Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Vehicle was parked and key was not in the ignition the child was able to put vehicle in drive and it rolled, hit a tree, proceeded across the street into a utility pole, the dealer was contacted and stated that this was normal.
Transmission failed, at the time of repair they found that the frame was broken, the van was purchased from them 6 months prior to the failure and they accused me of hitting a bump and making the frame break. I personally do not remember hitting anything in the van I drive it to an from work. If a bump small enough not to recall will break the frame would that mean the frame is defected? I personally feel that I purchased the van with a broken frame and driving it for six months in that condition could of caused my transmission to fail. I would like to get more information about this and see if there is anyway of being reimbursed of this incident. I feel the van should be considered a lemon if it was sold with a broken frame. If I hit a bump hard enough to break the frame shouldn't the airbags eject? Are they defective too? …
The part is the speedometer which has replacement part f682.17255.cb supplied by the firm electra-sound, inc., west palma, ohio. Estimated costs for replacement of this part is $54.00 diagnostic; $166.66 for the replacement speedometer; $65.00 for labor. Problem: the original speedometer began being "jittery" at 20,000 miles. At 40,000 miles, the speedometer fluctuates wildly at speeds of 40 MPH and more. So, if you are traveling on the highway at 60 MPH, for example, the speedometer will show speeds anywhere from 40 to 110 MPH. You do not know what speed you are traveling!!! Mechanics around here have been quoted as saying this defect is common in speedometers used in Windstar and explorer models. The dealer that provided my diagnostic work said there is a two-week backlog to get this part. …
I noticed that my speedometer was behaving erratically at about 41000 miles. I contacted the dealer who said that it would have to be replaced at a cost of $250 if I wanted it fixed. I said that I didn't believe the speedometer should fail at that low mileage. The manufacturer contacted me about this and said there was nothing they could do (financially) to help with the replacement. At about 50000 miles I was informed that the right tie rod end was worn and advised it should be replaced. Again, I protested because of the low mileage. I finally had the replacement done for safety reasons at my expense. I was also told that the right wheel bearing was out of tolerance at a mileage of approx. 40000 miles. None of these defects were mentioned at the pre-36000 mile servicing I had done of the vehicle. …
2nd transmission failure: 1/26/99 @71,800 miles. Parked/when started, no reverse or forward gears. Repaired: multiple parts: ie ax4n, ax4s, bearing pump shaft/plate etc. Extended warrenty claim denied/ $3,500.00 out of pocket/ trans, still dysfunctional & power steering defective after last repair. Both failures occurred out of state/repaired out of state. Tomorrow I have to take van to akron oh (where last repaired) hope the transmission &steering will get me there in 1 peice!! Please help!! (don't know if trans problems related to recalled parts, this vehicle was not put into service until 10/97 & recall was 6/97. I have exausted my resources& would appreciate any help/advice/direction. Thought I had a Ford warrenty, but I was sold something else, unfortunately.thank you, sincerely, linda
Speedometer started twitching very little at about 34,000 miles. Thought nothing of it because it was so small. After warranty was over it would swing wildly from 50 to 110 MPH. Also makes a grumbling sound. Unable to determine speed . Dealer is replacing speedometer for @$600.00 at this time. Edmunds and other car sites have lots of complaints just like mine. Dealer said they know just how to troubleshoot this problem...must be lots of experience. If this is how they build these and charge me a ton to fix the defective equipment, I will be lloking for a Honda or Toyota next. Seems like a safety issue when you do not know how fast you are going...been using the tach for a long time myself.
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.
Sudden catastrophic failure of the transmission on my 1996 Windstar, 86,000 mi. Proper maintenence had been done. I see there are many complaints here with the same problem. NHTSA it is time to step up and force a recall. How long do the consumers have to bear the brunt of this obvious defect. We don't have the $3000 they want for repairs. What happened to comsumer rights? The way it stands now I will never buy another amercian car. Is that what you want for the economy. You have to hold corporate America responsibletoput out quality vehicles. You have the power. Do what you are there to do, protect the consumer, not the corporate money.
My van has been putting itself into neutral when I am at a stop or pulling out of a stop. When I have went to the dealers in deleware (on vacation), pa. (on vacation) and my local dealer, no one can find a problem.now all of a sudden my dealer in roanoke rapids ,n.c. Said he would rreplace some transmission parts but I do not know what they did. They told me it was to complicating. I am mad and scared to drive my van. I do not know what they did of if it will happen again. I travel to pa. Alot with my 9yr old daughter by ourselves and now I am scared to do this. Help!!! No one else will!!! I can not even get in touch with Ford!!!
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Transmission complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Windstar, 22% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Windstar transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-097 (automatic transmission, Jun 9, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Windstar transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 146,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.