1998 Ford Windstar Problems: 2 Known Issues
1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Ford Windstar has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear Axle Breakage (Safety Recall) ($800-$2,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
1998 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$7.99/month plus taxes at launch on January 1, 2027 · No payment today
All 2 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls22 recalls
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. CORROSION-RELATED FRACTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS MAY OCCUR.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.
+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Ford Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Windstar problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Ford Windstar has 2 documented issues. Documented issues include: Rear Axle Breakage (Safety Recall), Power Window Motor and Regulator Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Windstar reliable?
The 1998 Ford Windstar has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear Axle Breakage (Safety Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Windstar problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Windstar issues range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Axle Breakage (Safety Recall), typically costs $800-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1998-2003 Ford Windstar Rear Axle Breakage (Safety Recall)?
The Windstar rear axle is prone to stress fracture and complete breakage at the spring perch, causing the wheel to tuck under the vehicle. This was subject to NHTSA recall 10V-385. Rust and corrosion in northern climates accelerates the failure. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1995-2003 Ford Windstar Power Window Motor and Regulator Failure?
Power window motors and regulators fail frequently, especially on the driver's side. The plastic guide clips break, causing the window to drop into the door or operate very slowly. Repairs typically run $100-$300. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.