1998 Ford Windstar Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,433 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 5% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,900 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Windstar has about 155,000 miles on it and a 25 gallon tank. About six months ago it cut off on the interstate in front of a tractor trailer with my daughter driving. It had just traveled about 200 miles and it was raining hard. We had it towed to a Ford dealer and all he reported was the fuel pump fuse blew. The second event was on vacation and after driving about 175 miles. Again it was pouring down rain. I figured it was moisture related and let it sit three days and the idle close to 1/2 hour. Finally I drove it about 45 minutes and it seemed fine so we drove home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533315, filed 2013-08, 155,000 miles“This van has all the defects and complaints listed on thegovt. Recalls the NHTSA site and others ihave too much info to put on this site if there is anyone I can send my complaint to please let me know iam putting it back into the shop again ive been thru a nightmare along with trying to assure my 4 kids that they were safe in this van thankyou angela wallace and by the wat the dealer that sold me this van will not cooperate at all”
NHTSA complaint #10070261, filed 2004-01, 37,000 miles“While driving at various speeds and without warning consumer smelled gas fumes inside the vehicle. Cause has yet to be determined. The seal between the gas tank and the fuel pump failed because the gas tank collapsed. The gas tank was replaced at the dealer. The fuel gauge accuracy problem that was corrected when the new gas tank was installed.”
NHTSA complaint #10042185, filed 2004-01, 95,000 miles“Fuel tank collapse on 1998 Windstar dealer wants $1300 dollars to replace fuel tank and all related components. Dealer says this is because there is a vacuum inside tank created by the fuel pump. Perfectly running van that has been kept up maintenance wise is now inoperative do to stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #10058126, filed 2004-02, 142,271 miles“Dt: contact stated the fuel sending unit and the fuel pump harness melted. Dealer told contact she was lucky the vehicle did not blow up on her. This happened while she was driving the vehicle. The check engine light came on, and then vehicle coasted to a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10127025, filed 2005-06, 80,900 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 1% |
| 2001 | 23 | 1% |
| 2000 | 33 | 2% |
| 1999 | 29 | 2% |
| 1998 | 71 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 3% |
| 1996 | 52 | 4% |
| 1995 | 148 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Windstar
332 complaintsSuspension
229 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsEngine cooling
196 complaintsSteering
143 complaintsElectrical system
111 complaintsWheels
83 complaintsBody and structure
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
73 complaintsTires
57 complaintsOther or unknown
51 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology