- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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 on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Ford Windstar Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2009 for the vehicle speed control.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Windstar year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1997 Ford Windstar recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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 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 risk
- 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 noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
- The problem
- 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 location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
- The risk
- 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. 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Windstar: every year compared
All Windstar years1997 Ford Windstar vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Ford Windstar | 0 | 6 | B | |
| 1997 Ford Contour | 234 | 8 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Aspire | 76 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Aerostar | 63 | 5 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Club Wagon | 44 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Aeromax | 3 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Ford B700 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Ford C Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Ford Bronco | 1 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Ford Windstar
Does the 1997 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1997 Ford Windstar: vehicle speed control (October 2009); coil springs (July 2001); coil springs (June 2001); exterior lighting (June 2000) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1997 Ford Windstar had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1997 Ford Windstar a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Ford Windstar year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1997 Ford Windstar has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data