Safety is a vital thing to consider when buying a car, regardless of whether it’s new or used. Checking for recalls can be a great way to inform your car-shopping journey. However, it’s not uncommon for cars to have ongoing customer complaints that never turn into formal recalls.
Does the 2003 Ford Windstar have any open transmission recalls?
Technically, no (as of August 2020). However, there have been many documented customer complaints about transmission-related issues such as:
- Total transmission failure
- Transmission slipping gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
If you drive a 2003 Ford Windstar, read on to learn more about these reported transmission issues and what they might mean for your vehicle. Then, follow our simple steps to check your vehicle for open recalls using the NHTSA recall page.
Transmission Failure
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11112950
There have been many reports about the transmission on the 2003 Windstar completely failing, even with proper ongoing maintenance.
In one report, the owner alleges that the transmission had to be replaced four times within 60,000 miles. More than once, the transmission would stall on the freeway at high speeds, creating an unsafe situation for the driver and other motorists.
Transmission Slipping
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10653628
In this complaint, the owner reports that he or she was at a stoplight when the light turned green. Upon depressing the gas pedal, the driver alleges that the car would not accelerate or respond.
After turning the engine on and off, power was restored. However, the transmission light would light up on the dashboard, and the transmission slipped continuously while driving. The owner had to have the vehicle towed home, but did not indicate having any repairs done.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11056767
In this report, the owner stated that while traveling at low speeds (under 5 mph), transmission fluid began leaking on to the ground. During its inspection, it was found that the transmission had fractured, causing a leak that had to be repaired.
What Should You Do if Your 2003 Ford Windstar has a Recall?
Not sure whether your 2003 Ford Windstar has any open recalls? Checking is as easy as visiting the NHTSA recall page and entering the 17-digit VIN. You’ll then receive a list of any open recalls that pertain to your vehicle.
If you have any recall notices on your vehicle, act quickly (but don’t panic). If you need assistance scheduling a recall repair, contact Ford’s customer service line at 1-800-392-3673. From there, you can get your repair taken care of as soon as possible.
