1998 Ford Windstar Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 81about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,433 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 81 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 6% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,800 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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11257710, filed 2019-09, 128,000 miles“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“The paint is literally peeling off of my silver 1998 Ford Windstar. The paint on the roof is practically gone and now the top of the doors are starting to peel and rust. I was told by Ford that they will not help me. All estimates I have for repainting state that this is a manufacturer defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10061826, filed 2004-03, 41,000 miles“Was informed that sub-frame (also called engine cradle) is rusting away on my van. After looking online, it seems this is a common issue among these vans, which is caused by the use of inferior steel and an AC line running over the sub-frame. My engine can now literally fall out unless I pay out-of-pocket to replace this. I know NHTSA has an investigation into this, but I can't wait months for a recall while my family uses this vehicle daily! Please recall this promptly, many people are paying thousand for out-of-pocket repairs on an issue Ford should have to cover.”
NHTSA complaint #10428415, filed 2011-10, 91,000 miles“My family owns a 1998 Ford Windstar minivan which is already subject to the axle recall and which did suffer a completely cracked axle. We have been told by the Ford dealer that has possession of our vehicle that the front coil spring has fractured. This is despite the fact that the vehicle was previously subject to a recall that placed a cover over the coil spring. That recall only protected Ford for replacement for a period of 10 years which has expired. Also, this vehicle has been experiencing very hard steering and a front end clunking noise but no cause has been found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379266, filed 2011-01, 99,634 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183766Apr 20, 2020For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 127 | 8% |
| 2002 | 101 | 7% |
| 2001 | 293 | 17% |
| 2000 | 216 | 13% |
| 1999 | 276 | 18% |
| 1998 | 81 | 6% |
| 1997 | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 | 37 | 3% |
| 1995 | 99 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Windstar
332 complaintsSuspension
229 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsEngine cooling
196 complaintsSteering
143 complaintsElectrical system
111 complaintsWheels
83 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 27, 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