Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the tire warning indicator illuminated and smoke emerged from the rear of the vehicle. The contact called lilliston Ford at [phone] (833 n delsea dr., vineland, nj 08360) and was advised that the failure could not be repaired without a diagnosis. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.
2002 Windstar recall I was driving down the road one day to find out all off all the shifters but neutral the van suddenly had stopped going we could not go in drive reverse or anything find out stuck in middle of intersection with cars coming our way this problem is still unknown
Total sudden loss of steering the car went off the road totally out of control. No notification of recall subframe collapse. Entire steering parts destroyed and coolant leaked from engine this is incredible that no one was injured I was about to get on the highway!!!
On Saturday morning July 15th 2017, I was driving at 2:30 am. I had just left for my first job and crossed a set of train tracks. When I did, the rear axle snapped almost causing me to crash. After looking for the cost to replace the axle, I came upon a Ford recall. When I placed my VIN in the computer it came up that my 2002 Ford Windstar was in fact included in the recall. I talked to someone at Ford via live chat on Saturday after having the vehicle towed home and they stated that the recall was outstanding and I needed to call the Ford dealership. I paid again to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Now Tuesday morning July 18th 2017, both the dealership and Ford is saying that they cant help me and I need to take care of replacing the completely rusted rear axle. The rust causing the axle to snap was the reason for the recall in the first place. …
Transmission in our 2002 Ford Windstar Mini van made abnormal noises for about 2 months. Vehicle was taken to dealership of purchase for inspection, and they attributed the problem to tire and wheel alignment. All four tires were replaced with alignment. Also, transmission noise persisted,and vehicle was returned to dealership. Again nothing wa s found wrong on inspection with instructions to return later for more complete examination. On February 10, 2005 transmission malfunctioned accelerating the engine to 3200 rpms with a speed of 70 MPH. Vehicle suddenly lost control and veered to the left into a left turn lane, resulting in a collision with an illegally parked truck and trailer. Subsequent investigations revealed the driver was unable to stop the vehicle by braking. The driver, my son , was trapped in the Windstar Mini van due to a complete collapse of the front frame. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle felt as if it shifted into neutral. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but failed to drive. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called gary crossley Ford at [phone] (located at 8050 n church rd, kansas city, mo 64158) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. …
My 2002 Ford Windstar van is not supposed to be able to shift out of park without first pressing and holding the brake. My 2 yr old son was able to shift it out of park by simply pulling on the gear shift lever. This resulted in the car rolling down a hill and smashing into a tree with my son inside. He was not hurt. The car was a total loss according to my insurance co. The car was in park and the engine was not running at the time of the accident. I have been in contact with Ford motor co but I only get generic responses. My insurance co is holding the vehicle until a rep from Ford has a chance to examine the shift lock mechanism but they seem uninterested. I have seen on line where there are two other similar cases regarding Ford Windstar vans and I believe this could be a serious safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, a loud noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle it was discovered that both rear wheels were angled inward inside the wheel well. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle had fractured. The cause of the failure was not determined and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced in 2012 under the NHTSA recall campaign number: 12V193000 (power train) to prevent the failure from occurring. The local dealer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
April 3, 2016 while in motion on busy highway (I-96), vehicle just stopped going under power and rolled to a dangerous stop. Vehicle had no drive power to wheels. Vehicle had to be towed. Examination indicates transmission issue. Vehicle does not engage any gears and made no warning sounds. Mechanic says torque converter failed and is a common problem. NHTSA recalled Ford freestar for this issue but windstars are most effected and have not been recalled. On a highway, this is dangerous at 70 plus MPH speeds. There was a family of four in this vehicle, when it just stopped going, with engine running. Someone can be killed in a rear-end collision from this warningless and sudden power-train failure. Vehicle has 108,900 miles and has undergone other recalls.
Related recalls
Power train › Axle assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 97 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Windstar, 7% of the model year's 1,353 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Windstar transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-193 (axle assembly, May 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Windstar transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.