1998 Ford Windstar Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,433 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 1% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 1998 Ford Windstar, the door switch, is a safety problem when the doors are shut, the light showing the door open, the door locks will unlock, and the in side lights will stay on. I had new rear door locks replaced, my wife safety is a factor if you leave the inside lights on, the battery will fail, if you take the fuse out, then the windows will not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10062494, filed 2004-03, 54,000 miles“I own a 1998 Ford winstar. I bought it two years ago and a month after I bought it the door ajar light goes on when I open the slider or the trunk and it won't go out therefore my dome light stays on and if I don't pull the fuse I risk the chance of loosing my batteryand when the fuse is out I can't open my windows.”
NHTSA complaint #10065815, filed 2004-04, 50 miles“Door actuators failed in this minivan in 2000. In 2001 the relay switches were replaced and in 2002. Now in 2004 they say I need to replace the door actuators again. As a result the doors do not lock automatically everything must be done manually.”
NHTSA complaint #10079138, filed 2004-07, 112,620 miles“Consumer stated while parking and without any indication vehicle lost power steering. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed steering fitting was rusted which caused the power steeering fluid to leak. The hood was difficult to open. The dealer lubed the latch.”
NHTSA complaint #10039738, filed 2003-10, 32,952 miles“Electronics-door ajar warning light stays on specifically when weather is damp or mild. This causes door locks to unlock by themselves even when vehicle is in motion, also door chime keeps chimming. Battery looses power because dome lamp stays on for extended period of time. Rear windshield wipers will not work if illuminated door ajar warning is caused by opening or closing rear liftgate. Repairs have been made to driver door switch at the cost of $100 parts and labor, however the passenger door, side slider and rear liftgate have the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149622, filed 2006-02, 53,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 33 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 1% |
| 2001 | 20 | 1% |
| 2000 | 52 | 3% |
| 1999 | 35 | 2% |
| 1998 | 17 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 10 | 1% |
| 1995 | 29 | 1% |
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 complaintsFuel system
71 complaintsTires
57 complaintsOther or unknown
51 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