🚗 AutoDefect IQ

1997 Ford Windstar problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs (24) · Vehicle Speed Control (18) · Power Train (17)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

93 /100
✓ Typical or better for this model

Compared against other Ford Windstar model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 2 complaints <25k 25–50k miles: 1 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 8 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 17 complaints 17 75–100k 100–125k miles: 5 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 7 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 3 complaints 150k+

43 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

192
Complaints
0
Recalls
176
Service bulletins
6
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (0)

No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).

Service bulletins (176)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Structure 2020-04-20 · 16-0065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

for 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 control arm (lca) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could separate from the vehicle subframe. separation of one lca a

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2004-12-13 · 042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

general (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt

Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs 2004-10-01 · 04L23 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

literature program 04l23. customer maintenance reminder - aluminum wheel lug nut torque. *tt

Power Train 2004-08-01 · 17358 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. *tt this bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models. *tt

Electrical System 2003-10-13 · 03203 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system. *tt

Electrical System 2003-09-15 · 03181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt

Showing the 6 most recent of 176 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

No detailed complaint narratives on file.

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Ford Windstar years