1997 Ford Windstar: engine failure

5 of the 192 complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 33 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2003
6
2002
7
2001
10
2000
9
1999
14
1998
12
1997
5
1996
83
1995
249
1993
1

What owners say

Filed Nov 30, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · 75,172 miles · CA

Dt: the contact states has been having several problems with vehicle since 2002. On april 28, 2004 the speedometer was not providing an accurate speed reading. On december 9, 2004 the sliding door would not unlock or slide properly. The dealer replaced the door lock actuator and determined that the slide wheels were dry. The dealership replaced the door latch, and now it needed replacement again. On february 5, 2005 the engine was replaced at 75, 172 miles, and on november 21, 2005 the power steering failed and was replaced. All repairs have been done at contact's expense.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 106,000 miles · UN

At 150,000km (94,000 miles) was in for front spring recall and dealer recommended engine front gasket replacement. Immediately had this repair done ($900 cdn). Shortly after my mechanic stated that he could hear a slight knocking and predicted the engine bearing would go within the year. I started campaining with ford based on the history of gasket failure (coolant leaks past gasket into oil causing bearing failure). Ford customer care said they need a dealer to diagnose the problem so had a dealer check it out with no problem found. At close to 170,000km (106,000 miles) the knocking became louder and the oil light began to flicker. Again contacted ford who asked for dealer diagnosis which I did and confirmed need engine replacement. Ford customer care said there were no programs for my vehicle therefore no coverage but would consider partial payment as good will gesture if repaired at a ford dealer. Continued to email ford but they stopped responding to my concern. Had the engine replaced at my mechanic.

Filed Feb 21, 2003 · Engine · 90,000 miles · SC

I bought my 1997 windstar used 6 months ago with 87,000 on it, I have driven only 3,000 miles and my engine blew with no warning. This was the most expensive used car I had ever owned and we did everything we could before we bought it..we checked the VIN report on carfax...we had the vehicle checked out by our own mechanic. I thought I had found a great (dream for me)vehicle. Ben satcher ford in sc said there was no recall on this car only the 95 model and that problem had been since fixed. So I'm stuck with paying $3000 for a new engine while I still owe $6000 on my vehicle. This vehicle is the only way I can transport my 3 children around together, our other vehicle is a pick-up with only front seats...so were stranded.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Engine, Locks · OH

We have a blown head gasket at 115,000 miles even though we had the van to the dealership several times when it was under warranty with concerns that the head gaskets were blown. They blew us off like we were idiots!! We had to have the door windows repaired because they were installed incorrectly, the latch assembly on the hatch broke we took it in and had repaired then approximately 1year later it broke again! Of course that time it was not covered because we were under the extended warranty and they refused to replace the latch, instead they wanted me to pay $250 to replace a piece of plastic that could not be purchased seperately! The rear windshield wiper quit working. We also have to periodically scrape and clean the sensor for the sliding door otherwise it will not stop dinging. The driver side mirror cracked the first winter, it was replaced and the replacement cracked the next winter. Right now this van is not running and we had to have the head pressure checked and resurfaced, will have to replace the head gaskets, etc... If we are lucky we will have a van that runs if not we will have to replace the engine which will be around $4500 or more. We have already spent several hundred. I feel ford should be paying for these services especially since we took this van to the dealer several times and were told there was nothing wrong except we needed to replace our o2 sensors!! Ford is junk!!!

Filed Dec 14, 1999 · Engine, Locks · MN

The check engine light illuminates intermittently, possible engine failure. Nlm