One problem related to transmission fluid leaking has been reported for the 1997 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
We were driving on the interstate at 70 mph with the cruise control on. Without any warning, the van went out of gear , the engine revved up, and all acceleration stopped. We pulled off the road and tried to get the van to go back into gear - any gear - and it wouldn't. There was no warning of a problem - no noises or leakage of fluid or anything unusual.