10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,750 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Windstar electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Windstar:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Ford Windstar Owner Comments

problem #4

Nov 102009

Windstar

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 and $300 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.

- Novi, MI, USA

problem #3

May 282010

Windstar

  • 135,000 miles
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.

- Redford, MI, USA

problem #2

Jul 292003

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Behind in payments. Ford motor credit issued write of summons on 7/3/03, trial scheduled for 9/22/03. On 7/29/03, while at work, vehicle caught on fire, damaging 2 other vehicles parked on either side of me. Fire marshall investigated the incident and found to be an electrical problem. Insurance investigated and vehicle was total loss. Insurance paid Ford motor credit $5,689.25 (claim [xxx]). Ford motor credit obtained judgment and wages are currently being garnished on a vehicle that was claimed a total loss due to an electrical problem. Updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Frankford, DE, USA

problem #1

Jan 162004

(reported on)

Windstar

  • 170,000 miles
While driving the driver saw smoke coming from under the hood and pulled over. The driver went for help and came back to find the vehicle in flames. The fire department determined that the fire was caused by an electrical problem.

- Orlando, FL, USA

Not what you are looking for?