MYRModel Year Report

1998 Ford Windstar

● Typical for this model
1998 Ford Windstar
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,433
Recalls
14

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1998: 1,433 complaints 1998 1,433 1999: 1,522 complaints 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1997: 192 complaints 1997 1998: 1,433 complaints 1998 1,433 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 2000: 1,675 complaints 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2005: 1 complaint 2005
1985: 5 complaints 1985 1990: 6 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 23 complaints 1994 1995: 3,328 complaints 1995 1996: 1,386 complaints 1996 1997: 192 complaints 1997 1998: 1,433 complaints 1998 1,433 1999: 1,522 complaints 1999 2000: 1,675 complaints 2000 2001: 1,686 complaints 2001 2002: 1,353 complaints 2002 2003: 1,510 complaints 2003 2004: 24 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint 2005

1998: 1,433 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19855
19906
19913
19922
199311
199423
19953,328
19961,386
1997192
19981,433
19991,522
20001,675
20011,686
20021,353
20031,510
200424
20051

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

24% · 342 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle in park positon,engine running,engine started to back out unexpectedly, jumped out of gear, causing side door to hit side house, dealer will check transmission.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-04

Suspension

16% · 236 reports

Most commonly citing coil springs and front.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-17

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-31

Front sub frame completely rusted out. Ford has sub frame recall for the 1999-2003 but not the 1998.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-20

Also filed under Structure

Service brakes

15% · 216 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 206 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact smelled a burning odor while driving approximately 40 MPH. The contact stopped the vehicle and inspected under the hood. The contact noticed a flame coming from the alternator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-13

Steering

11% · 154 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

14 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-02-05Child seat97V051000 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…

    Remedy: The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1997-06-30Power train97V097000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1997-10-27Steering97V165000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1997-11-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-04-30 Missing/loose front brake caliper anchor
  5. I
    1998-04-30Engineering analysisClosed 1998-06-30 Missing/loose front brake
  6. R
    1998-06-01Service brakes, hydraulic98I003000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten the front brake calpier anchor plate bolts. Owners can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    1999-01-12SQOpen Overhead console loose or hangs down
  8. R
    1999-06-16Service brakes, hydraulic99V147000 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…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2000-06-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-08 Suspension coil spring breakage
  10. R
    2000-07-19Exterior lighting00V168000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. I
    2000-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 2001-07-31 Suspension coil spring breakage
  12. R
    2001-09-06Suspension01V199000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2001-12-10Suspension01I007000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2002-11-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-10 Wheel stud fracture
  15. I
    2003-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2004-08-30 Wheel stud fracture
  16. I
    2008-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-09-17 Engine compartment fires
  17. I
    2008-09-17Engineering analysisClosed 2009-10-14 Engine compartment fires
  18. R
    2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. I
    2010-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-09-22 Rear Axle Cracking
  20. R
    2010-10-20Suspension10V385000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2012-06-01Suspension12V195000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    2012-06-19Power train12V193000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  23. R
    2015-10-21Suspension15V608000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  24. R
    Date not on fileStructure99I001000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Ford Windstar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 342 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 236 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 216 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I001000 · Structure
  • Recall 97V051000 · Child seat
  • Recall 97V097000 · Power train
  • Recall 97V165000 · Steering
  • Recall 98I003000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 99V147000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 00V168000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 01V199000 · Suspension
  • Recall 01I007000 · Suspension
  • Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V385000 · Suspension
  • Recall 12V195000 · Suspension
  • Recall 12V193000 · Power train
  • Recall 15V608000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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FAQ

Is the 1998 Ford Windstar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Windstar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Windstar?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Windstar have?
14 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.