9.2
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,189.00
Average Mileage:
96,800 miles
Total Complaints:
135 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (40 reports)
- replace or rebuild (40 reports)
- put in another tranny (36 reports)
- rebuild transmission (13 reports)
- replaced torque converter (3 reports)
- need the torque convertor replaced (1 reports)
2012May 03
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
My Wife was driving from Kissimmee, Florida to Providence RI. she lost all the forward motion and the Engine was still running on middle of the Highway 95 North at Delaware state which cost as a plane ticket for her and her Sister to return to Florida and I am still looking to found a used transmission for the car because I can not afford a Dealer price to repair it I believe Ford should take look in to this to fix the problem. this is a simple bull crap
2012Apr 26
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Whoever came up with the idea for the Ford Windstar should be forced to drive and depend on one. OMG - just driving along yesterday and all of the sudden - no more forward motion. It just coasted to a stop in the middle of the road with the engine still running! No warning, no previous transmission issues, nothing. It was just like being put in neutral. Of course there are no recalls on it. All kinds of recalls for stupid stuff, but not for transmission !!!!!! SERIOUSLY...COME ON, FORD !
2012Mar 08
Windstar V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,331 miles
with out a warning the transmission pump went out on my 2003 ford windstar.I got off work @ 430pm 3/7/2012 park went in the house came back out about 830pm move the van in the back yard.Got up ready to go to work3/8/2012 430am put the van inreverse the damn thing would not move.I turned it off and turned it back on trying to move forward or backwards nothing work i start to have a out of body experience cuss like a crazy person putting cuss words together (IAM USUALLY CALM)had to find myself away to work yes late.came home look at the van there was no leaks nosmelling of anything burning.called a tow truck was told had to pay up front i would get reimbursed becauseof the road service ihad.once the pieces of sh*t got to the auto shop the cost would be 1200 dollars,transmission pump went out called Ford motors headquaters explain the situation at hand i was told that unforunately there was nothing they could do even with the complaint over 161 what can i do (frist i need to apologize to my neighors) then to myself for purchasing a FORD WINDSTAR IT'S A PIECE OF SH*T NEVER WILL I PURCHASE ANY FORD PRODUCT AGAIN FORD CAN KISS MY !!!!!!!!!!
2012Mar 12
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
After reaching a stop light in the middle of 4 lane traffic, the van would not move. The engine was running and had been running for about 75 miles that day without any problem, then nothing!!! Would not move at all and cars whizzing by me on both sides and afraid to even get out of the van. Police had to come and stop traffic and help push me off to the side and then wait for a tow truck for two hours to come get me to safety. We haven't gotten an estimate on it. Frightening enough to be stalled in traffic, but more frightened to see what it will cost to repair it. Ford should do better to people who have patronized them for many years, because they will loose loyal customers quickly. Be careful what you buy.
2012Mar 09
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
Making U turn to get on Highway it stopped in the middle of turn able to to go straight into smaller street blocking Driveway, think what would happen if I am on highway. Ford good company but their transmission supplier sucks.
2012Feb 10
Windstar LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
with no warning at all the transmission went out!!! I was driving and all of a sudden the car stopped driving, it won't move in any gear!!!!
2009Sep 19
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 119,100 miles
my wife was coming home for work and the transmission gave out it rolled all the way to the front of my house luckily I was outside with my brother in-law we checked it out I had to tow it to the transmission shop one thousand four hundred dollars only had 112000 miles on it.
2011Jun 15
Windstar SE 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,234 miles
wish i knew what the problem was haven't had the money to fix it paid 6000.00 for something to just break down and me and my wife have 5 kids
2011Oct 02
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
I was going to take my grandchildren out for lunch. My car wieked fine when I backed out of my driveway, but when I got to the end of my street, approximately five hundred feet, I went to pull out on the highway and all my car would do was rev the engine. I couldn't go anywhere because the transmission went out that fast. I had to disappoint my grandchildren because the transmission failed. My interior lights also blink off and on while I am driving. A law suit should be brought against Ford Motor Company for not fixing these transmissions.
2011Dec 22
Windstar SE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 152,000 miles
Just as so many others have described, my transmission went out today on a busy expressway with no warning. I was going 60 miles/hr and went to accelerate; nothing. I was able to coast to a busy exit ramp and managed to pull off the side of the road, but it was a very unsafe position to be in while waiting for my husband to pick me up. The van won't go forward or reverse in any gear. Had the van towed to a mechanic, and waiting to hear what the cost to repair will be.
We bought the van in 2004 and since then have replaced the AC 3 times which completely turned my husband off from ever buying a Ford again. I defended Ford figuring it was just a fluke but with the tranny issue today and since reading all the posts here I have to agree with him; no more Fords! We've had other "minor" complaints; the power locks and side mirrors quit, the interior lights flash on randomly, things like that but the transmission is the final straw! Wish we could afford to buy another vehicle but that isn't an option right now. I will be calling the numbers listed in # 94 though.
2011Aug 29
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
I was faced with a choice of buying a foreign or domestic van. In my attempt to show patriotism, I opted for a domestic van - Ford Windstar. I just bought the van last December fwith some savings that took almost two years to make. I was on a busy highway going to assist with my husband with moving from one city to another when all of a sudden, I felt the van slowing down. I quickly veered to the right lane and onto the shoulder. Luckly for me, I managed to straighten the wheels onto the shoulder before the van made a complete stop. My heart almost jumped out of my stomach, as scare consumed me entirely. I quickly called my husband, who drove the U-haul from where we were moving from to where the van broke down - a distance of about 12 miles. Needless to say that the U-haul truck was already half-full. My husband drove me to the nearest auto mechanic that we could find along the highway. As I write this, the van is still with the mechanic because I have not been able to come up with the estimated amount of $2,500 plus to fix the transmission.
My question here is, is Ford Motor Corporation aware of a vehicle that has given many people some grief or pain? If so, what is FMCdoing about the problem? My husband and I would like to help the domestic economy grow, but if a company such as FMC is ignoring an important, painful problem, as described above, where is the motivation to show patriotism?
Humble Citizen
NicoleMinnesota
2011Aug 24
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
piece of crap. ford should do a recall but they wont it would cost them $$$$$. I used to buy nothing but ford no more trying dodge or chevy like other people here the tranny just quit 4 times had it rebuilt or replaced first 3 times no cost to me 4th time 16 hundred gonna get me one of those stickers that says p%#s on ford
2011Jul 30
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 54,500 miles
I am pretty much broke and my van is in the shop. I am getting a loan to fix it and the payment on that loan will be too high to afford. My husband is in the military and is stationed elsewhere while our youngest two finish HS here and we pay for 2 households for now....no money for repairs. We expected a vehicle with this low of miles to either covered under warranty for major things or to last at least 100,000 miles! My husband said I will have to buy less groceries because there is no place else in our budget to cut back. This is really depressing and I'm really mad that Ford won't take care of this!
My 03 Windstar worked great until suddenly the transmission started to slip. My sliding doors and locks haven't worked in years and we always have break lights on too but this transmission problem is unbelievable!
2011Jul 29
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 142,915 miles
without any warning the transmission just quit on the highway. van starts and runs but there are no gears. now I find out that windstars all had bad transmissions. end of the line for me and ford. really are Found On Road Dead.
2009Jul 15
Windstar LX 4.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
While pulling a 2000 lb pop-up camper for the second time, the transmission failed on the highway. The rear axel and front subframe had to to reinforced by Ford so it wouldn't break. Do not buy a Ford Windstar!
2011Aug 05
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 168,000 miles
This is the second time the transmission has gone out on my Ford Windstar. Like a lot of the complaints I was at a stop light at a busy intersection and with no warning the Van lurched - Thank goodness I have quick reflexes or I would have landed in the trunk of the car in front of me. I was able to put the trans in neutral until the light turned green, I then was able to put it in gear jumping and shuttering through the intersection until the trans just quit. As others I was away from my home town and had my two small granddaughters with me. This was the second time the transmission went out on me and cost me frustration, inconvenience and a fortune to fixed. The first time I was driving down the road when the rpm's spiked and no warning and no transmission! Ford, you have already admitted to an inferior product in this Vehicle with all the recalls now do the right thing and own up to this problem as well!
2011Jul 08
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Had the 2003 ford windstar for about 4 years. Ran great until one day we were in center city Philadelphia on the way to NJ for a summer vacation with my wife and kids. As we pull onto a busy street in south philly the transmission just goes. Car would only travel at 10mpr. Creeped it back to a family member house and had to tow all the way to central pa. NO WARNING AT ALL just went and the car had less than 90K. Told that it would be $2300 for transmission rebuild. Also had multiple recalls in the past year and a problem with the electronics. What a nightmare.
2011Jul 21
Windstar Limited 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 46,097 miles
We were driving to the beach (my wife, myself, and to two children) when, while on the highway, we experienced transmission problems. The rpms shot way up and the car went nowhere. We were able to get it off the highway by putting it in 2nd gear and inching it off the highway and into a parking lot. The real kicker is there are only 46,000 miles on it and now there are transmission problems. First, the recalls. Second, I have an airbag light that has come on. And now transmission problems. Did I mention that there are only 46,000 miles on it? I will never get a Ford again.
2011Apr 29
Windstar LS 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 200,650 miles
Thought I had a decent vehichle. Yeah the recalls were a pain in the ass bt my local Ford dealership dealt with and repaired them. I had heard about Ford's having bad tranny's , of course after I had bought it. But I felt lucky that miine had made it to 200,000 with now problems. It was at my mechanics getting the strut kits replaced, Ac recharged and a small hole in the oil pan repaired. This costing me over $400. My mechanic called and said the van was done and he was taking it down the rode to see how the struts felt and that I could come get it. Not 15 minutes later he called and asked if I ever had tranny problems and I said,"No why?" He didn't get a half mile from his house and the tranny went. Nothing but park and neutral.
I am so beyond pissed because I called Ford to see if there was any recalls concerning transmissions and they said no but they were aware of the problems that have been occuring with the vehicles. Well if they are aware of the damn problems then why don't they do something about it? This is insane. I'm dissabled and on a fixed income and haven't had a car in 3 months. Depending on other people to take me to doctors appointments and such. I'll never be able to save money for a tranny. Or be able to get enough out it for a new one. I say we boycott Ford. I now it's the last one I'll ever buy.
2011Oct 15
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
Transmission just quit with no warning. Ford quality on this transmission is really bad.
2008Sep 05
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 165,000 miles
As previously posted on another post, I also own a 2003 Ford Windstar. I have had my A/C go out, the interior lights flicker, rear axle gave out, but the worst thing was the Transmission went out on me, after paying $2,400 to be repaired I have had to have the Transmission repaired at least four more times. There are four other families in the same town that have had these same problems as I have had including having the Transmission go out. Is this all a coincidence? I think not! I was warned to not buy a Ford, and was told to buy a Honda. I guess I should of listened. I guess I was hoping that Ford would eventually make a recall, but I doubt it.
2011Apr 20
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
This has been a ginormus inconvenience to my family. We were getting ready for a move when the my wifes 2003 broke down. We stopped at a stop light when the light turned green my wife went to accelerate from a stand still and all that happened was the engine reved and we didn't move. My wife shifted the Van to park then shifted to drive and still nothing but the engine reving,needless to say we had the van towed to our place and it's been sitting their ever since.With this economy it's hard to come up with how ever much it will cost to just have it looked at much less getting it fixed. If their is anyone out their who has information on what I could do about this situation I would appreciate it.
2011Aug 26
Windstar ES
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I have never had a transmission problem before. No signs there was a problem starting, no slipping, odd noises, nothing. Went to pick my daughter up after ball game at school, pulled in front when I put my brake on to stop I heard a " clanking sound " put it in park, text her I was there, she got in the van, put it in drive and nothing happened, it wouldn't go in to any gear, my husband had to pull me home with a chain. Not a good experience, also I have problems with my interior lights flicking on and off while I'm driving. Just afraid of what might be next to go out.
2011Jun 29
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 151,000 miles
While driving, I felt the van was not shifting, so I went to the dealer I bought it from. They said there was nothing wrong with the tranny. The problem still existed, so I used a little of Lucas no Slip and that seemed to have helped. The problem began again about a month later. I took it back to dealer-again, nothing wrong with tranny but they did do a transmission tune up. When I picked it up, I drove into town. I was driving on the highway and had to stop on a red light. On green, I pressed my gas pedal but the car would not move. In a desperate effort, I shut the engine off and waited a few minutes. I was able to move again, but for only about a quarter mile to have to do the same repeatedly until I got to a safer spot. Finally, I ended up leaving my van parked at a shopping center and called a cab home. This is not the only problem I have been going through with my Ford Winstar Van. The interior lights flash on and off while I am driving, and my air conditioning doesn't work, even when I had free on put it. I do not have the money for another car, nor do I have the money for a new tranny, along with having it put in. I live in a town where there are no buses and can only get a ride from a taxi. I don't have $10 one way for this! I need to get to work, and cannot afford to lose my job....all because of a malfunctioning vehicle that is causing same problems for many others out there. Ford should be recalling these vehicles!
2011Jul 02
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
Driving from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City on the freeway when tachometer shot up and luckily an off ramp was close by and I was able to coast to a gas station. We had to tow it to a mechanic. What if it had gone out in Death Valley? I'm so angry with Ford, we've had nothing but problems. The power locks don't work, the dome light flickers on and off, air conditioning went out, too many problems to list. I thought I would give an American car another shot a few years back, but sure enough, Ford let me down. I will NEVER buy a Ford again or American car for that matter. I'm on my 3rd Nissan Altima (sold first one to get van for kids, and totaled second one) and I couldn't be happier with it. I am now looking for a Honda Odyssey which I see has rave reviews. Screw you Ford.
2011Apr 09
Windstar 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Like everyone else here, rpms shot up (tranny did not grip) while in gear as I attempted to go forward after a stop light. Dead. Nada. I shut it off and restarted and this allowed me to move again, but within half a mile the tranny once again completely slipped. Once again, shut it off, restarted and was able to move the other half mile to my parking spot.
I was thinking to try changing the fluid, but from what I've seen here, that would be a waste of time. I had a Chrysler with transmission problems, and I know their cars are famous for it. What I don't understand is how the Ford Taurus can be so famously reliable and yet the Windstar is such a lemon. I would think they would use similar transmisson technology.
2005Apr 01
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Didn't even have the van a year and the tranny went out at 50000 miles. Driving down the highway and just lost acceleration, coasted to the side and called a tow truck. This is the 2nd ford vehicle that I've owned in 20 years of driving and I am happy to say it is the LAST ford I will ever own. I took it to a transmission shop and they replaced it for $1500. I didn't have enough vaseline to take it to a ford dealer. The guy told me to get rid of the van, because 80% of his work is on ford tranny's. I still have the van it's got 110000 miles on it, no problems with the tranny since, but plenty of other problems with the van in general. I now know why ford didn't have to take the bail out money, they make crap for vehicles and make their money off of repairs.
2011Apr 19
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
While doing a little internet research before deciding whether or not to have our vehicle towed to a different shop, I found the exact thing happened to many others. I wonder how many people have not complained or inquired when their transmission suddenly failed with no warning whatsoever. Same story as many others... small child in the car and just made the turn through a dangerous intersection during rush hour traffic, no sounds, nothing, car just stopped moving forward. Shifted with no results just the revving of the engine when trying to accelerate. Thanks for the FORD and NHSA numbers. I will call and file a complaint.
2010Aug 25
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
We had Cottman's rebuild the transmission. when we heard what a piece of junk the tranny was, we felt lucky to get 112,000 miles out of it. It shuddered really bad, indicating the pump cracked. The pump housing was cast aluminum and the new one is now steel, so they say. WHY WOULD FORD BUILD SUCH AN INFERIOR PRODUCT. I have a 2000 dodge intrepid with 225,000 miles and it still runs great. Not one major failure.
NOW the check transmission light comes on, this is the second time. I am pretty sure it is a heat thing. the first time, before it failed, we were on our way to Texas, bucking a strong head wind with a car load (all the kids and grandma too). We took it out of OD and drove it. Now 6 months after it was fixed the check tranny light came on again. Cottmans serviced it, (cleaned filter and changed fluid and reset the sensor code). 2 months later, my wife drove to texas (this time with a tail wind) and the check tranny light came on again. OFF we go to the shop again.
I am pretty sure the tranny is not passing enough fluid through the OD and heat is building up causing these problems. Alot of ford OD transmission have this problem.
ANY COMMENTS? send them to rqcardwell@msn.com
LATER!
2011Mar 22
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,409 miles
Our 2003 Ford Windstar developed a transmit ion slip two weeks ago with only 94,000 KM.
Since then it has gotten worse and when it change to 4th gear engine also cuts off after slipping the gear finally there was a point we could not get the vehicle in to gear to drive. It was on the first gear going 20 to 30 KmPh and the engine shudders.
Took it to dealers and mechanics and the diagnosis is to replace the transmission (cost over C$2900)
Did not want to do this because in this forum most has done it and the problem came back.
Solution that worked for me as follows
My neighbour (retired mechanical engineer) looked in to the car at my request.
Asked me to start the engine and he looked in to the engine, did not even drive after about 5 minutes he wanted me to change the distributor (Ignition Coil).
Since I didn’t have any other choice, other than send the Van to the Junk yard.
I change the coil for less than C$95.00. (it is located back of the engine on top od the rocker cover mounted to it with 3 bolts one to the left and two to the right side.
Now the Van works like new. No transmission slips. no engine shudder.
Thanks to My neighbour Sam.
2010Nov 10
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
Going to leave one day from the hospital, parked on the 2nd level of parking deck, get in the car, put it in reverse to find out that the transmission is suddenly done. No warning in advance of any sort. Had to roll it out of the parking deck later on that evening. Over 2,300 dollars to rebuild transmission. Car is home for week, then the heater goes, more money to get the part and fix the heater, just blows cold air, in the middle of the winter non the less. Not to mention the continous recalls that it now has, a nuisance to be constantly taking it back.
2011Feb 16
Windstar LS 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
Have a 2003 Windstar my wife was driving the kids to the doctors office. She pulled up to the stoplight wwhen it turned green she pushed the gas and the RPM's raced up but the van would not move. Had the vehicle towed home tried sliding the gear shift from park to reverse & drive nothing. I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle and definitely feel we were RIPPED OFF. Back in 2003 we paid about $23,000 for this vehicle.We have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle.
2008Dec 27
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
I purchased my van in 2005, with 20,000 miles on it, then on 12/27/2008, My husband and disabled son were driving home from NY, when they broke down on the highway, The transmission went with 82,000 miles on it. That cost around 2,200. I still have problems, Spent many hours, and wasted many cell phone minutes on the phone with Ford, the headquarters. and that was a lost cause. ( To you ford, Put your self and your family members in the windstars!!!!!!!! Have your families drive in the vehicles, since you feel they are so safe. You know what they say about Karma. You Ford, should be ashamed. You know many of your customers are children, riding in the vehicles, and putting their trust in you for making safe vehicles. How could one expect to put faith in your vehicles, when ford won't admit when there is a problem, and own up to it, and MAKE IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2010Dec 17
Windstar LX 3.2lV6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,300 miles
Lost reverse, no warning that it was failing. Cost to rebuild $2,200 and can't afford to have it fixed and have been using it as is. Tired of having to push it back as wife drives. 5 recalls on 2003 Ford Windstar this car was doomed into lemonship. I too will never buy a POS Ford again. I also owned a Ford Bronco II that had engine failure and paid $4,500 for a rebuilt motor. They wonder why we buy foreign cars. Got burned twice never again!!!!
Read this from Wikipedia especially under problems seems to be an ongoing problem with transmissions...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windstar
I'm hoping that a recall for this transmission will happen. Please submit your transmission complaints to Government agency called National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. These are the people who make recalls happen when you receive your recall letters from them. If enough complaints, another recall can hopefully be issued and reimbursed for your past repairs and recalled for future repairs.
Please submit your online complaint with the US Government agency at the following link...
http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/
2011Feb 15
Windstar 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
I see that i stepped into a mess with this one. I'm a 20 year+ journeyman diesel mechanic trying to survive (find myself over qualified) who just hauled one of these vans to my home work shop to repair it. Ha, thats a joke evidently, I don't want to charge to put a trans in if it isn't updated to eliminate this reoccurring failure. How do you tell someone their van isn't worth fixing because ford wont address problem. And folks wonder why all my vehicles are precomputer from the early 80's, i say need to go back further, the 60's and 70's were better yet, parts were interchangeable and lasted. What does all this technology really get us? The combustion engine is only so efficient by nature, have you seen a car rated past the 30 some odd miles to the gallon, you could get that out of a precomputer car if you kept your foot out of it. Oh thats right, emissions
2010Feb 11
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 80,778 miles
funny thing ford worked on that for 2 yrs now all i get it please come back to ford we need your trade in wonder why they have so many good deals if you own a winder star they what it if the road why is that ?
2011Mar 09
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I was driving on Interstate 95 in rush hour traffic heading to work while trying to pass another vehicle and pressing on the accelerator the RPM's shot all the way up and the car would not go. I tried one more time still nothing, but noticed the car was starting to loose speed, I turned on the hazards, and merged over to the shoulder and brouoght the car to a complete stop. I could not get the car to shift into any gear and had it towed to my house until we made a decision on what to do. Hmmmmmmm, let me see, just finished paying the car off one year ago, two kids in college, husband is self-employed home remodeler in the current economy during our "slow season", can't trade in or sell a car that does not run, and let's not forget the 4 new tires, right and left lower control arms (which by the way were just recalled in February) with ball joints that were just installed this past October for just over $1,000.00. Sooooo, with reservations and some heated debate, we decided to have the transmission rebuilt, cost $1,705.00, with a one year warranty. THANK YOU UNCLE SAM AND FORD!!! There goes the tax refund! I had no idea that these vehicles are notoriuos for transmission problems, until I was doing a search for salvage yards and this very informative website came up. I could not believe what I was reading, and this was all after we had told them to go ahead with the repair. I contacted the National Highway Safety Administration 1-800-424-9393 as directed by Cecil in complaint #94 as well as Ford at 1-800-392-3673 Thank you very much sir for this. I do have my confirmation number and case numbers and will keep all of my receipts for future reference since as of yesterday, there still is not a recall on these transmissions. Unbelievable!!!! Makes you think twice about buying American and buying from the one car company that did not need the bail out!!! Maybe they should have taken it and put some more research into the construction of this VITAL car part. YOU WOULD THINK THAT IN THIS DAY OF AGE AND THE TECHNOLOGY WE HAVE, CARS SHOULD LAST A WHOLE HELL OF A LOT LONGER THAN THEY DO!!!!!!!!! And maybe if enough people call the National Highway Safety Administration with this complaint, they will recall the transmissions. PLEASE CALL!!!!!
2009Nov 03
Windstar LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I bought this van with 50,000 miles on it in 2007. Since I have owned it the tranny went out 4 times. The last time it went out ford told me that there was coolant in the fluid so they would not cover it under warranty. The reverse is the only thing wrong with it and I brought it to a transmission shop where they told me it was something else. They knew exactly what the problem was and said it was a very common problem. I have been driving it for over a year now with no reverse. I have 5 kids and cannot afford to get it fixed. I think ford has a very big problem with there transmissions and they need to stand behind them. I will never by another ford again.
2011Feb 25
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Finally had a babysitter and the husband and I were heading out to dinner Friday night on a busy street in rush hour and transmission went out with no warning. We just bought the car 4 months ago and our warranty ended a month ago. luckily for us after calling the car dealership and letting them know I am pregnant and we have three kids we bought a van for this reason they are paying 600.00 towards the repair bill. every little bit helps I guess. I am sure Ford knows you buy a minivan because you have a family they cant make a better transmission????
2010Dec 24
Windstar Sport 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,876 miles
Driving to my parents on Christmas Eve for a Christmas Dinner. Made it 2/3's there and the van just lost power and started to slow down. I managed to pull off the road and ran through all the gears and nothing. No warning, no nothing. Happy holidays from FORD. Had it towed to my Ford dealer and they where closed for the holidays which is normal, but I had no vehicle for the holidays. Finally they checked my van out and yes, the transmission is out. Only $3800 to fix. I think the van is only worth $4000. I'm peed because I have my van totally maintained. I just had the transmission flushed about 5000 km ago. I take care of my vehicles and I get this. Thanks for helping me out Ford.
2011Jan 25
Windstar 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 73,441 miles
2003 FORD WINDSTAR VERY NICE VAN IT RUN GOOD RIDES NICE ,BUT THEN ONE DAY WENT TO GO TO THE STORE, STOPPED AT RED LIGHT TO GO ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY (FOUR LANES) PULLED OUT FROM REDLTGHT THE RPM WENT WAY UP, AND I HAD NOTHING, VAN WOULD NOT GO IN ANY GEAR ,I WAS A SITTING DUCK ON THAT HIGHWAY SCARED TO OPEN THE DOOR THAT I MIGHT GET RUN OVER,AFTER A WHILE I TOOK A CHANCE WHEN THE RED LIGHT CHANGED TO PUSH IT IT UP THE ROAD ABOUT 50 FEET TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD WHERE I WOULDN'T CAUSE SOME NUT TO RAM INTO ME OR CAUSE A PAL UP AND MAYBE GET SOMEONE TO GET KILLED,LUCKY THE ROAD HAD A LITTLE SLOPE TO IT OR I WOULD NOT OF BEEN ABLE TO PUSH IT AT ALL IM 78 YEARS OLD AND IT WAS A BITCH TO DO IT. THANK GOD I DID IT. i CALLED MY GRANDSON TO COME AND TOW ME HOME.SAVED ABOUT $200.00 TOWING.I CALLED NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY REPORTS ON ON WHAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS WERE DOING,AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NOTHING ON THEM,NO REPORTS OR RECALLS,FOR ME TO CALL FORD MOTORS,HE GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO CALL1 800 392 3673 SO I DID THEY CHECKED AND SAID THEY HAD NO REPORTS OR RECALLS ON THEM,BUT IF THEY GET ANY THEY WOULD SEND ME A LETTER, AND I WOULD GET PAID FOR ME GETTING IT FIXED. WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL SH*T. I KNOW IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAVE ENOUGH GUTS TO CALL THEM AND REPORT THEIR DAM CHEAP MADE TRANSMISSION THAT CAN'T LAST AT LEAST 1000000 MILES,IF THEY DON'T TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IT CAUSES SOME ONE TO GET KILLED, THEY SHOULD SUE THE HELL OUT OF THEM. I HAVE BEEN A FORD MAN SINCE THE 1950S BUT RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG,AND TO BE AN AMERICAN CO. THEY SHOULD BE PROUD TO MAKE IT RIGHT. OR SHOULD I ASK IS IT STILL A AMERICAN CO? EVERYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM SHOULD CALL THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,8OO 424 9393. AND ALSO THE FORD MOTOR CO. 800 392 3673. AND MAKE SURE YOU GET A ID. CASE # MAYBE IF THEY GET ENOUGH CALLS MAYBE WE WILL GET OUR MONEY BACK, SO HANG ONTO YOUR REPAIR BILLS. IF AMERICA IS STILL WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE. AS AMERICANS WE HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT WHEN THINGS ARE WRONG AND NOT HELD UP IN GOOD FAITH. C.GUY FORT MOHAVE MOHAVE AZ.
2010Dec 15
Windstar 3.2lV6
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
HI, Could someone explain to me why I am reading so many problems with Windstar trans, and Ford has not recalled yet. I have a letter of recall on axle. So FORD are you going to fix my Trans,? I agree we stay with ford and now they have let us down. You really liked us when we came in and bought the Windstars. Now you are hiding behind all your profit. Is there any way we can hire a lawyer ? Think I will just for the principal of it, I had no warning , I was just going down the road at 60 miles an hour,. I am and older women. I had no one there when it went out., Hubby was out of town . Had to hire wrecker. Would like for these car dealers to have to stand up to there product. Everyone elsa does,
I also had problems with the heater core, and elc. problems. These are miner. I just wont ford to fix trans.and axle.
2011Apr 01
Windstar LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I bought this van, had it for a year, the tranny started to slip about a couple months before and then all of sudden it went out totally!! I paid $4000 for the van and that is what they told me it would cost to fix it!! I was so unhappy about this, i only had it for a year!! I will never buy a ford windstar again, it was such a waste of money, they really need to get this problem fixed, it was the worst experience i have ever had with a van!
2011Jan 17
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Always a chevrolet guy. Never liked Dodge. Became a FORD guy when they did not take the bailout. BUT,after seeing the hundreds, perhaps thousands of complaints about the Windstar and the Explorer transmission problems with absolutely no resolution offered by FORD,ALL of the AMERICAN car companies can kiss my big fat AMERICAN ASS!!!! I will never buy another AMERICAN car as long as I live.
2009Jul 24
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Tranny failure seems to be a major (and developing ) issue for Windstar vans. I keep thinking they will provide cost assistance with previous repairs as time passes, but I'm thinking they won't do that now with the massive recall for the Windstar rear axle repair.
2011Jan 02
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I just thank God that my little girls weren't with me...
I was on my way to my aunts and out of nowhere my van stopped accelerating! I was just driving down the road, mind you that i am one the most dangerous back road in town. Many people have wrecked on this road. My van was fine on minute and the next minute it was totally not understanding it's job. I have owned a ford before and and had the transmission go out on my so i am 100 % sure that that is what has happened. Ford is well aware of these defective transmissions on these vehicles but refuse to take responsibility. Ford is one of the only companies that didn't take bail out money & that is because of all their loyal customers and I think that it is time that loyalty is returned!!! Fords are p.o.s.!!! I will never own another one!!!
2010Dec 16
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,436 miles
Normal take off from a stop light and the transmission failed. It was like putting it in neutral. Nothing worked. Towed it to my mechanic. He said the oil was burnt and had a strong odor. I spoke to a friend at the dealership and he said it was a known problem with that type of transmission. The oil pan is too shallow and if the fluid gets a just a little low the pump burns out and causes the shaft to break. Full rebuild may be required. I had no leaks from tranny or engine. It is 6xxx miles over my 100000 mile warranty. My job went to India and I got laid off. I can't afford to invest in a replacement car so stuck fixing it. Thanks FORD for helping a fellow American who invests in my own country by buying your crap. I may as well buy foreign since major corporations are sending our work over there anyway!!!
2010Dec 23
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
Was entering an on ramp when my Windstar went from drive to neutral with no warning signs. I had it towed by my insurance back to my home until I could figure out what to do with it. I called a few transmission shops when I went with Aamco to diagnose the problem after a $50. tow bill, I was told it was the torque converter or pump, and they could fix it for $1,700-$2,100....I couldn't believe it/or didn't want to anyway! After all it was two days before Christmas, money was getting tight and holiday plans with no vehicle was going to be a nightmare.
I had a buddy tow it, to a repair man I found on craigslist who is currently repairing it. Total cost $1,250. not to mention added frustration and inconvenience. I know repair costs come with owning a vehicle, but after reading so many other common complaints, I think Ford needs to step up and take ownership of this growing problem.
2010Dec 19
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
TOO DISAPPOINTED TO SAY ANYTHING AT THIS TIME-----"LATER"
2007Oct 31
Windstar LX 3.8L
The Windstar for this year has a problem with water in the transmission because of pinholes in the radiator where the transmission fluid is cooled. These pinholes allow moisture to collect in the transmission causing failure. The solution is to route the transmission lines to the radiator to a transmission cooler. You will then have to change the transmission filter and fluid 5 or 6 times until all of the fluid with moisture in it is discharged from the transmission. Or you can buy a new transmission which is very expensive.
Chuck L.
Jena, Louisiana, USA
SEND A COMMENT »