1997 Ford Windstar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford Windstar, 4% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“While driving the driver saw smoke coming from under the hood and pulled over. The driver went for help and came back to find the vehicle in flames. The fire department determined that the fire was caused by an electrical problem. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10055244, filed 2004-01, 170,000 miles“While driving, the consumer turned the ignition off. Upon starting the vehicle again, the starter made a funny noise. Also, the thermostat was extremely high. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer, and the problem was not resolved. The consumer stated that the radiator was opened and the anti-freeze was low-refilled. The mechanic thought it was the water pump. The head gasket was leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #8017172, filed 2002-08Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 13% |
| 2003 | 280 | 19% |
| 2002 | 261 | 19% |
| 2001 | 223 | 13% |
| 2000 | 222 | 13% |
| 1999 | 209 | 14% |
| 1998 | 111 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1996 | 83 | 6% |
| 1995 | 168 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Windstar
43 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Windstar
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology