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1997 Ford Windstar GL

The 1997 Ford Windstar GL is a 147-hp 3.0-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $20,920 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 147 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Windstar measures 201.2 inches long on a 120.7-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeMinivan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$20,920 ($42,361 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.0L Vulcan OHV V6
Displacement3 L
Horsepower147 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque170 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
ValvetrainOHV, 2 valves/cylinder
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission4-Speed Automatic (AX4S)
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelGasoline
Tank Capacity20 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson strut, independent
Rear SuspensionBeam axle, coil springs (air suspension optional)
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in
Wheels Rear15 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length201.2 in
Width74.3 in
Height68 in
Wheelbase120.7 in
Interior
Headroom Front39.3 in
Headroom Rear38.9 in
Legroom Front41.8 in
Legroom Rear39.2 in
Shoulder Room Front60.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear62.9 in
Hip Room Front57.6 in
Hip Room Rear57.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1997 Ford Windstar

Recalls

6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford WINDSTAR. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 13, 2009 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

NHTSA campaign 09V399000

Jul 12, 2001 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 WINDSTAR MINI VANS ARE ALSO COVERED BY NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 01V-199/FORD RECALL 01S19. THE MINI VANS COVERED BY THE SAFETY RECALL WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT TO A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE. THIS COVERAGE IS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES DURING THE COVERAGE PERIOD NOTED ABOVE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.

NHTSA campaign 01I007000

Jun 18, 2001 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 01V199000

Jun 19, 2000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA campaign 00V168000

Jun 14, 1999 · 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. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

NHTSA campaign 99V147000

Jun 9, 1997 · 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.

Consequence: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.

NHTSA campaign 97V097000

208 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Ford WINDSTAR

Owner Complaints

208 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford WINDSTAR (6 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train44
Engine And Engine Cooling41
Suspension39
Service Brakes27
Hydraulic25
Vehicle Speed Control21
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 15, 2014 · Suspension
“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…”
Aug 22, 2012 · Structure
“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…”
Aug 10, 2012 · Suspension
“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…”
Nov 19, 2011 · Suspension
“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…”
Aug 14, 2010 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, 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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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