1997 Ford Windstar
2FMZA51U3WBD15493
Vehicle record for the 1997 Ford Windstar (VIN 2FMZA51U3WBD15493). Green, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Kyiv. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1997 Ford Windstar · Green on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 6 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 2FMZA51U3WBD15493, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 6 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Ford Windstar data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Ford Windstar.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Ford Windstar costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Safety recall campaigns 6
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…
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
NHTSA Campaign #09V399000 · manufacturer #09S09 · 13/10/2009SUSPENSION: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 RECAL…
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 NOTE
NHTSA Campaign #01I007000 · 12/07/2001SUSPENSION: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. DE…
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 · manufacturer #01S19 · 18/06/2001EXTERIOR 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA Campaign #00V168000 · manufacturer #00S14 · 19/06/2000SERVICE 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 · manufacturer #99S17 · 14/06/1999POWER 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.
NHTSA Campaign #97V097000 · manufacturer #97S75 · 09/06/1997Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 13 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 220 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Windstar, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 6 involved a crash 🔥 11 involved a fire 🚑 7 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 220
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Ford Windstar.
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 REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10588611STRUCTURE
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 COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APP…
NHTSA ODI #10471878SUSPENSION
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/21/12*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS …
NHTSA ODI #10470168SUSPENSION
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 TIRES ARE FLAT DOUE TO THE COIL SPRINGS. NONE OF THE DEALERS I TOOK IT TO ARE WILLING TO FIX THIS. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL... PLEASE HELP ME BE…
NHTSA ODI #10436452SERVICE 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 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…
NHTSA ODI #10349332VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAD MY 97 WINDSTAR FAN FIXED DUE TO RECALL # 09S09:SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION. EVER SINCE THEN THE ABS AND PARKING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON. WE HAVE HAD THE CODES RESET, BUT THEY KEEP APPEARING. I HAVE ALSO CALLED THE FORD DEALER WHERE THE REPAIR WAS DONE, BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL TO CHECK THE SCDS, OR THAT IF IT WASN'T LEAKING…
NHTSA ODI #10334277ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 HO…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10334181VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OUR 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN THAT IS CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL FOR THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNED TO THE GROUND ON FEB 21, 2007 AS THE RESULT FROM A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA. *TR
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10289494+ 212 more complaints on record.
