1997 Ford Windstar Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Ford Windstar, 4% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles.
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.
“The subframe assembly on my 1997 Ford Windstar has broken/cracked in two different locations * on two separate occasions. The first repair was in september of 2002. The most recent repair was september 2003. The service manager at dennison Ford (steve bowns) said that if it happens again, the subframe probably will need to be replaced. My impression is that this is a common problem with windstars. When I called to set up an appointment the second time and started describing the problem, the service rep said they usually broke at the strut. …”
NHTSA complaint #10038713, filed 2003-09, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after having the vehicle inspected, he was notified that the vehicle failed to pass the state inspection due to the sub frame being completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10471878, filed 2012-08, 13,000 miles“Transmission failed, at the time of repair they found that the frame was broken, the van was purchased from them 6 months prior to the failure and they accused me of hitting a bump and making the frame break. I personally do not remember hitting anything in the van I drive it to an from work. If a bump small enough not to recall will break the frame would that mean the frame is defected? I personally feel that I purchased the van with a broken frame and driving it for six months in that condition could of caused my transmission to fail. …”
NHTSA complaint #731912, filed 2000-09“The floor on the passenger side of the vehicle is damp / wet during the occasion when the air condition sysyten is turned on. What I find more disturbing is that I took this vehicle for repair on 5 separate times to the same maroone Ford service station for repair and the final conclusion is that they do not know what is the origin of this problem. In other word - they can't fix it. On their first inspection of the vehecle on 08/21/01 they thought that the vehicle needed driver's side weatherstrip , therefore they replaced the weatherstrip at a cost of $363.62. …”
NHTSA complaint #754071, filed 2001-11Related service bulletins
- 10183766Apr 20, 2020For 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 127 | 8% |
| 2002 | 101 | 7% |
| 2001 | 293 | 17% |
| 2000 | 216 | 13% |
| 1999 | 276 | 18% |
| 1998 | 81 | 6% |
| 1997 | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 | 37 | 3% |
| 1995 | 99 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Windstar
43 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsElectrical system
7 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