The 1997 Ford Windstar has 4 recalls, the most serious being a transmission component that can separate while driving, spraying fluid onto the catalytic converter and starting an engine fire. This affects vehicles equipped with the AX4S automatic transaxle. On the suspension side, front coil springs can fracture due to corrosion in regions where road salt is heavily used, and a broken spring can shift and puncture a front tire, causing a blowup while driving. There is also a minor compliance issue: the brake fluid reservoir and cap carry warning labels that are partially hidden by how the master cylinder sits in the engine compartment, making them difficult to read without repositioning your line of sight.
At a glance
What can fail
Front coil springs can corrode and fracture. If a spring breaks, it may shift and contact the front tire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs to prevent corrosion and fracture.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Front suspension coil springs can crack in high-salt areas over time. A cracked spring may shift and rub against the front tire, causing it to lose air.
What the fix does
Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid reservoir's filler cap and reservoir body have warning labels embossed on them, but the reservoir's position in the engine compartment makes these warnings not fully visible from direct view.
What the fix does
New warning labels will be provided to owners with instructions for installation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low/intermediate servo cover on the AX4S automatic transaxle can separate while driving. When this happens, transmission fluid leaks out and may contact the catalytic converter, potentially causing a vehicle fire.
What the fix does
The servo cover will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
