CarRecallWatchThe 1998 Ford Windstar has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,433 complaints with NHTSA, including 54 crashes, 65 fires, 59 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (353 reports).
1998 Ford Windstar recalls
Rear axle may fracture, risking loss of control
Some 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles had their rear axles previously repaired to guard against cracking from corrosion.
Most common 1998 Ford Windstar problems
Problem areas named in the 1,433 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 353 |
| Suspension | 242 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 226 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 197 |
| Steering | 157 |
| Electrical System | 113 |
| Structure | 85 |
| Wheels | 84 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 76 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 61 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
We woke up this morning to the driver's side completely burned and melted. It had been parked sinced Monday. Fire inspector said it was definitely an electrical issue coming from the seat.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHERE THE SOUND ORIGINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING RUBBER ODOR. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A NEARBY DRIVEWAY AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
SUBFRAME RUSTED ON LEFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. I HAD A POPPING NOISE WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN AND LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO LEFT. I HAD TAKEN IT TO A AUTO SHOP AND THEY REPLACED STRUTS.SWAY BARS AND BRAKES . NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE RUST ISSUE WITH THE SUB FRAME. I DROVE IT HOME FROM SHOP. SAME PROBLEM. RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO SAME REPAIR SHOP AND THE HAD A WELDER ATTACH STEEL BRACKET TO HOLD UP SUB FRAME. 2 DAYS LATER WORSE. I HAD A SECOND MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE TOLD ME THE FIRST REPAIR SHOULD NOT HAVE ASKED ME TO REPAIR ANYTHING ON THE VAN. SUB FRAME IS FAILED AT 128,436 MILES. I NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR CO . OF THE FAILURE, WAS GIVIN A CASE NUMBER.
MY REAR AXLE BROKE AND THEN MY DOOR AJAR CONSTANTLY GOES OFF EVEN WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. THE AXLE BROKE REAR DRIVERS SIDE LEAVING ME STRANDED. I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN 20 MPH.
1998 Ford Windstar questions
Does the 1998 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 1998 Ford Windstar: Rear axle may fracture, risking loss of control; Power Train:Axle Assembly; Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly; Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle Assembly; Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Windstar?
Based on 1,433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (353), Suspension (242), Engine And Engine Cooling (226).
How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Ford Windstar has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.