9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,370
Average Mileage:
102,600 miles
Total Complaints:
140 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace transmission (55 reports)
  2. Ford should recall it (38 reports)
  3. not sure (24 reports)
  4. completely rebuilt (15 reports)
  5. got rid of vehicle (8 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #140

Jun 102010

Windstar LX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Van was just bought for my wife. Had it about about a month. Going out to eat restaurant about 60 miles from home. Stopped at a red light started to take off when light turned green. Heard a BANG. Van quit moving no forward gears but reverse was fine. Got it towed home 3 hours later. Had transmission replaced $1,750 out of our pocket. Transmission shop said it was common, FORDS were infamous for this problem.

- Tonya H., Anderson, US

problem #139

May 032017

Windstar LX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 235,000 miles

2000 Ford Windstar. OD light flashing, then as I am pulling onto highway, engine roars but won't move van. As if it is in neutral. I was stuck on the busy highway at night and could not get completely off the road. Had to call police and a tow truck. Eventually I was able to get it home, which was five minutes away, by turning the van off, let it rest, and then back on. It would function for a short time and then I would have to repeat. This is a serious problem and with all the complaints and transmission failures with the same symptoms, Ford should recall these transmissions. Shame on you Ford!! I will buy Chevrolet from now on.

- jenniesdanes, Atoka, US

problem #138

Jun 102016

Windstar LX 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

I was driving the family home from a day trip. Tried to take off at a green light and heard a loud bang. Lost all gears. There was nothing leading up to it. No signs of trouble. Fluid level is still fine and color is red. Just replaced the filter and fluid 6 months ago. I have been reading about these vehicles for the last 3 days and none of it is good. I will never buy another Ford again. First and last time. I don't have the money to fix it or buy anything else. So much for family fun this summer.

- Brian G., Muncy, PA, US

problem #137

Feb 102016

Windstar LX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

I live in Germany, a government employee. While driving with my wife the transmission just stopped working out of the blue. We pull over tried all gears and nothing happened. We had to get towed and that cost a nice penny and that's in euros.

That is the third transmission that was put in. The first was by Ford because Ford could not find the problem with it. That was in 2000. Did not have it two months (by the way it was bought new as a present for my wife in 2001) it quit in again while working in Washington DC. It got replaced by Ford because it was under warranty. It was rarely used so I was surprised when it stop working after spending over $2000.00 on getting it past inspecting.

Now this after all these recalls there is no mention of transmission problems I am so pissed that it is not funny. Can somebody tell me how can we the consumer of Ford products get justice? I will not invest another $$$ in this vehicle for what something else pops up. I have had the transmission pan and oil replaced.

So does anybody have any suggestion on how do you get one of American big three auto dealers to fix it ? I guess I will have to start investing in foreign vehicle THEY HAVE A BETTER WARRANTY PLAN. AS AN AMERICAN THAT'S REALLY F*CK UP!! YOU MAKE A PRODUCT THAT YOU SPEND MORE MONEY THAN WHAT YOU PAID FOR THE CAR:

- Lorne H., New York, NY, US

problem #136

Oct 212011

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Bought this ford windstar believing is was trustworthy of getting grandkids back and forth to games that was a joke. transmission went out costed 1500.00 to replace it after about 6 months started have a jerk I'm it when drive kicked in. Then 3 months later I was on my way to pick my sick grandson from school the transmission went out again. I was driving down the road and it just stopped pulling it was like you put it in neutral luckily I was able to get it off to the side of the road. But I was stranded had to call nephew to go pick up my grandson that was sick from school then get help for my self. I love my van and I can't believe ford is not standing behind their customers and taking care of us.what would ford do if we all went to dodge they took care of their customers look at the big recall on their trucks they weren't to proud to admit they had problems with there trucks and are fixing them for their customers. I am a disabled grandmother and on a fixed income can't afford another transmission let alone buy amother viechule. Hey people at Ford do the right thing fix our vans or replace them dodge did!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Regina H., Bristol, TN, US

problem #135

Jul 142015

Windstar LX 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,250 miles

I was on my way to work this morning, in the left hand lane, and all of a sudden my van stopped (it was in drive position and I was doing 50mph right before it stopped completely). I could have been hit by other vehicles! I came close to being nailed by a few idiots who were not paying attention. I had my flashers on and the morons kept coming up behind me and blowing their horn! I mean really!

Ford needs to recall and fix the transmission problems!!!!!!! What would have happened if I was on the interstate and that happened? I would not be here right now. Thank God my children were not with me. (I am a single mom and cannot afford to pay for a new transmission.) Thankfully two Delaware state police officers pushed me to the shoulder of the road so that I would not be hit by any other vehicles. Also I am so thankful that I have AAA. I never had this problem before and I was so upset about breaking down on the middle of the road! If I had known this crap I would not have bought this van. All these complaints and still Ford does nothing!

I did have a bit of slippage previously but didn't think anything about it because it had stopped slipping. I figured it was because it hadn't been driven in about 3 to 4 months. Boy was I wrong. I should have gotten rid of it when I had the chance.

Now I don't know what I am going to do about transportation and getting to work. I am totally screwed at the moment.

Do the right thing Ford! Fix the transmission problems and other problems that are associated with these vehicles. You may be in this situation someday and then what? Someones death could be on your head because you (Ford) chose to ignore all the complaints about our problems with your vehicles! Its time to make it right for the Ford owners. We deserve to have our problems heard and taken care of free of charge. It is only right and fair because we are Ford owners. Some of us only buy Fords. If it wasn't for us Ford would not be in business. Time to recall Ford Windstar's and fix transmission problems (and other problems too)!!!

Now I know what FORD stands for. Found on road dead! That's what happened to me and probably countless others! I will not buy another Ford! I rather have a foreign car than a Ford especially when Ford is aware of the problems and chooses to ignore them.

- Diane O., Newark, DE, US

problem #134

Dec 192011

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,206 miles

Totally ridiculous!!!!! This is the second Ford Windstar I have had, the first one was recalled due to the axle issues!!!! Then get this piece of crap and with in 2 months of buying it I replaced the battery, the alt. and then the transmission went!!!! I will never EVER buy a FORD again!!!!! So after paying 2500 to fix the transmission it still runs like crap!!!!!

- tamiontario, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

problem #133

Jun 142005

Windstar LX 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

I have had this car 14 years. I had to replace the transmission 3 times already. Twice when I was alone on the way to work, once when the kids were with me. Single mom, only transportation, can't afford a new car. I have always bought American and the new cars have been Fords but this is getting ridiculous.

Three transmissions! It's time to to recall them and find out why. So much for repeat customers.

- ragusat, Bristol, CT, US

problem #132

Jun 012014

Windstar SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,457 miles

Bought my van last year in may. No problems till Sunday evening after driving it. earlier my husband tried to drive to the store and didn't make it out of the parking lot. When in gear, the van bucked forward and felt like driving over sticks or plastic grinding in the engine. In reverse, it has the same problem. WTF

- rogyvercarter, Sacramento, CA, US

problem #131

Dec 232013

Windstar LX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 168,500 miles

Bought this van in 2001 - technically used (dealer owned) and had 26k miles on it. Main transportation at the time and was making trips from Kansas City to Shreveport LA every other week for 3 months in 2002. In 2003, at 76k miles (1k miles over extended warranty bought), transmission failure. Re-manufactured transmission put in and cost $2500. In 2008, at 130k miles - transmission failure. Another transmission replacement cost, this time $3200 (supposedly new and not a re-manufactured one). Made all the proper maintenance and care for the vehicle and taking extra extreme caution to not over exert the transmission in any way. December 2013, again complete transmission failure. Seriously not fixing this vehicle again. Ford knows the issue on why these fail - 3.8L engine that gets too hot and causes damage to transmission parts inside (mainly linkage parts). It's only on the Windstar and Taurus that have 3.8L V6 front wheel drive vehicles. Vehicle is in near perfect condition to be 14 years old with normal wear and tear to be expected. Can't believe Ford won't see this as lemon defect. KBB value for this vehicle is between 2.6k and 3.5k. New transmission between 2.5k and 3k. It's just not worth it anymore - about to just start scrapping the vehicle out on parts - all other parts seem to be fine on this one.

Ford help your customers out....do the right thing.... make people stop saying F.O.R.D. (Fix or Repair Daily).

- Paul W., Blue Springs, MO, US

problem #130

Dec 272013

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,900 miles

Just replaced the alternator on my Ford Windstar the day before Thanksgiving, 2013. Last January, 2013 it was a fuel pump. Two very expensive repairs. Today driving to work, the car starts to "de-accelerate on its own and I was able to pull into a parking spot. No forward or reverse. Had to have van towed after tow truck driver eliminated broken hose and low or bad transmission fluid as possible causes. Mechanic said no broken axle either. Will have to send out to a transmission place with an estimate of probably $2500.00 to replace it. Single mom, no other means of transportation, broke and this is what I have to deal with. I only have 79,900 miles. I am the original owner, garage kept, maintained. No warning about the transmission going.Thank you Ford! Apparently with all of the complaints about failed transmissions, they are aware of the problem and will not recall to fix. I counted on keeping this vehicle for a few more years with the low mileage. Will not be looking at Fords in the future.

- totallyfedup, Downers Grove, IL, US

problem #129

Aug 312012

Windstar 3.8L Sel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

bad torque converter

Buy American not sure on FORD figure on repair daily

- robertmeadows, Hederson, KY, US

problem #128

Nov 142012

Windstar LX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,271 miles

The Ford Windstars with the 3.8 V6, were prone to many problems ............

- octtoys, Auburn, NY, US

problem #127

Feb 282013

Windstar SEL 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,001 miles

this is bullshit the transmission died to day and i was one hour away from the house i paid $200 for towing the problem is that you put it in Drive and will not go forward if you put it in reverse it will not go back does not have any noise or grinding so what kind of bull is this can any one tell me does the ford has recall on it. if they do please let me know, if they don't they should

- sabahudinky, Bowling Green, KY, US

problem #126

May 072011

Windstar LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

had to have transmission sensor replaced in early 2011. The transmission began not shifting correctly in April of 2011 and losing fluid, but fluid does not leak out of vehicle. Transmission completely stopped functioning in May of 2011. Have not had any other recalls done on vehicle because can't drive it to dealer. The vehicle has been in storage since May of 2011. The engine runs great, no rust underneath and body in good shape. Transmission went out a month after putting on new tires. Just can't afford to pay over 2000 dollars or more for transmission replacement. Ford should recall transmission along with everything else. From now on I will stick to GM or Jeep.

- Mark W., North Canton, OH, US

problem #125

Aug 242012

Windstar ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

I'm through with FORDS will try Toyota. just driving down road trans just quit pulling no sign of trouble i had transmission oil changed at 60,000 miles. along with filter oil changed every 3000 miles for motor oil and filter rotated tires every 6000 did every thang to keep up.

- robertmeadows, Hederson, KY, US

problem #124

May 272012

Windstar SEL 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

This transmission was replaced at 55,000 miles and then the torque convertor went at 118,000 miles, so far we have spent $4000 on transmission work for this vehicle. I have always been a Ford believer but now will be purchasing a Chevy or Chrysler if Ford doesn't offer some kind of benefit

- Linda Z., Kingwood, TX, US

problem #123

Jan 012012

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

This car has a whole lotta problems.

As soon as you fix one thing, another goes.

We are trying to get rid of it, but after spending so much money on it, the other person, more than likely will think it's a great car. We are so dependent on the car that it is hard to get rid of it, we hate depending on other people to give us rides, my family is big and we all have different things to do at different times, so its difficult being without a vehicle. It's a giant pain to keep spending on it though. My complaint is similar to those of the others I have read. The light work today, don't work tomorrow, sometimes, the lights don't come on at all when you open the door, then two weeks later tada! We have electrical problems, Security problems, drivetrain problems, i don't know what ISN'T wrong with it.

- marigoldilocks, Hartford, CT, mexico

problem #122

Nov 042011

Windstar 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION SINCE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT. I FOUND OUT FORD COMPANY PUTS CHEAP TRANSMISSIONS IN THEIR CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS THAT IS WHY THEY DO NOT LAST LONG. SHAME ON YOU FORD MOTORS.

- Paula C., Lenoir, NC, US

problem #121

Nov 042011

Windstar 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN ACTING UP FROM THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT, I AM ON A DISABLED INCOME AND A SINGLE PARENT, ALSO I THINK THE FORD PLACE SHOULD RECALL AND FIX IT SINCE IT HAS ACTED UP FROM THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT AND THE OD FLASHED ALL THE TIME I KEPT THIS VAN UP VERY WELL AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE OR GET THIS ONE FIXED, I SHOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT A FORD VAN. I WISHED I HAD LISTENED TO MY FRIENDS WHEN THEY TOLD ME I WOULD BE SORRY CAUSE ALL WINDSTAR VANS HAVE THE TRANSMISSIONS FALL OUT, AND I DO MEAN ALL. SAME ON THE FORD COMPANY FOR GIPPING EVERYBODY OUT OF OUR MONEY, I HOPE THEY CAN SLEEP WELL KNOWING HOW THEY CHEATED ALL OF US.. THANKS FOR LISTENING, BUT I REALLY DON;T KNOW WHAT TO DO, I ONLY GET 700 A MONTH FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTER TO LIVE OFF OF, NOW WE HAVE NO WAY TO GET AROUND OR BUY GROCERIES

- Paula C., Lenoir, NC, US

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