Ford Windstar / 1998
1998 Ford Windstar problems
Owners have filed 1,949 complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 18.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 12.4%.
Complaints1,949
Crashes84
Fires90
Injuries88
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Power train 18.1% · 353
Suspension 12.4% · 242
Engine and engine cooling 11.6% · 226
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.1% · 197
Steering 8.1% · 157
Electrical system 5.8% · 113
Structure 4.4% · 85
Wheels 4.3% · 84
Severity
Of those complaints, 84 describe a crash, 90 describe a fire, 88 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Windstar in this data, 1998 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 27 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. While driving at speeds of 40 mph, the vehicle began swaying excessively. The contact moved the vehicle off the roadway and noticed that the rear axle was fractured into two. The vehicle was towed to his place of residence. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The failure and current mileages were 101,000. Updated 11/03/10. Power train · reported at 101,000 miles
While warming vehicle up, it surged forward and then backward, it ran over conumer's toes and the door hit consumer in face, vehicle dragged consumer for about 6 feet before it stopped, it also took out 2 posts of the deck, consumer states a recall regarding the powertrain control module was received and feels this might be the cause of the accident, however vehicle is still at dealer awaiting repairs. *Slc Power train
My 1998 Windstar has 89,000 miles and the transmission completey broke apart, with no warning at all. No slipping or anything. Sitting at a red light, the van jerked like we had been hit in the rear by someone doing 80 miles per hour. It is going to cost me $1800.00 To have it rebuilt. I know numerous complaints are filed with your organization on Ford transmissions. I want to register my complaint. Power train · reported at 89,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…