGN/MANUFACTURING FLAW, FOR WHICH THERE HAS BEEN 3 RECALLS ISSUED (IF I UNDERSTAND IT CORRECTLY). I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY?
2003 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AT 87343 MILES. I HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF REPORTS ON 2003 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSIONS FAILING UNDER 70K MILES. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
AFTER LOOKING UP ALL OF THE SERVICE REPORTS ON THIS VEHICLE, I AM BEGINNING TO RECOGNIZE THAT FORD HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO. WE HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT OF SERVICE REPORTS ON OUR VEHICLE ALONE THAT OUR DEALERSHIP IS NOT REPORTING. WE HAVE PAID MORE FOR SERVICE REPAIRS THAN WE DID PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE. OUR AC/HEAT JUST CLICKS W/O WORKING, POWER WINDOWS FRONT AND REAR DO NOT WORK, POWER DOOR LOCKS, LEAKING ROOFS, LEAKING DOORS, ABS LIGHTS ON, ENGINE LIGHTS ON, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON, ENGINE SPUTTERS EVEN AFTER TWO COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED TUNE-UPS, COWL BROKEN, FRONT AND REAR AXLES SEVERELY CRACKED, SUB-FRAME CRACKED, REAR WIPER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, BRAKES NEED CONSTANT REPAIRS, ELECTRICAL SHORTS EVERYWHERE, HEAD LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS ALL NEED CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 6 TIMES IN ONE DAY BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL FAULTY, BRAKE SWITCH UNDER BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS CONSTANT REPLACEMENT, CONSTANT...
REAR AXLE RECALL WAS INSPECTED IN 2/17/2011 BY THE DEALER AND WAS NOTED NO CRACKS AND JUST PUT SOME BRACKETS. TODAY 3/23/2015 WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION TO THE SAME DEALER AND FAILED DUE TO CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE(THAT WAS ONCE RECALLED). NOW DEALER/FORD STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS ONCE MANAGED, AND NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR FURTHER ISSUES... IF AN ITEM WAS RECALLED, IT SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT COST. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS WITH FORD. THANK YOU *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A POTHOLE ON THE ROAD, WHICH WAS DRIVEN OVER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED AND WAS DETACHED FROM THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 4/15/15*CN
MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR HOME FROM CHURCH AND WHILE TURNING RIGHT ONTO OUR STREET THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, NO LONGER POWERING THE VEHICLE. SHE COASTED TO A STOP IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD WINDSTARS AND THAT HE HAS HAD TO PREMATURELY REPLACE MANY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS. WE WERE VERY LUCKY DURING THIS INCIDENT. IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A SEVERE CRASH, INJURIES OR DEATH. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS INFORMED ME THEY HAD NO RECALL ACTIONS UNDERWAY FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE, BUT TO SAVE ANY RECEIPTS IN CASE THERE WAS A FUTURE REIMBURSEMENT/RECALL EFFORT. *TR
I HAVE A 2003 WINDSTAR FORD MINI VAN. ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AGO THEY PUT A PATCH FIX ON THE REAR AXLE THAT WAS SO WHEN THE AXLE BREAKS INSTEAD OF THE WHEELS SEPARATING IT HOLDS IT TOGETHER. WELL RECENTLY I WAS ON MY WAY TO A MAJOR HIGHWAY I THOUGHT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, BUT IN ACTUALITY THE PATCH FIX BROKE AND SO DID MY AXLE. SO A BIG THANKYOU FOR ALMOST KILLING MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT, DOES FORD MOTORS CARE? NO THEY DON'T! BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID FORD IS AWARE OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND WILL NOT FIX IT AGAIN. BUT I CAN BUY ANOTHER PART FOR $800.00. IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE PATCH WAS NOT A SAFE FIX THEN WHY BOTHER AT ALL! I FEEL THIS COMPANY SHOULD PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE...
I WAS ON A 65 MPH HIGHWAY AND HAD TO STOP FOR A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUT IN 2 THEN 1 AND THEN REVERSE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AS I WAS AFRAID OF BEING AT A GREEN LIGHT AND GETTING REAR ENDED WITH THE OTHER CAR GOING AT LEAST 65 MPH. I PROCEEDED TO SHUT THE VAN OFF, TURN IT BACK ON AND PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT JERKED FORWARD, BUT I COULD TELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO CONTINUE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO GET IT TO A SAFE PLACE WHERE I FINALLY HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. I HAD MY 14 YEAR OLD...
A FEW DAYS AFTER BUYING THE VAN THE ABS LIGHT STARTED COMING ON, IT GOES ON AND OFF. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE FLASHED ON AND OFF, MY PASSENGER WINDOW NO LONGER WORKS! AND THE GEAR SHIFTER IS LOOSE AND SOMETIMES HARD TO GET INTO PARK. *TR
APRIL, NOTICED THAT CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING 100% OF TIME - NOT ENGAGING AND NOT DISENGAGING!! OPTED NOT TO USE IT ANYMORE. JULY, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON AND DIDN'T SHUT OFF WHILE IN HOME GARAGE. SHUT VAN OFF, RESTARTED IT, LIGHTS OFF. AUGUST, LIGHTS SEEM TO BE COMING ON WITH MORE FREQUENCY. DOESN'T SEEM TO BE SPEED RELATED. SEPTEMBER, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON MORE FREQUENTLY. SEEMS TO RESET (FOR SHORT TIME) AFTER SHUT VAN OFF. OCTOBER, HAD BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED. DISC ROTOR - R&R; CONTROL ARM W/ BALL JOINT - LOWER - FRONT SUSPENSION; REAR BRAKES SERVICED; BRAKE FLUID FLUSH. THOUGHT THAT WOULD HAVE "FIXED" EVERYTHING HOWEVER LESS THAN 10 DAYS LATER, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE COMING ON AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. TURN VAN OFF, TURN BACK ON - LIGHTS RESET - UNTIL NEXT TIME I DRIVE IT!! AFTER READING THROUGH, REALIZE THAT THE TWO MIGHT...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, VAN WILL NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, FORWARD, REVERSE, 2,1. *TR
BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS ARE ON, BRAKES ARE FINE, FLUID LEVEL IS FINE, BUT LIGHT IS ON. ABS NOW NOT WORKING. SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT GO ABOVE 40 MPH UNTIL DRIVEN AT LEAST 3 MILES, THIS IS ALSO CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO NOT WORK SMOOTHLY. TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING INTO OVERDRIVE, TRANSMISSION IS CLEAN AND WORKING. ALL OF THESE ISSUES BEGAN WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. *TR
WHILE DRIVING LOST ALL POWER TO TRANSMISSION. CAR WOULD START BUT NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. CODE SCANNER SHOWS NO CODES, ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT STAY LIT. MECHANIC'S GUESS IN TORQUE CONVERTER. SEEMS TO BE A TOO COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
WHEN DRIVING UP HILLS THE "OD OFF" TRANSMISSION LIGHT WILL BEGIN TO FLASH AND THOUGH I DEPRESS THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER THE LIGHT WILL NOT STOP FLASHING. ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP IS WHEN I TURN HE CAR OFF AND THEN TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON. *TR
MY TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED; I DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE A GREAT DEAL, THO THE CAR IS AGED, THE UPKEEP IS GREAT ON THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP UP WITH THE RECALLS ON THIS CAR, IS THERE A RECALL ON THE CAR'S TRANS.? *TR
WHILE IN 75MPH SPEED LIMIT UPON ENTERING INTO A 70MPH LIMIT I PUSHED CST ON CRUISE PANEL STEERING WHEEL. I NOT ONLY SLOWED BUT MY VAN CONTINUED TO SLOW WHILE HEAVIER TRAFFIC WAS SKIRTING AND TRYING NOT TO RUN ME OVER. IT WAS AT LESS THAN 40MPH I WAS ABLE TO GET ON THE EMERGENCY LANE. WOULD NOT RESPOND TO DRIVE, 1ST, 2ND, REVERSE GEARS. ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IN NEUTRAL, GOING NOWHERE, WHEN FOOT APPLIED TO ACCELERATOR. NO WARNING GIVEN; NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OR NOISE BEFOREHAND. STRANDED 400 MI FROM HOME, TOWED TO STERLING FORD DEALERSHIP IN OPELOUSAS, LA WITH VAN LEFT THERE AND NO NOTION OF WHEN FIRM DIAGNOSIS, TORQUE CONVERTER WAS THE FIRST SUGGESTION, PULLING TRANSMISSION PUMP AND MUCH MORE COSTLY WAS SECOND. WAS TOLD BY PREUS FORD THEY "THOUGHT" THERE HAD BEEN RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. DON'T KNOW. *TR
TL* 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. UPDATED 5/27/14*CN *TR
FAILED FORD SUB FRAME RECALL NOISE IN FRONT END GOING OVER BUMPS TOOK IN FOR SERVICE. I WAS TOLD FRONT SUB FRAME WAS RUSTING APART. FORD WINDSTAR HAD SUB FRAME RECALL 3 YEARS AGO LARGE BRACKETS PLACED AROUND SUB FRAME(IN MICHIGAN). CALLED FORD DEALER(IN FLORIDA WEAR VEHICLE RESIDES) AND THEY AGREED TO INSPECT AND SAID THEY THOUGHT THE OTHER DEALER MAY HAVE PLACE BRACKET AROUND A ROTTEN SUB FRAME. DEALER ALSO SAID FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SUB FRAME AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $3000.00 FOR THAT REPAIR. MY WINDSTAR HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN MICHIGAN SO IT HAS NOT BEEN IN T.HE "SALT BELT" HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE SUB FRAME WENT FROM BEING SAFE TO ITS CURRENT UNSAFE CONDITION IF THE RECALL WAS DONE PROPERLY?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND RESULTED IN THE DETACHMENT OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/22/14 MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS ABNORMALLY TILTED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/26/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED CRACKS IN THE REAR AXLE, WERE NOT VISIBLE AND RE-ENFORCEMENT REPAIRS WERE DONE, TO THE REAR AXLE AND FRONT SUBFRAME LOWER CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED, WHILE THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND WAS DRIVING. FORD WOULDN'T PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THEY STATED THEY HAD ALREADY FULL-FILLED THEIR OBLIGATIONS, WHEN THEY MADE THE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNCLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
VAN RPM NEEDLE GOES HAYWIRE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND TRIES TO STALL OUT...ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO JUMP OUT OF VEHICLE. *TR
I WENT TO PUT THE FORD IN GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR ANY GEAR, I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE MATTER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE. *TR
REAR AXLE CRACKED . FORD SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY AXLE , NOW FORD SAYS THEY RECALL IS OVER . I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW FORD CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS. *TR
MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL AND WAS REPAIRED. THE AXLE HAS CRACKED AGAIN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THAT THEY CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WERE TOLD THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AXLE THE VAN ONLY HAS 47000 MILES ON IT WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED OR REPLACED AT FORD EXPENSE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND UNOCCUPIED THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A PEDESTRIAN ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT ENDED UP BEING PINNED BETWEEN THE TWO VEHICLES. THE PEDESTRIAN SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
OUR VAN WAS FINE UNTIL IT WAS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING. WE TOOK THE VAN INTO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO WATER. AND ALSO HAD THE WATER TO THE RADIATOR COMPLETELY BYPASS THE TRANSMISSION. EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL MONTHS LATER IT WAS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING. SOMEHOW A LOT OF WATER HAD GOTTEN IN THERE. THERE'S NO WAY IT'S FROM THE RADIATOR SINCE LIKE I SAID IT BYPASSES THE TRANNY AND HAS A DIFFERENT COOLING THING?? NOW HE THINKS IT'S FROM THE A/C. SO NOW IT'S IN THE SHOP AGAIN AND I ALREADY SPENT $300 FOR A COMPLETE FLUSH. NOW I MIGHT HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN. PLUS HE'S GOING TO MAKE A SHIELD FOR THE A/C. THIS IS CRAZY. *TR
WE STOPPED AT A RESTAURANT TO HAVE LUNCH. CAME OUT TO LEAVE. STARTED THE VAN AND PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO LEAVE PARKING PLACE AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE AT ALL. CALLED OUR DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT SOUNDED LIKE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THAT WAS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. *TR
LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. MINE CONSTANTLY COME ON ALL THE TIME. EVEN WHEN I HAD MY BRAKES DONE, THEY STILL CAME ON. ALSO MY CAR LIKE TO IDLE HIGH AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOREVER. IT NEVER GOES OFF, AND I HAVE HAD WORK DONE SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT TO BE ON. NOW I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY OD LIGHT BLINKING. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, AND THE LIGHT STARTING BLINKING. ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO MAKE IT HOME. IT WAS PRETTY SCARY AND I HAVE READ MY COMPLAINTS AND KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES. I JUST HAD MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT LAST...
I WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY 40MPH AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THEN WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A SIDE ROAD FOR SAFETY. I TRIED TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO GEAR TO DRIVE AND THE CAR DIDN'T REGISTER THE SHIFTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM, TORQUE CONVERTER, IN THESE CARS. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS INDEED COMMON, AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 05/01/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAS SINCE FAILED AGAIN.
Other 2003 FORD WINDSTAR Problem Areas
Service Brakes
296 complaints
Electrical System
262 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
209 complaints
Suspension
183 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
94 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
75 complaints
Service Brakes Electric
69 complaints
Suspensionrear
48 complaints
Structurebody
45 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
36 complaints
Unknown Or Other
36 complaints
Steering
34 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
32 complaints
Structureframe And Members
32 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
27 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
25 complaints
Exterior Lighting
24 complaints
Interior Lighting
24 complaints
Air Bags
22 complaints
Engine
22 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
18 complaints
Parking Brake
18 complaints
Wheels
18 complaints
Structure
17 complaints
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
17 complaints
Structurebodydoor
16 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
15 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assembly
15 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
12 complaints
Suspensionfront
10 complaints
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
10 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
9 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
9 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
9 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
7 complaints
Traction Control System
7 complaints
Equipment
6 complaints
Visibility
6 complaints
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
6 complaints
Air Bagssidewindow
5 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
5 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
5 complaints
Seat Belts
5 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
4 complaints
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
4 complaints
Parking Brakeindicator Light
4 complaints
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
4 complaints
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
4 complaints
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
3 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
3 complaints
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
3 complaints
Visibilityglass Siderear
3 complaints
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
2 complaints
Electrical Systemwiring
2 complaints
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
2 complaints
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
2 complaints
Seatsmidrear Assembly
2 complaints
Service Brakes Air
2 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
2 complaints
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Warnings
1 complaint
Child Seat
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
1 complaint
Equipment Adaptivemobility
1 complaint
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
1 complaint
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlights
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
1 complaint
Power Trainmanual Transmission
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfront
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockinterconnecting Assemblywiring
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
1 complaint
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
1 complaint
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
1 complaint
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
1 complaint
Tirestreadbelt
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
1 complaint
Visibilitywiper
1 complaint
Wheelshub
1 complaint
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
1 complaint
Wheelsrim
1 complaint