1998 Ford Windstar
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 360 of 1,433 complaints (25%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Fuel System include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 192 in 1997 to 1,433 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,450 | 3,450–3,650 | 3,300–3,450 | 3,450–3,650 | 3,450–3,650 | |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 17–18 | 18–19 | 17–18 | 17–18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15 / 22–23 | 15 / 21–23 | 16 / 22–23 | 15–16 / 21 | 15–16 / 21 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494 | 494–523 | 468–494 | 494–523 | 494–523 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,386 | 192 | 1,433 | 1,522 | 1,675 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 6 | 14 | 13 | 16 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 60 | 6 | 54 | 50 | 62 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 45 | 9 | 65 | 62 | 55 | |
| Injuries reported | 53 | 5 | 59 | 46 | 61 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Windstar have?
14 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1998 Ford Windstar?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 360 of 1,433 NHTSA complaints (25%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Windstar get?
EPA rates it 18–19 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 Ford Windstar?
EPA estimates $3,300–$3,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | $3,300 (low) | 468 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $3,450 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | $3,300 (low) | 468 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $3,450 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 201 | 1 | 28 | 6 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 332 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel System | 71 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Electrical | 131 | 4 | 23 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 202 | 16 | 2 | 10 | 1 |
| Steering | 143 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 360 | 15 | 1 | 14 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 48 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 73 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 112 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 62 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 64 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (14)
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 15V608000 · Sep 29, 2015
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. 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.
Consequence: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 12V193000 · May 3, 2012
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. 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.
Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 12V195000 · May 3, 2012
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. DUE TO INCREASED STRESSES CAUSED BY HIGH CYCLES OF TORSIONAL LOADING, SPECIFIC TO THIS MARKET, THE REAR AXLE CAN CRACK.
Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 10V385000 · Aug 26, 2010
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. 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.
Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 09V399000 · Oct 13, 2009
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: 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 ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · Campaign 01I007000 · Jul 19, 2001
Defect: 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 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.
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: 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 NOTED ABOVE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · Campaign 01V199000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: 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 LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 00V168000 · Jun 29, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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.
Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
STRUCTURE:BODY · Campaign 99I001000 · Jul 21, 1999
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THE CONSOLE DOES FALL DOWN, IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER OR POSSIBLY STRIKE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED RETAINING BRACKET IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE ORIGINAL RETAINING BRACKET.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 99V147000 · Jun 16, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. 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."
Consequence:
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Show 4 earlier campaigns
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · Campaign 98I003000 · Jul 31, 1998
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE FRONT BRAKE CALPIER ANCHOR PLATE BOLTS. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR · Campaign 97V165000 · Sep 30, 1997
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI-VANS. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE DAMAGED INPUT SHAFT BEARINGS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE STEERING EFFORTS, AFFECTING STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: 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 97J08B.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 97V097000 · Jun 17, 1997
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. 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.
Consequence: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
CHILD SEAT · Campaign 97V051000 · Apr 17, 1997
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS WITH OPTIONAL INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT (ICS). 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: THE SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH SEATS BUILT WITH REVISED HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISMS.