Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I bought this 1997 Ford Windstar in March of 2003. The very next day I returned to the independent car dealer due to the check engine light was on. They said nothing was wrong and they reset the light. Within a week it was on again and this time they said it was a fluxation in the electrical current and it was making the light come on. They reset it. About 2 weeks later it is losing coolant somewhere and running rough, they check it and now it needs 2 out of 4 oxygen sensors replaced im told. They pay for it if they truly fixed it because about 2-3 weeks later I am havint the same problems so they replace the other 2 oxygen sensors, but cannot explain the coolant loss. …
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. …
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? …
Have a 97 Ford Windstar all of a sudden I had a tire blow completely here to find out that the coil spring on drivers front broke and went into tire, then to find out there was a recall 2 years ago on it but was never notified of it and also a few weeks ago, van all of a sudden kept getting real hot with rolling white smoke just to find out that there was problems with the head gaskets on these windstars but yet still was never notified, this is not right, I feel we were cheated, now have a van that sits and still owe $10,000 on because I'm a family man of six and cannot afford the cost of these major repairs, I'm afraid of what might of happened if this would of blew with all my family in it on a highway, is this how the Ford company treats their consumers by lying and decieving them.
Tl 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 the exhaust system was replaced and brake lines snapping. Updated 06/09/09.
Norm conditions 20 MPH stop ABS engaged,delayed stop. Near accident. Dealer found no problem, not repeatable. One year later problem recurred, and ABS light illuminated. Dealer to replace left wheel sensor. Seems that if the on-board computer doesn't think there is a problem, the technicians cannot find it. Sensors could have been replaced earlier as a precaution. Other problem- driving 55 on highway and transmission downshifted uncommanded. Check engine light had been illuminated since earlier incident with the dealer unable to diagnose. Sensor in gear selector was bad. Hopefully, no undue wear and tear on transmission resulted from the highway downshift.
Passenger side rear brake drum cracked but was not noticed immediately. When it was repaired, there was severe damage to all components within the drum. It seems very unusual that this happened, especially considering the low mileage of the vehicle. This is one of numerous failures this vehicle has had in the last 6 months. I had the driver front coil spring break, but it was eventually recalled. Based on the complaints about this vehicle in your database, I feel this vehicle is very unsafe, and not reliable. Ford has had many recalls for various vehicles in the past 2 to 3 months.
My anti lock light stays on brake light indicator stays on after I come to a hault for the first time out for the day. But I thought it was from the brake drums crushing my brake pad I had to replace one at a time.but the in one month my rear rim cracks leaking air then front rim does same thing in same month dealer say we ca sceduel you an appointment at your cost. Thanks you Ford for a fine response.
We believe the sheer number of defect on this car is unbelievable. We purchased it used from my parents. Total cost of non "wear and tear" repairs is around $5000. This is over 25% of the vehicles original value, and over 50% of the value at time of purchase. While no accidents have occurred, we believe Ford should take responsibility for a bad product.
I am concerned about the warning lights on the dashboard. When driving this vehicle the ABS brake light along with the emergency brake stay lit while driving and when the vehicle is being used. It also seems that the door ajar buzzer tends to keep sounding while driving. This is a hindrance while driving.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Brake complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Windstar, 15% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Windstar brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-147 (master cylinder, Jun 14, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Windstar brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.