1997 Ford Windstar

192 complaints on file, page 1 of 10.

1. Filed May 15, 2014Failure May 8, 2014140,000 milesHighland, ILNon-powered axle assembly

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH THE REAR AXLE BEAM BECAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. A PRIVATE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

   NHTSA complaint 10588611
2. Filed Aug 22, 2012Failure Aug 22, 201113,000 milesWallagrass, MEBody

   TL* 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
3. Filed Aug 10, 2012Failure Aug 10, 201290,000 milesFranklin, INSuspension

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACK BAR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/21/12*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURES. UPDATED 09/26/2012 *JS

   NHTSA complaint 10470168
4. Filed Nov 19, 2011Failure Apr 13, 2011Hobart, INSuspension

   I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE COIL SPRINGS/SUSPENSION. (RECALL#01I00700) < I BELIEVE THIS IS THE RECALL #. LONG STORY SHORT MY FRONT TIRES ARE FLAT DOUE TO THE COIL SPRINGS. NONE OF THE DEALERS I TOOK IT TO ARE WILLING TO FIX THIS. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL... PLEASE HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WONT FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10436452
5. Filed Aug 14, 2010Failure Nov 10, 200990,000 milesNovi, MIElectrical system, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control

   MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO WHY THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD QUIT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE MODULE IS $1500.00 AND $300.00 TO INSTALL. THAT'S MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS ALSO QUIT AND THE DEALER REP. TELLS ME THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO GOES THROUGH THIS MODULE. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE IT SEEMS RATHER IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO DO NOTHING MORE THAN INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A USED MODULE TO REPAIR THE CRUISE AND ABS. THE FAILURE IS TOTAL. NEITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS AT THIS TIME. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10349332
6. Filed Jun 2, 2010Failure Jan 19, 2010Clinton, UTVehicle speed control

   I HAD MY 97 WINDSTAR FAN FIXED DUE TO RECALL # 09S09:SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION. EVER SINCE THEN THE ABS AND PARKING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON. WE HAVE HAD THE CODES RESET, BUT THEY KEEP APPEARING. I HAVE ALSO CALLED THE FORD DEALER WHERE THE REPAIR WAS DONE, BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL TO CHECK THE SCDS, OR THAT IF IT WASN'T LEAKING THEN, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THAT PART. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10334277
7. Filed Jun 1, 2010Failure May 28, 2010135,000 milesRedford, MIElectrical system, Engine and engine coolingFire

   I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10334181
8. Filed Oct 23, 2009Failure Feb 21, 2007220,000 milesApex, NCVehicle speed controlFire

   OUR 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN THAT IS CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL FOR THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNED TO THE GROUND ON FEB 21, 2007 AS THE RESULT FROM A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA. *TR

   NHTSA complaint 10289494
9. Filed Apr 14, 2009Failure Apr 9, 200670,000 milesGlenwood, ILExhaust system, Service brakes, Hoses, Lines/piping

   TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V199000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 6/4/09 *CN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND BRAKE LINES SNAPPING. UPDATED 06/09/09.*JB

   NHTSA complaint 10265274
10. Filed Feb 28, 2009Failure Feb 5, 2009100,000 milesChula Vista, CAService brakes, Electric

    ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON SAME TIME. NOTICE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. REFILL BRAKE FLUID OFTEN. SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE SWAYS ERRATICALLY FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE FOR 2 YEARS. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10260265
11. Filed May 10, 2008Failure May 7, 2008191,000 milesHartselle, ALService brakes, Fluid, Vehicle speed control

    NOTICED THAT I WAS LEAKING SOME BRAKE FLUID FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS ON MY 1997 FORD WINDSTAR BUT VERY LITTLE AT THAT. ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RAISED THE HOOD BUT THE SMOKE HAD QUIT. GOT BACK HOME AND NOTICED THIS AGAIN WHEN I WAS STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AGAIN AND FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS SMOKING AND VERY HOT. WENT TO THE FORD DEALER TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THERE WAS NOT . INSTALLED THE REPLACEMENT PART WITH PLUG ADAPTOR AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH SMOKING AND THE CRUISE STARTED WORKING AGAIN. NOTICED ON THE NET THIS SAME PART THAT IS IN MY WINDSTAR IS ALSO IN OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. WHY IS THIS? THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUGHT FIRE AND BEEN A TOTAL LOSS TO THE VAN AND IF IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE HOUSE ALSO. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10227200
12. Filed Apr 9, 2008Failure Apr 2, 2008132,000 milesWaldon, NYCoil springs

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED CAUSING THE FRONT END TO HIT THE GROUND. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10223848
13. Filed Mar 13, 2008Failure Jan 1, 1901Charleston, ILCoil springs

    1997 FORD WINDSTAR RECALL FOR COIL SPRINGS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT REPAIRED IN 2001 WHEN IT WAS RECEIVED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THEY WERE NOT BROKEN THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT, THEY WOULD JUST PUT PLASTIC SHIELDS OVER THEM. NOW DEALER STATES THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. *KB

    NHTSA complaint 10221662
14. Filed Mar 26, 2007Failure Feb 1, 2007100,349 milesKenosha, WICoil springs

    I HAVE 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. FEB. 1, 2007 I WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH, ANDPASSENGER FRONT SPRING SHATTERED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. MY MECHANIC SAUD I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAD IT FIXED, IT COST ME $1036.00. I CALLED FORD TO TRY AND GET REIMBURSED, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER. IF I HAD KNOWN THEY WERE BAD I WOULD HAVE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY WARNING AT ALL. THEY DID NOT EVEN HAVE ME DOWN AS THE REGISTERED OWNER. HERE IS THE RECALL # 011007000, FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. THEY SAID IT COVERS FROM 1995-1998 WINDSTARS. HERE IS MY VIN. #2FMDA514VBD14446. ALL I WOULD LIKE IS TO GET SOME OF MY MONEY BACK, I LIVE ON $699. A MONTH, AND FOR THEM TO ADMIT I WAS COVERED. THEY ARE BEING REALLY NASTY ABOUT THIS. I WAS TOLD TO CALL BY FOX 6 IN MILWAUKEE, KATRINA CRAVY CONSUMER REPORTER. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10186140
15. Filed Mar 6, 2007Failure Mar 3, 2007142,000 milesLemont, ILHydraulic power assist system, Coil springs

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL #01I007000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10184352
16. Filed Dec 18, 2006Failure Dec 14, 2006115,000 milesPoplarville, MSSeatsFire

    TL*- THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN VAN , THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VAN STATED TO FILL UP WITH SMOKE. AT WHICH POINT HE LOOKED AT THE DRIVER SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE VAN WAS ON FIRE. THE HE PUT OUT THE INITIAL FIRE. WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT HE NOTICED THERE WERE MORE FLAMES. THE NEXT DAY HE SAW THAT THERE WERE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VA WITH THE SEAT IS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FIRE. CONTACT DRIVE THE VAN HOME.

    NHTSA complaint 10176471
17. Filed Dec 11, 2006Failure Dec 4, 2006114,000 milesNorth East, MDVehicle speed controlFire

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT LOCATED ON THE GEARSHIFT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND ALSO BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V388000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

    NHTSA complaint 10175808
18. Filed Jul 26, 2006Failure Jul 22, 2006146,000 milesPort Richey, FLAutomatic transmissionFire

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS VACATED. THE HOOD WAS RAISED AND FLAMES LOOKED AS IF THEY IT WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME OF THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #97V097000 PERTAINING TO THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

    NHTSA complaint 10163496
19. Filed May 24, 2006Failure May 10, 200677,000 milesSpring, TXFuel system, Storage

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK CRACKED RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND EXPLAINED THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 10158181
20. Filed May 23, 2006Failure Apr 24, 2006139,000 milesMarshfield, MOSeat belts

    I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR, OVER THE COURSE OF A MONTH MY HUSBAND AND A FEW FRIENDS USED MY VAN TO GO HUNTING. OVER THE COURSE OF THAT MONTH HIS FRIEND WEIGHING IN AT 300 POUND SAT IN THE CENTER REAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELT SNAPS INTO PLACE ON THE SIDE OF THAT SEAT. DURING THAT MONTH OF GETTING IN AND OUT AND PLOPPING DOWN ON IT, IT BROKE AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE IT IN ORDER TO USE IT AGAIN. BUT IM AFRAID THAT IF IT COULD BRAKE BECAUSE SOMEONE SAT ON IT THEN HOW EASILY COULD IT BREAK DURING AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DO AN IN DEPTH INVESTIGATION OF IT BEFORE SOMEONE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT BELT BREAKS AND SOMEONE IS HURT OR WORSE KILLED. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10158085