Ford Windstar / 1997
1997 Ford Windstar problems
Owners have filed 249 complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 18.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 16.5%.
Complaints249
Crashes6
Fires11
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 18.5% · 46
Engine and engine cooling 16.5% · 41
Suspension 15.7% · 39
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.0% · 25
Vehicle speed control 8.4% · 21
Steering 5.2% · 13
Structure 3.6% · 9
Seats 2.8% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Windstar in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 88,890 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Power train
Erratic operation of speedometer, commenced to jump back and forth while driving at 40 mph or more. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty. Not covered under a recall, and nothing would be done unless cost go to consumer. Please provide any further details on this matter. Power train
When coming to a stop, the vehicle goes into neutral even though the shift indicator is in the drive position. When accelerating after stopping the vehicle moves unexpectedly after applying gas. Manufacturer has been notified about the problem. The problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further details. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…