1998 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Ford Windstar: 11 recalls, 1433 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
11 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Child seat Vehicle recall #97V051000 · 1997 · 202 vehicles
What's wrong: The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats May not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.
Why it matters: As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.
The fix: The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V097000 · 1997 · 100,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
Why it matters: The catalytic converter temperature May be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Steering Vehicle recall #97V165000 · 1997 · 2,250 vehicles
What's wrong: The rack and pinion steering gears May have damaged input shaft bearings.
Why it matters: This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for windstar model vehicles are 97jb09 or 97jc08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97j09b or…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V147000 · 1999 · 789,723 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles May not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Why it matters:
The fix: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V199000 · 2001 · 198,583 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. Depending on the…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began September 6, 2001.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began…
Suspension Vehicle recall #10V385000 · 2010 · 492,650 vehicles
What's wrong: After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Why it matters: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #12V193000 · 2012 · 27,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Why it matters: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012.
Suspension Vehicle recall #12V195000 · 2012 · 9,192 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Why it matters: A fractured axle May result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2012.
Suspension Vehicle recall #15V608000 · 2015 · 283,413 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets May have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations May limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10v-385, 12v-193, and 12v-195.
Why it matters: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle May fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #98I003000 · 1998 · 174,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Mini vans sold during the months of December 1996, and January, February and May 1997. Front brake caliper anchor plate to hub and spindle assembly bolts May be loose as a result of an incomplete tightening operation at the assembly plant.
Why it matters: When the bolts are loose, a noticeable noise and/or vibration is evident which provides warning to the vehicle driver. Vehicle braking is not degraded.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the front brake calpier anchor plate bolts. Owners can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Body & structure Recall #99I001000 · 1999 · 15,900 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: minivans. The overhead console rear retaining bracket can develop cracks and separate, allowing the overhead console to become loose and possibly fall down.
Why it matters: If the console does fall down, it could distract the driver or possibly strike a front seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.
Suspension Recall #01I007000 · 2001 · 948,492 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1998 Ford windstar minivans. The front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Note: the 1997-1998 windstar MINI vans are also covered by NHTSA safety recall 01v-199/Ford recall 01s19. The MINI vans covered by the safety recall were originally…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 65 mention a fire, 59 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (332): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (109), noise or vibration (36), stalls / loses power (28).
- Suspension (229): the most common themes are noise or vibration (61), rust / corrosion (43).
- Engine & cooling (195): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (62), fire / smoke (34), leaks (26).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (177): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (28), noise or vibration (26).
The 1998 Ford Windstar has 1433 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (1.6× the average Windstar year). Complaints peaked in 2001 (232 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 94,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (192 complaints, 5 recalls), 1999 (1522 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Ford Windstar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1998 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Ford Windstar, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 1433 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (332), suspension (229), engine & cooling (195).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Ford Windstar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.