1998 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar, 16% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 112,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “front coil” (24% of reports).
- 229suspension complaints
- 112,500median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Front coil: mentioned in 55 of 229 complaints (24%)
- Rear axle: mentioned in 41 of 229 complaints (18%)
- Spring broke: mentioned in 32 of 229 complaints (14%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 84 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 229 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.
Ford Windstar suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 9 | 38% | 124,000 |
| 2003 Windstar | 254 | 17% | 135,000 |
| 2002 Windstar | 279 | 21% | 133,280 |
| 2001 Windstar | 416 | 25% | 123,000 |
| 2000 Windstar | 356 | 21% | 118,000 |
| 1999 Windstar | 208 | 14% | 130,000 |
| 1998 Windstar | 229 | 16% | 112,500 |
| 1997 Windstar | 38 | 20% | 100,349 |
| 1996 Windstar | 111 | 8% | 107,454 |
| 1995 Windstar | 145 | 4% | 118,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Problem: 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.
Risk: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic…
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a hissing sound coming from the vehicle, but could not identify where the sound originated. The contact also began to smell a burning rubber odor. The contact pulled into a nearby driveway and placed…
My front cradle at steering area has completely rusted into from ac leak and road salt van was sold in vermont now is located in virginia unsafe almost undrivable to ford dealer for a rear axle recall for axle braces please investigate this
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1998 Ford Windstars have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 229 owner complaints about suspension for the 1998 Ford Windstar (16% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Ford Windstar suspension?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do suspension problems start?
The median reported mileage is 112,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
The most frequent phrase is “front coil”, in 55 of 229 complaints, followed by “rear axle” (41).
Other 1998 Ford Windstar problems
See all 1998 Ford Windstar problems or suspension problems across all Windstar years.