1997 Ford Windstar Problems
- Complaints
- 192filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,890miles, 43 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Ford Windstar (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe speedometer needles that swing wildly at highway speeds, front coil springs that break and can damage tires, and head gasket failures on the 3.8L V6 that lead to coolant loss and, in some reports, engine replacement. Complaints also cover automatic transmission failures, cruise control deactivation switch overheating and fires, and subframe or suspension components breaking at higher mileages.
- Engine cooling
Head gasket failure and coolant loss (3.8L V6)
- 38 complaints (20%)
- median 84,600 mi at 7.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 1998–2010
Owners report coolant disappearing without visible leaks, running warm, white smoke, and being told the head gaskets had failed on the 3.8L V6. Some describe coolant entering the oil and engine damage following, including bearing noise and engine replacement, with repair estimates in the thousands. Several complain the condition appeared despite low mileage and that Ford declined assistance once the warranty had expired. Reported from about 36,000 to 94,000 miles, with many owners noting failures around 70,000 to 85,000 miles.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for milky or discolored oil; ask whether the head gaskets have been replaced and at what mileage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At a routine nys inspection, the Ford dealer advised that the head gaskets needed to be replaced. The car is 6 years old with 36k miles. Called Ford for assistance, and got profuse apologizes, and no help with a $1600.00 repair. The car is exhibiting no symptoms of any problems, and I do not have the money for the repair. For such low mileage, I think that fmc should make some attempt to assist with this complaint. They are certainly aware of the problem with the 95 & 96 windstars!!”
NHTSA complaint #10071165, filed 2004-01, 35,998 miles“I bought my 1997 Windstar used 6 months ago with 87,000 on it, I have driven only 3,000 miles and my engine blew with no warning. This was the most expensive used car I had ever owned and we did everything we could before we bought it..we checked the VIN report on carfax...we had the vehicle checked out by our own mechanic. I thought I had found a great (dream for me)vehicle. Ben satcher Ford in sc said there was no recall on this car only the 95 model and that problem had been since fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10007914, filed 2003-02, 90,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Speedometer needle swings or reads wrong
- 21 complaints (11%)
- median 85,900 mi at 7.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2009
Owners describe the speedometer needle jumping or fluctuating, often from around 50 mph up to 110 mph or more, so the actual speed cannot be read. Some say the problem started as a small twitch and grew worse, and a few had the unit replaced repeatedly. Dealers reportedly told owners they were familiar with the pattern but did not offer a lasting fix beyond replacement. Reported from roughly 35,000 to 115,000 miles, most commonly on highway-speed driving.
What to check: Drive the van above 50 mph and watch whether the needle holds steady. Ask whether the speedometer or cable has been replaced and how many times.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I exceed 50 MPH my speedometer fails to keep accurate speed and it waves wildly from 20 - 110 MPH. When I contacted my Ford dealership they had never heard of that before , but when I did a little more research I found at least 50 more complaints. I contacted the Ford motor company directly to see why there had not been a recall on what appears to be a manufacturing defect because all problems of this nature involved only the 96-98 Ford Windstar models. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010330, filed 2003-03, 85,900 miles“I own a 1997 Ford Windstar gl with 53,000 on the odometer. The speedometer has failed to operate properly. At speeds of 40 MPH and above the speedometer fluctuates erratically ranging in shown speeds of 60 to 110 MPH. I have done much research and have become aware of thousands of consumer complaints. This is unconscious that Ford is aware of this problem and making a mint off of the consumer out of pocket expense of repair. This should be an immediate safety recall or TSB.”
NHTSA complaint #10051513, filed 2004-01, 53,000 miles - Suspension
Front coil spring breaks, sometimes damaging tires
- 21 complaints (11%)
- median 100,349 mi at 10.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2009
Complaints describe front coil springs snapping, sometimes while the van is parked and sometimes while driving at low speed, with the broken spring end contacting and deflating a tire. Owners report the front end dropping, rattling or unusual noises, and repairs done at their own expense. Several say the dealer told them the vehicle was not covered by the spring-corrosion campaign, or that the campaign had expired. Mostly between 70,000 and 142,000 miles; several reports come from states with road salt use and from vehicles parked or driven slowly.
What to check: Inspect both front coil springs for rust, cracks or broken ends, and confirm with a dealer whether campaign 01V199000 applies to the vehicle's VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have a 97 Ford Windstar all of a sudden I had a tire blow completely here to find out that the coil spring on drivers front broke and went into tire, then to find out there was a recall 2 years ago on it but was never notified of it and also a few weeks ago, van all of a sudden kept getting real hot with rolling white smoke just to find out that there was problems with the head gaskets on these windstars but yet still was never notified, this is not right, I feel we were cheated, now have a van that sits and still owe $10,000 on because I'm a …”
NHTSA complaint #10007578, filed 2003-02, 88,890 miles“Left front coil spring burst, cuasing tire to blowout. Had tire replaced. Was driving with replaced tire on, and started hearing rattling. Took back to dealer, and was informed by mechanic that welds on right side had broken and needed rewelding.”
NHTSA complaint #898311, filed 2001-10 - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control switch overheats or catches fire
- 10 complaints (5%)
- median 143,000 mi at 10.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2010
Owners describe smoke or flames from under the hood traced to the cruise control deactivation switch on the master cylinder, in some cases while the vehicle was parked and off. Some report the cruise control stopped working first, and others describe burning smells or melted wiring near the master cylinder. Several mention asking a dealer about the speed control recall, and one notes the van burned in the engine area. Reported from about 53,000 to 220,000 miles, in parked and driving situations alike.
What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether recall 09V399000 has been completed for the vehicle's VIN, and look for signs of heat, melted plastic or fluid residue at the switch on the brake master cylinder.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Noticed that I was leaking some brake fluid for the last couple of months on my 1997 Ford Windstar but very little at that. About the same time the cruise control quit working. One day while driving I noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Raised the hood but the smoke had quit. Got back home and noticed this again when I was stopped in the driveway. Checked under the hood again and found that the cruise control deactivation switch was smoking and very hot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227200, filed 2008-05, 191,000 miles“On august 20th, while in a repair shop having the motors replaced in the windows of my Ford Windstar 1997, there was a fire under the hood while the car was off. The mechanic put the fire out and I took it to my mechanic the same day. The cruise control mechanism was what caught fire. After seeing my mechanic I called the Ford hotline and asked about recall information. They said they would get back ahold of me in two days, and they did not. Today, august 30th, while in wal-mart with my children I was paged to the parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134753, filed 2005-08, 140,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission drops out of gear or fails
- 20 complaints (10%)
- typically at 3.2 yrs old
- filed 1998–2003
Complaints describe the van suddenly dropping out of gear while driving, sometimes with cruise control engaged, the engine revving and acceleration stopping. Some owners report a delayed or abrupt engagement when pulling away from a stop, and others describe complete transmission failure at speed. Dealers were notified in several cases, and one owner cited a Ford bulletin on a false-neutral condition. Mileages range widely, from roughly 60,000 to 146,000 miles, with several reports at highway speed.
Recall 97V0970001 related service bulletin
What to check: Test-drive from a stop and at highway speed, checking for delayed engagement, slipping or a false-neutral feeling; ask for transmission service records and whether fluid lines above the catalytic converter have been inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were driving on the interstate at 70 MPH with the cruise control on. Without any warning, the van went out of gear , the engine revved up, and all acceleration stopped. We pulled off the road and tried to get the van to go back into gear - any gear - and it wouldn't. There was no warning of a problem - no noises or leakage of fluid or anything unusual.”
NHTSA complaint #755118, filed 2001-11“Ford has a TSB 98-22-1 regarding a false neutral after driving. Here is what happens- vehicle is stopped in drive. When throttle is reapplied the vehicle sometimes doesn't move. But, it sometimes abruptly drops back into drive. This has caused a sudden unexpected lurching forward complete with tire squealing. It would be very likely to cause an accident in stop-and-go traffic with this defect. Ford admits this defect, they just don't want to fix it after 3/36k warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #707846, filed 1999-06
Buying note. Given the age of this model year, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is worth the cost, focusing on the front springs, subframe, coolant and oil condition, and transmission behavior. Ask for records showing whether the speed control and front spring campaigns were completed for the specific VIN.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 192 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford Windstar. 43 of the complaints include a mileage, and 7% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,890 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling38 20%
- Suspension38 20%
- Brakes28 15%
- Vehicle speed control21 11%
- Steering13 6.8%
- Body and structure8 4.2%
- Electrical system7 3.6%
- Seats6 3.1%
- Wheels6 3.1%
Also reported: Fuel system (5), Other or unknown (4), Tires (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Air bags (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Seat belts (3), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We believe the sheer number of defect on this car is unbelievable. We purchased it used from my parents. Total cost of non wear and tear repairs is around $5000. This is over 25% of the vehicles original value, and over 50% of the value at time of purchase. While no accidents have occurred, we believe Ford should take responsibility for a bad product.”
NHTSA complaint #753194, filed 2001-10Engine cooling: “I turned the air conditioning on in the van and after about 10 minutes, turned it to the 'max AC' position. The hood started steaming so I turned the air completely off. After less than a minute, I noticed the hood was smoking so I pulled to the side of the road immediately. I turned the car off and exited the van and saw that the passenger side of the hood was on fire. I ran to the passenger side and opened the sliding door, and got my 18 month old and 4 year old out of the vehicle. After we were all a safe distance away I saw that most of the hood of the van was in flames. …”
NHTSA complaint #10334181, filed 2010-06, 135,000 milesSuspension: “I purchased a 1997 Ford Windstar and from what I understand is that there was a recall on the coil springs/suspension. (recall#01i00700) < I believe this is the recall #. Long story short my front tires are flat doue to the coil springs. None of the dealers I took it to are willing to fix this. They say it is not covered under any recall... Please help me better understand why Ford wont fix this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10436452, filed 2011-11Brakes: “My Windstar gl wouldn't start. I replaced the range selector switch. When I restarted the vehicle I forgot the reconnect the brake pressure sensor wiring connector and the ABS light came on. I tried to get the code cleared but no-one could access the code. I took the van to the dealer for a recall notice on the speed control system and had them look into why the ABS light was on. I was told the ABS module had quit and needed replaced. The module is $1500.00 and $300.00 to install. That's more than the van is worth. …”
NHTSA complaint #10349332, filed 2010-08, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
7% of the 43 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 72,000 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Ford Windstar. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstar · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Ford Windstar version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstar FWD Van | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Windstar FWD Van | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Windstar FWD Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Windstar FWD Wagon | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Windstar 1995–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
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 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 01V199000Jun 18, 2001Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springsCovers: Ford Windstar 1997–1998
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…
- 00V168000Jun 19, 2000Exterior lightingCovers: Ford Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more
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 photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices…
- 99V147000Jun 14, 1999Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Ford Windstar 1996–1999
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 cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible…
- 97V097000Jun 9, 1997Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford Windstar 1997–1998, Taurus 1997, Mercury Sable 1997
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 occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic…
Recall details for the 1997 Ford Windstar → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA08021Engine compartment firesClosed · Sep 17, 2008
- PE08035Engine compartment firesClosed · May 13, 2008
- EA03004Wheel stud fractureClosed · Apr 10, 2003
- EA00027Suspension coil spring breakageClosed · Dec 8, 2000
- PE00024Suspension coil spring breakageClosed · Jun 23, 2000
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10183766Apr 20, 2020Body and structure. For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear…
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Other model years of the Ford Windstar
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 24 | 123,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2003 | 1,510 | 98,035 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,353 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 1,686 | 108,000 | 15 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,675 | 104,000 | 15 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 1,522 | 105,000 | 11 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,433 | 94,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 192 | 88,890 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 1,386 | 86,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 3,326 | 99,500 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 23 | 119,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 11 | 97,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 6 | 150,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Windstar model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Windstar?
Owners of this model year most often describe speedometer needles that swing wildly at highway speeds, front coil springs that break and can damage tires, and head gasket failures on the 3.8L V6 that lead to coolant loss and, in some reports, engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Head gasket failure and coolant loss (3.8L V6); Speedometer needle swings or reads wrong; Front coil spring breaks, sometimes damaging tires.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Ford Windstar have?
NHTSA recorded 192 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford Windstar as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Ford Windstar is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 43 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 38.
Has the 1997 Ford Windstar been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Windstar get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Ford Windstar (Windstar FWD Van, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Ford Windstar reported?
Among the 43 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,890 miles and the middle half falls between 72,000 and 115,000 miles; 7% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.