2003 Ford Windstar Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 102,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “torque converter” (16% of reports).
- 225power train complaints
- 102,000median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $3,200typical repair cost reported by owners
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Torque converter: mentioned in 37 of 225 complaints (16%)
- Rear axle: mentioned in 32 of 225 complaints (14%)
- Transmission failed: mentioned in 23 of 225 complaints (10%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the 2003 Ford Windstar at $3,200, and half of them between $2,100 and $3,800.
Based on 15 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2015), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 199 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 225 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury.
Ford Windstar power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 7 | 29% | 122,414 |
| 2003 Windstar | 225 | 15% | 102,000 |
| 2002 Windstar | 97 | 7% | 113,200 |
| 2001 Windstar | 145 | 9% | 106,574 |
| 2000 Windstar | 271 | 16% | 86,175 |
| 1999 Windstar | 278 | 18% | 74,250 |
| 1998 Windstar | 332 | 23% | 89,000 |
| 1997 Windstar | 43 | 22% | 146,000 |
| 1996 Windstar | 322 | 23% | 72,000 |
| 1995 Windstar | 875 | 26% | 93,672 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:axle assembly
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Risk: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My family and I went to pull out of an entersection when the 03 Ford Windstar I purchased suddenly stopped pulling .almost getting rearended
On May 23rd 2022 I was driving on interstate 45 the speed limit through where I was driving was 75 all of a sudden with no warning no engine light on my transmission stopped working and I could not break I was able to safely get over thank goodness but there is a recall on my transmission which…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2003 Ford Windstars have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 225 owner complaints about power train for the 2003 Ford Windstar (15% of the 1,510 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Ford Windstar power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 102,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,200 (half paid between $2,100 and $3,800), from 15 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2003 Ford Windstar?
The most frequent phrase is “torque converter”, in 37 of 225 complaints, followed by “rear axle” (32).
Other 2003 Ford Windstar problems
See all 2003 Ford Windstar problems or power train problems across all Windstar years.