1998 Ford Windstar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 143about this part
- Share
- 10%of 1,433 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,734miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 143 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 10% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,734 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 1998 Ford Windstar(manufacture date aug..1997. I have been having problems for a while. My van was making a whining grinding noise. Gear is hard to get out of park bad popping noise when backing up...replaced all 4 wheel bearings and both tie rod ends..still making a bad whining noise.3 days ago I was driving down the highway and the steering started acting weird and shaking and the back of the van started swaying back and forth .. …”
NHTSA complaint #10365577, filed 2010-11, 120,000 miles“I had a metalic grinding noise when I steered to the right or left. I took it to my Ford dealer for repair and found that the right and left tie rod ends were binding and had to be replaced. I have always had my van lubricated and have found out that these tie rods have no grease fitting for lubrication. I view this as a safety hazard and could result in a serious accident if left unattended.”
NHTSA complaint #10082715, filed 2004-07, 72,468 miles“While steering, this vehicle tends to almost jump while driving and turning around any type of corner. I have to over compensate so as not to veer toward that direction. It happens all the time and is very dangerous. Consequently, I have to take the vehicle to my mechanic to get his evaluation?”
NHTSA complaint #10039005, filed 2003-09, 71,000 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“Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on, and when I took it in to have front end aligned. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200.00 on it can't afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mfr about the recall that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do, because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10405794, filed 2011-06, 142,000 milesRelated recalls
- 97V165000Sep 30, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.Covers: Ford Windstar 1998, Mustang 1998
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 40 | 3% |
| 2002 | 35 | 3% |
| 2001 | 70 | 4% |
| 2000 | 72 | 4% |
| 1999 | 184 | 12% |
| 1998 | 143 | 10% |
| 1997 | 13 | 7% |
| 1996 | 50 | 4% |
| 1995 | 75 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Windstar
332 complaintsSuspension
229 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsEngine cooling
196 complaintsElectrical system
111 complaintsWheels
83 complaintsBody and structure
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
73 complaintsFuel system
71 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 28, 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