MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Windstar

▲ Better than typical
1997 Ford Windstar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:58.767Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
192
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1997 192 1998: 1,433 complaints 1999: 1,522 complaints 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1997 192 1998: 1,433 complaints 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2005: 1 complaint 2005
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1994 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1996 1997: 192 complaints 1997 192 1998: 1,433 complaints 1998 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 2000: 1,675 complaints 2000 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2002 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint 2005

1997: 192 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19855
19906
19913
19922
199311
199423
19953,328
19961,386
1997192
19981,433
19991,522
20001,675
20011,686
20021,353
20031,510
200424
20051

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

24% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was parked and key was not in the ignition the child was able to put vehicle in drive and it rolled, hit a tree, proceeded across the street into a utility pole, the dealer was contacted and stated that this was normal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-03

Engine and engine cooling

21% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Suspension

20% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing coil springs and front.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns 1997 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while traveling 65 MPH the rear axle beam became fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. A private mechanic stated that the rear axle beam needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-15

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the track bar detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle began to wobble excessively.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-10

Service brakes

14% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

Vehicle speed control

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My Windstar accelerated from a complete stop and smashed through our garage door vehicle stopped when we hit the front wall of the garage. I don't know if the vehicle was in park or drive when this happened.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-05-18

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-06-30Power train97V097000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with AX4S automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-06-16Service brakes, hydraulic99V147000 Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1999-07-26Engineering analysisClosed 1999-12-16 Fuel tank cracks
  4. I
    2000-06-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-08 Suspension coil spring breakage
  5. R
    2000-07-19Exterior lighting00V168000 Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the…

    Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2000-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 2001-07-31 Suspension coil spring breakage
  7. R
    2001-09-06Suspension01V199000 On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, new…

    Remedy: Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began September 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2001-12-10Suspension01I007000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1998 Ford Windstar minivans. The…

    Remedy: Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2003-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2004-08-30 Wheel stud fracture
  10. I
    2008-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-09-17 Engine compartment fires
  11. I
    2008-09-17Engineering analysisClosed 2009-10-14 Engine compartment fires
  12. R
    2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 Windstar, 2000-2003 Excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 SD through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 Explorer, 1997 and…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Windstar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 46 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 41 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 39 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V097000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V147000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 00V168000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 01V199000 · Suspension
  • Recall 01I007000 · Suspension
  • Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Windstar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Windstar is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Windstar?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Windstar have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.