1997 Ford Windstar Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Windstar. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 09V399000Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control
  Covers: Ford Windstar 1995–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more

  Reported issue: 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 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

  Possible consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

  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 connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…

  Full campaign details →

• 01V199000Jun 18, 2001198,583 vehicles potentially affected
  Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
  Covers: Ford Windstar 1997–1998

  Reported issue: 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…

  Possible consequence: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.

  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 date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

  Full campaign details →

• 00V168000Jun 19, 200020,637 vehicles potentially affected
  Exterior lighting
  Covers: Ford Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more

  Reported issue: 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, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.

  Possible consequence: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.

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

  Full campaign details →

• 99V147000Jun 14, 1999789,723 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
  Covers: Ford Windstar 1996–1999

  Reported issue: 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 by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."

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

  Full campaign details →

• 97V097000Jun 9, 1997100,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Power train › Automatic transmission
  Covers: Ford Windstar 1997–1998, Taurus 1997, Mercury Sable 1997

  Reported issue: 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 converter.

  Possible consequence: The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.

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

  Full campaign details →

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
• EA99020Fuel tank cracksClosed · Jul 26, 1999

← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Windstar