1998 Ford Windstar Problems and Recalls (1,393 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1998 Ford Windstar is Transmission / driveline (19% of 1,393 owner reports). There are 14 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,393 complaints · 14 recalls

What problems show up on the 1998 Ford Windstar?

268 of 1,393 filings named Transmission / driveline (19% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Suspension (192 reports).

There are 14 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Suspension, Transmission / driveline, Steering, Brakes, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1997 has 190 reports on file; this year has 1,393. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 1998 Ford Windstar

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 14 campaigns on file below.
  2. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  3. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Transmission / driveline. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Transmission / driveline 268 complaints · 19.2% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 54
  • Fires 65
  • Injuries 59
  • Deaths 3
All Ford Windstar years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) appears in 268 of 1,393 owner complaints (19.2%) in this vehicle snapshot. Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 268 complaints, 19.2% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 6 crash reports 4 fire reports 268 · 19.2% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 192 complaints, 13.8% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 5 crash reports 1 fire reports 192 · 13.8% Engine (ENGINE): 155 complaints, 11.1% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 25 fire reports 155 · 11.1% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 142 complaints, 10.2% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 9 crash reports 2 fire reports 142 · 10.2% Steering (STEERING): 99 complaints, 7.1% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 99 · 7.1% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 79 complaints, 5.7% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 2 crash reports 20 fire reports 79 · 5.7% Wheels (WHEELS): 77 complaints, 5.5% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 4 crash reports 77 · 5.5% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 60 complaints, 4.3% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 60 · 4.3% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 57 complaints, 4.1% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 7 crash reports 7 fire reports 57 · 4.1% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 1,102 complaints, 79.1% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 38 crash reports 43 fire reports 1,102 · 79.1% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 268 19.2% 6 crashes · 4 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 192 13.8% 5 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 155 11.1% 1 crashes · 25 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 142 10.2% 9 crashes · 2 fires
Steering (STEERING) 99 7.1% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 79 5.7% 2 crashes · 20 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 77 5.5% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 60 4.3% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 57 4.1% 7 crashes · 7 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 1,102 79.1% 38 crashes · 43 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 1997; the first recall shown was reported in Apr 1997. 1997-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 1997-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 1997-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 1998-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 1998-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 1998-Q3: 33 owner reports 33 1998-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 1999-Q1: 66 owner reports 66 1999-Q2: 39 owner reports 39 1999-Q3: 52 owner reports 52 1999-Q4: 39 owner reports 39 2000-Q1: 34 owner reports 34 2000-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2000-Q3: 56 owner reports 56 2000-Q4: 52 owner reports 52 2001-Q1: 68 owner reports 68 2001-Q2: 65 owner reports 65 2001-Q3: 50 owner reports 50 2001-Q4: 39 owner reports 39 2002-Q1: 53 owner reports 53 2002-Q2: 55 owner reports 55 2002-Q3: 46 owner reports 46 2002-Q4: 23 owner reports 23 2003-Q1: 34 owner reports 34 2003-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2003-Q3: 35 owner reports 35 2003-Q4: 33 owner reports 33 2004-Q1: 55 owner reports 55 2004-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2004-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2004-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2005-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2005-Q2: 12 owner reports 12 2005-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 2005-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2006-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2006-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2006-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2006-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2007-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2007-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2007-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2008-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2008-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2008-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2009-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2009-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2010-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2010-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2010-Q3: 19 owner reports 19 2010-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2011-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2011-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2011-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2012-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2012-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2012-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2012-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2013-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2013-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2014-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2015-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2015-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2018-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2019-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2019-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Apr 1997 Oct 2023 Recall campaign 97V051000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V051000 Recall campaign 97V097000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V097000 Recall campaign 97V165000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V165000 Recall campaign 98I003000 ◆ Recall campaign 98I003000 Recall campaign 99I001000 ◆ Recall campaign 99I001000 Recall campaign 99V147000 ◆ Recall campaign 99V147000 Recall campaign 00V168000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V168000 Recall campaign 01V199000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V199000 Recall campaign 01I007000 ◆ Recall campaign 01I007000 Recall campaign 09V399000 ◆ Recall campaign 09V399000 Recall campaign 10V385000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V385000 Recall campaign 12V193000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V193000 Recall campaign 12V195000 ◆ Recall campaign 12V195000 Recall campaign 15V608000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V608000 Investigation PE97048 ● Investigation PE97048 Investigation EA98008 ● Investigation EA98008 Investigation SQ99001 ● Investigation SQ99001 Investigation PE00024 ● Investigation PE00024 Investigation EA00027 ● Investigation EA00027 Investigation PE02085 ● Investigation PE02085 Investigation EA03004 ● Investigation EA03004 Investigation PE08035 ● Investigation PE08035 Investigation EA08021 ● Investigation EA08021 Investigation PE10016 ● Investigation PE10016
  • Campaign 98I003000 was reported 426 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 99I001000 was reported 369 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 99V147000 was reported 745 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01V199000 was reported 1,196 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01I007000 was reported 1,220 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 10V385000 was reported 4,552 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12V193000 was reported 5,350 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 12V195000 was reported 5,168 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V608000 was reported 6,412 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1997-Q2 Owner reports 1
1997-Q3 Owner reports 3
1997-Q4 Owner reports 8
1998-Q1 Owner reports 5
1998-Q2 Owner reports 20
1998-Q3 Owner reports 33
1998-Q4 Owner reports 32
1999-Q1 Owner reports 66
1999-Q2 Owner reports 39
1999-Q3 Owner reports 52
1999-Q4 Owner reports 39
2000-Q1 Owner reports 34
2000-Q2 Owner reports 26
2000-Q3 Owner reports 56
2000-Q4 Owner reports 52
2001-Q1 Owner reports 68
2001-Q2 Owner reports 65
2001-Q3 Owner reports 50
2001-Q4 Owner reports 39
2002-Q1 Owner reports 53
2002-Q2 Owner reports 55
2002-Q3 Owner reports 46
2002-Q4 Owner reports 23
2003-Q1 Owner reports 34
2003-Q2 Owner reports 29
2003-Q3 Owner reports 35
2003-Q4 Owner reports 33
2004-Q1 Owner reports 55
2004-Q2 Owner reports 17
2004-Q3 Owner reports 17
2004-Q4 Owner reports 12
2005-Q1 Owner reports 12
2005-Q2 Owner reports 12
2005-Q3 Owner reports 11
2005-Q4 Owner reports 8
2006-Q1 Owner reports 6
2006-Q2 Owner reports 3
2006-Q3 Owner reports 5
2006-Q4 Owner reports 7
2007-Q1 Owner reports 6
2007-Q2 Owner reports 4
2007-Q3 Owner reports 3
2007-Q4 Owner reports 3
2008-Q1 Owner reports 4
2008-Q2 Owner reports 7
2008-Q3 Owner reports 9
2008-Q4 Owner reports 3
2009-Q1 Owner reports 10
2009-Q2 Owner reports 2
2009-Q3 Owner reports 10
2009-Q4 Owner reports 14
2010-Q1 Owner reports 4
2010-Q2 Owner reports 17
2010-Q3 Owner reports 19
2010-Q4 Owner reports 16
2011-Q1 Owner reports 10
2011-Q2 Owner reports 10
2011-Q3 Owner reports 4
2011-Q4 Owner reports 12
2012-Q1 Owner reports 6
2012-Q2 Owner reports 4
2012-Q3 Owner reports 5
2012-Q4 Owner reports 2
2013-Q1 Owner reports 1
2013-Q2 Owner reports 6
2013-Q3 Owner reports 3
2013-Q4 Owner reports 2
2014-Q1 Owner reports 2
2014-Q2 Owner reports 3
2014-Q3 Owner reports 2
2014-Q4 Owner reports 2
2015-Q1 Owner reports 2
2015-Q2 Owner reports 1
2015-Q4 Owner reports 2
2016-Q1 Owner reports 2
2016-Q2 Owner reports 3
2016-Q3 Owner reports 1
2016-Q4 Owner reports 1
2017-Q2 Owner reports 1
2017-Q3 Owner reports 6
2018-Q1 Owner reports 1
2018-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q1 Owner reports 1
2019-Q3 Owner reports 1
2019-Q4 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q4 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 97V051000
Recall campaign 1 97V097000
Recall campaign 1 97V165000
Recall campaign 1 98I003000
Recall campaign 1 99I001000
Recall campaign 1 99V147000
Recall campaign 1 00V168000
Recall campaign 1 01V199000
Recall campaign 1 01I007000
Recall campaign 1 09V399000
Recall campaign 1 10V385000
Recall campaign 1 12V193000
Recall campaign 1 12V195000
Recall campaign 1 15V608000
Defect investigation 1 PE97048
Defect investigation 1 EA98008
Defect investigation 1 SQ99001
Defect investigation 1 PE00024
Defect investigation 1 EA00027
Defect investigation 1 PE02085
Defect investigation 1 EA03004
Defect investigation 1 PE08035
Defect investigation 1 EA08021
Defect investigation 1 PE10016
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (14)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Suspension, Transmission / driveline, Steering, Brakes, and Body / frame.

  1. Recall campaign 00V168000

    Safety recall 00V168000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 01I007000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
    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 NOTED ABOVE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 01V199000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 09V399000

    Safety recall 09V399000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
    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 OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 10V385000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 12V193000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 12V195000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 15V608000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 97V051000

    Safety recall 97V051000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    THE SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH SEATS BUILT WITH REVISED HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISMS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 97V097000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 97V165000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE STEERING EFFORTS, AFFECTING STEERING CONTROL.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 98I003000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE FRONT BRAKE CALPIER ANCHOR PLATE BOLTS. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 99I001000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    IF THE CONSOLE DOES FALL DOWN, IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER OR POSSIBLY STRIKE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED RETAINING BRACKET IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE ORIGINAL RETAINING BRACKET.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 99V147000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    Not available in the source record
    Remedy:
    OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 9 of 1,393 complaints · page 1 of 56
2023-10-31Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11552899
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2022-06-08Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11468285
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2019-12-17Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11289706
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2019-09-24STRUCTUREUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11257710
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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. ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF BOTTOM WITH CORROSION OF SUB FRAME. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
2019-01-29Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11172745
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2018-05-04Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11091939
CrashFireInjuryDeath
MY FRONT CRADLE AT STEERING AREA HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED INTO FROM AC LEAK AND ROAD SALT VAN WAS SOLD IN VERMONT NOW IS LOCATED IN VIRGINIA UNSAFE ALMOST UNDRIVABLE TO FORD DEALER FOR A REAR AXLE RECALL FOR AXLE BRACES PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS
2018-04-28Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11090769
CrashFireInjuryDeath
MY MINI VAN LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER WHILE I'M DRIVING AND EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE STARTER IN THE CAR, IT STILL TURNS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. THERE'S RUST COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR, I SMELL A BURNT SMELL WHEN I'M DRIVING. I'M HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, MY CAR STOPS WHEN IT WANTS TO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, .. IT MAKES NOISES WHEN I'M TURNING, I HAVE RUST COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR. THE SIGNAL LIGHTS FLICKER. WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WASHER, SEAT BELT, AND DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF. WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING THE WIPER BLADES STOP WORKING, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS IS CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO SHIMMY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. NOW WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL TO THE LEFT, IT MAKES THIS LOUD NOSE. WHAT IS THAT?!
2018-02-15Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 11073153
CrashFireInjuryDeath
ABS DASHBOARD LIGHT STAYS ON VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING WHILE IN MOTION VIBRATION IS PROPORTIONAL TO SPEED
2017-08-30Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11020511
CrashFireInjuryDeath
REGARDING FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 15S27: FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS REFUSING TO REPAIR MY REAR AXLE WHICH FRACTURED DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED AXLE THAT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NUMEROUS RECALLS, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS (WHICH HAD BEEN DONE AND LATER INSPECTED AT PHIL'S FORD IN PORT JERVIS, NY - WINTER OF 2015). I WAS TOLD THE BRACKET REINFORCEMENT REPAIR HAD BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED, HOWEVER THE AXLE STILL BROKE ON 8/17/17 WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE - AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION! THE BREAK OCCURRED AT AND WITHIN THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. EVENTUALLY, SOMEONE WILL BE HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF FORD'S NEGLECT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THE MORE I SEE OF FORD'S RESISTANCE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE THE GREATER MY CONCERN IS FOR OTHER DRIVERS (OF A VAN DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN) WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THE DANGER THEY ARE IN DUE TO THE COMPANY'S NEGLECT. THEY ARE TELLING PEOPLE THAT THEIR WINDSTAR VANS ARE SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE BRACKET REINFORCEMENT REPAIR. THEY ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP (HEALEY BROTHERS FORD IN GOSHEN, NY) IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE EARLIER RECALL, FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONS IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE EARLIER RECALL CLAIMING THAT THE OFFER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE HAS EXPIRED.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?

Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 268 of 1,393 reports (19%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Ford Windstar?

NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Suspension, Transmission / driveline, Steering, Brakes, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1998 Ford Windstar?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources