- The problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
- The risk
- If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Ford Windstar Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 14 recalls, the latest in September 2015 for the non-powered axle assembly.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Windstar year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1998 Ford Windstar recalls 14
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
- The risk
- A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, Corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- The risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- The risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- 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, smoke, or burn.
- The risk
- A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
- The fix
- 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 october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
- The problem
- 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 recall were 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 risk
- Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
- The fix
- 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 noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
- The problem
- 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. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
- The risk
- Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.S. Standards.
- The fix
- Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
- The problem
- 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."
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
- The problem
- 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: minivans. The overhead console rear retaining bracket can develop cracks and separate, allowing the overhead console to become loose and possibly fall down.
- The risk
- If the console does fall down, it could distract the driver or possibly strike a front seat occupant.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.
- The problem
- This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Mini vans sold during the months of december 1996, and january, february and may 1997. Front brake caliper anchor plate to hub and spindle assembly bolts may be loose as a result of an incomplete tightening operation at the assembly plant.
- The risk
- When the bolts are loose, a noticeable noise and/or vibration is evident which provides warning to the vehicle driver. Vehicle braking is not degraded.
- The fix
- Dealers will tighten the front brake calpier anchor plate bolts. Owners can contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.
- The risk
- This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for windstar model vehicles are 97Jb09 or 97jc08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97j09b or 97J08b.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: minivan equipped with second row bench seats with optional integrated child seat (ics). The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats may not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.
- The risk
- As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.
- The fix
- The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Windstar: every year compared
All Windstar years1998 Ford Windstar vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Ford Windstar | 0 | 14 | D | |
| 1998 Ford Contour | 861 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Ford Crown Victoria | 134 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Ford Club Wagon | 28 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Ford B800 | 6 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Ford Aerostar | 4 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Ford Bronco | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Ford B Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Ford Aeromax | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Ford Windstar
Does the 1998 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 1998 Ford Windstar: non-powered axle assembly (September 2015); non-powered axle assembly (May 2012); axle assembly (May 2012); non-powered axle assembly (August 2010) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1998 Ford Windstar had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1998 Ford Windstar a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 34 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford Windstar year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1998 Ford Windstar has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data