1997 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Windstar: 5 recalls, 192 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V097000 · 1997 · 100,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
Why it matters: The catalytic converter temperature May be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V147000 · 1999 · 789,723 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles May not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Why it matters:
The fix: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V199000 · 2001 · 198,583 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. Depending on the…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began September 6, 2001.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: 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 connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Recall #01I007000 · 2001 · 948,492 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Note: the 1997-1998 windstar MINI vans are also covered by NHTSA safety recall 01v-199/Ford recall 01s19. The MINI vans covered by the safety recall were originally…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: 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 to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (43): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), leaks (3), hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Engine & cooling (38): the most common themes are leaks (9), warning light on (4).
- Suspension (38): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), rust / corrosion (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (24): the most common themes are leaks (4), warning light on (4).
The 1997 Ford Windstar has 192 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (well below the 885 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 88,890 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (1386 complaints, 8 recalls), 1998 (1433 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Ford Windstar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford Windstar, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (43), engine & cooling (38), suspension (38).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Ford Windstar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.