While driving my 1998 windstar @ 45mph, I lost total steering control of my vehicle and my vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of a two lane highway. I was able to regain control after turning the steering wheel approx 360 degrees to the right and managed to stop safely. After further investigation, it was found that the drivers side lower control arm bracket that is welded to the subframe broke away from the subframe due to a rusted out subframe. I've owned this vehicle for the past 8 years and never received any information from ford regarding this safety issue as noted in the 1999-2003 ford windstar recall which has the same issue as my vehicle. Although ford is not going to honor a subframe recall for my year vehicle, ford should at least send a notification letter to inform owners of this dangerous issue. Both my wife and kids drive this vehicle, but had I at least known there was a dangerous issue with this vehicle, I would have parked it.
1998 Ford Windstar body complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 81, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle taken to a local mechanic for inspection of the sub frame when the contact was advised that the sub frame was severely corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the brake lines were also found to be corroded. The brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the sub frame failure and denied any assistance with the repair. The sub frame was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 114,000. The tie rods, front wheel bearings and battery had to be replaced within one year of owning the vehicle. The wheel cylinders, brake adjusters, spring kit, drums, rotors, shoes, and pads all had to be replaced. Also, the turn signal level stopped working for the left side. When the brake was applied, it went to the floor and then pulsated back up, and then the ABS light illuminated. Updated 02/01/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic, she was informed that the frame on the front driver's side was rusted through. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 97,500.
The vehicle was taken to the dealership for a leaking hose. While being inspected the ford mechanic found that the driver side front subframe was almost completely rusted through. The dealership stated the vehicle was unsafe and would not repair it. There is a recall on 1999-2003 windstars for this reason. The 1998 and earlier are not included as the subframe on the 1999-2003 is "tubular" and the 1998 and older is "stamped". While the construction is different, the problem seems to be the same as I was advised by the ford mechanic that the stamped subframe rusts out frequently too. My father-in-law was the original owner of this vehicle and he willed it to me upon his death. The vehicle has been well maintained and always been an "indiana" vehicle. The subframe on the other side is fine and still has paint on it.
Upon inspection of vehicle for inspection, it was determind vehicle was unsafe to drive because of badly corroded subframe on passenger side of vehicle. Also, coil spring on passenger side was broken posing a driving hazard. Vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles.
Was informed that sub-frame (also called engine cradle) is rusting away on my van. After looking online, it seems this is a common issue among these vans, which is caused by the use of inferior steel and an AC line running over the sub-frame. My engine can now literally fall out unless I pay out-of-pocket to replace this. I know the federal safety agency has an investigation into this, but I can't wait months for a recall while my family uses this vehicle daily! Please recall this promptly, many people are paying thousand for out-of-pocket repairs on an issue ford should have to cover.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the engine mount fractured due to rust, causing the steering wheel and passenger tire to turn at an abnormal angle. A local mechanic diagnosed that the engine mount would need to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 115,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was being inspected by an independent repair shop when she was informed that the engine cross member and sub frame were severely corroded and cracked. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 52,560.
I received a letter earlier this year regarding my 1998 ford windstar for a rear axle recall. I had it serviced at malouf ford in north brunswick, nj. When my son picked it up, he was told there was a new recall for the front right subframe rusting out (similar problem as the rear axle). They checked the subframe on my car and it was severely rusted. He was told they would call us when the parts came in to fix it. I had an appointment to fix the subframe this past tuesday (24/may). The service department called and said that while the subframe was definitely rusted out, and that it was due to the same defect as described, that particular recall was for 1999-2003 windstars and since mine is a 1998, they will not fix it. Please note I had no clue of the recall or the damage. The ford dealership advised me of it. I waited for the parts and brought the car in when they asked. Now, though they confirm that this rusted-out subframe on the passenger side is exactly what the recall is for, and there is the potential for a deadly crash if that subframe fails, they are not "authorized" to repair a 1998 windstar. I don't know if my car is a late-model 1998, but it was manufactured at the same ontario, canada plant as the cars that qualify for the recall, and a rusted right subframe is not a normal wear-and-tear condition. It is beyond negligent to acknowledge the problem in a 1999 windstar, but pretent the same exact problem in a 1998 windstar from the same plant is not their problem.
Took vehicle in to a mechanic for repair work. When mechanic placed the vehicle on the lift, he noted that the subframe that cradles the engine and transmission and serves as the attachment point for the front suspension was extremely rusted. The corrosion has caused large and numerous holes in the subframe. He stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current condition and would not work on the vehicle because it was unsafe. He stated that the engine could actually fall though the subframe, or the subframe could brake at the suspension connection points causing loss of control of the vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that there was significant rust within the front subframe area. The authorized dealer was notified and they informed the contact that there was no recall related to the defect for his vehicle, although there was a recall on the 1999-2003 model years under the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Updated 03/02/11 *bf updated 03/08/11
My family owns a 1998 ford windstar minivan which is already subject to the axle recall and which did suffer a completely cracked axle. We have been told by the ford dealer that has possession of our vehicle that the front coil spring has fractured. This is despite the fact that the vehicle was previously subject to a recall that placed a cover over the coil spring. That recall only protected ford for replacement for a period of 10 years which has expired. Also, this vehicle has been experiencing very hard steering and a front end clunking noise but no cause has been found. We feel the latest 1999 and beyond recall of brackets should also apply to our 1998 ford windstar as it's basically the same exact vehicle. We fear that the clunking and hard steering could be from corroded brackets which is not being relayed to us.
1998 ford windstar has rusted engine subframe, which, if lets go would cause side axle and front tire to separate from van and cause loss of steering control,loss of braking, and possible accident.this was discovered while van was on ramp for oil change . Received recall on rear axle cracking and recall was done today by ford. Brought subframe problem to the dealers attention and they stated that ford was fully aware of this problem but could do nothing about it because ford had not issued a recall on this time. The service station owner which did my oil change expressed an opinion that he felt that the front subframe rusting was indeed much more of a concern than the cracking of the rear axle which has been recalled by ford. At present I am afraid to drive my windstar with this structural defect and I feel ford should remedy this defect in the same manner that they did with the cracking rear axle.
I own a 1998 ford windstar(manufacture date aug..1997. I have been having problems for a while. My van was making a whining grinding noise. Gear is hard to get out of park bad popping noise when backing up...replaced all 4 wheel bearings and both tie rod ends..still making a bad whining noise.3 days ago I was driving down the highway and the steering started acting weird and shaking and the back of the van started swaying back and forth .. Was told at the shop about the recall on axel I called ford and was told my van is not on the list my van has a excessive amount of corrosion throughout the whole bottom the shop told me this van has been exposed to salt. When I bought the van it had a inspection sticker from previous owner from one of the recall states.(pens) ford would not give me any information onwhat state it was sold in or dealer, what brand of axel that was being recalled (said they didn't know the brand) come on what company spends money on parts and don't even know the brand or manufacture they buy from. I'm scared to death to drive this automobile.. I think ford should honor there promise to its customers and fix this problem on all 1997-2003 windstars not just certain months of 1997 or does someone have to lose there life before they do something? Ford>>> you took our money for your product now stand behind your product.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that he was informed by an authorized dealer that the frame was severely rusted. As a result, the fuel lines, brake lines and piping were also rusted and corroded. The brake lines were replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure was common in his year, make and model. The failure mileage was 123,000 and the current mileage was 133,000.
Without any warning signs that I could see, the rear axle on my 1998 ford windstar broke in half while my wife was driving home from the grocery store.she was able to pull off the road and call me for help. The rear wheels were tilted inward so much that we had to have the auto towed to a local mechanic, where the rear axle and related parts where replaced. This incident happened almost 9 months ago, and every since then I am reluctant to drive this auto anywhere near a highway. Because the engine seems to be very sound. We simply use the vehicle to drive around town. One of the main reasons I feel I need to register this complaint, is because I noticed an investigation that has been initiated for 1999 and later windstars. Because we have a 1998, I felt this information would be helpful with this investigation.
I have a 1998 ford windstar, in which the rear axle broke in half shortly after coming off the highway. I pulled into a customer lot and heard a noise, but I thought I ran over a hose that was on the ground. It was not until a worker came in an told me my rear wheels were at a 45 degree angle, and the axle it was split down the middle. I had to get my wife to pick me up and take me back to work, and then home. The car had to be left at the customers and I hadit towed the next day to my mechanic. He showed me the damage one and pointed out the rust and the break. I was blessed this did not happen on the highway, for I had just taken my son to work. The cost estimate for a new axle was $600.00, and a used axle was $275.00 and this did not include additional parts and labor.this happen on july 22 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The final bill including parts ,labor, and towing was about $950.00.
The rear axle is cracked and almost separated. Don't know when or how it happened. Has not been repaired.
I have a 1998 ford windstar. It first started with my cruise control switch catching on fire and causing wires under my hood to burn... Now for the last year I have been having problems with my passenger sliding door..the sensor on the dash would show that the door was ajar(not closed) I could take the battery cable off for a while and the door light would go off. Now I have had to remove all the bulbs in the lights inside the van to keep my battery from running down this morning I get up and my battery is dead and acid from the battery is all over the post and cable wires. I talk to my mechanic he says this is due to some problem in the electrical system he said he has had to work on several windstars for the same problemsome kind of sensor fault defect.
On december 16th 2009. I was driving down west 117th towards madison/lakewood in cleveland, ohio and was trying to come to a stop (slow down and stop) to allow an ambulance to pass (there was a car in front of me that was also slowing downa nd that came to a stop at the street lot)this is on a major street near an highway intersection. I put my foot on my brake to slow down the vehicle and come to a stop but it would not slow down or stop. The brake had went out. I ended up hitting the car in front of me hard (an SUV) and doing quite a bit of damage to my vehicle. The other driver vehicle was so far as I could tell undamaged. On my vehicle the front light is broken, my bumper is damaged, and my hood is damaged. I, myself and the driver I hit could have gotten seriously injured. So far we are bothfine and no injuries occurred. However he may turn around and come after me if he decides to. And I now can not drive my vehicle. I received a recall notice on my vehicle brake about a month ago around early november. Maybe in end of october. The very day of my accident (happened around 12:15 noon) I was going to go home and call ford about the recall. There is a worldwide recall on my vehicle model and many others. And I have had nothing but problems since I bought it. I have had to make numerous repairs on it and still had problems and this accident. Ford should be held responsible for this and should compensate me with another vehicle in good condition especially since I have spent so much time and money into replacement parts for this windstar. Or give me my money back or something. I'm glad my kids were not with me when this happened and that the man I hit was also alone and is ok. What can be done about this? I have had to replace the following items since I got this vehicle: o2 sensors (both), alternator, belt, windshield wiper blade, and make back blades don't work at all, the transmission, the steering column box, door handle and components inside and more!
1. Ford sent recall notice (01s19/01m03) in september, 2001. Vehicle was taken in for service (11/7/01) and the receipt indicates that safety shields were installed 'to prevent a front spring failure from puncturing the front tires'. The notice also stated that 'what ford will do for you': "ford motor company will also pay far any repairs directly relating to the front coil springs of you vehicle free of charge (parts and labor)." it was at that time (2001), the owner received an 'extended coverage transferable warranty notice' on the front springs for 10 years from the warranty start date, regardless of mileage". 2. The springs may have fractured at a later date, or were broken at that time and not replaced. The vehicle has always had very low front ground clearance. Because of the low ground clearance and the installed shields, the spring failure was not noted even when new tires were installed. Returning the vehicle to the dealer in 2009, after a front break line failure, the owner inquired about checking for broken front springs under the recall campaign mentioned in the notice from 2001. That is when he leaned that the safety recall issue was satisfied with the "shield installation". This action apparently also removed the VIN from the safety recall data base. Thus, assuming that this is no longer a safety issue, the owner continues to drive the low mileage vehicle (less than 100,000 miles). 3. The cost of replacing the springs was estimated at $400 to $600 dollars by the dealer and no corrective action is being taken as apparently this is no longer a safety issue. The vehicle is a 1998 ford windstar that was purchased on 10/16/97, with five miles on it. 4. Is this vehicle safe to drive as there are nearly 100 similar complaints on this safety complaint web site? 5. As this vehicle did not qualify in the clunker program, is spring failure a lemon law issue?
I have (had) a 1998 ford windstar that transports not only my own three children but two other children from time to time. After pulling out of the garage one day the rear of the mini-van made a horrible sound. I looked out the door and saw my rear tire in a very precarious position. After further review I noticed that what one would think could never happen, sure as '!@#$% did, the rear axle was cracked in half. I did some searching on the net and found that I am not alone. Ford says it is not their problem (until someone's family dies) because it is past the 5 year warranty. The root of the problem seems to be a manufacturer defect that allows water to enter the axle and not escape. This event causes the axle to rust from the inside out. Not very happy here, but really don't want to see anyone get hurt or killed!!!!!!!!
My 98 ford windstar was involved in an accident where a chevy tahoe ran a red light and t-boned the right rear passenger side of my van. Upon impact the side door of my van flew off and ended up 15 feet from the vehicle. All occupants were wearing seat belts (my wife and our 5 children) so no one was ejected from the vehicle. Our son who was sitting in the back seat on the passengers side was hospitalized with multiple life threatening injuries. The failure was not corrected as the vehicle was totaled.
Paint began peeling off liftgate, roof and side door in medium to large size strips and has continued to worsen, revealing the white primer below. There is a defect with the paint adhesive. The contrast in tone between the dark blue paint and large uneven patches of white primer is distracting to other drivers, since it looks so odd, and has potential to cause an accident. The entire mini-van needs to be repainted. I note that 4 of the total of 6 complaints of structural defects reported to the federal safety agency to date for this vehicle make, model and year , not including this one, are also for peeling paint on upper surfaces. This is obviously a manufacturer's defect and should be corrected. (incident date only indicates the time around when I first observed the problem.)
Vehicle has front axle hub and speed sensor replaced due to antilock warning signal continuing to stay on. *bf recall# 01i007000. There was a noise in the front right wheel and on another occasion a loud bang had come from the vehicle due to the left front spring exploding. The service department stated on another occasion that the sub from had rusted badly.
The paint is literally peeling off of my silver 1998 ford windstar. The paint on the roof is practically gone and now the top of the doors are starting to peel and rust. I was told by ford that they will not help me. All estimates I have for repainting state that this is a manufacturer defect.
When we purchased the van, we also bought a diamondkote warranty ,for 499.99$ and told at the time of purchase that is was a good warranty.we then found out that we should not have been sold the warranty and plaza ford lincoln will not honor it, we can't even get a refund, so we spoke to someone at diamondkote and this person told us that we should not have been sold the warranty and have been trying to get a refund ever since,either from plaza ford lincoln or diamondkote. I had intentions of suing ford motor company two years ago when my husband took my two daughters to halifax, because my 8 year old had cancer at the time, she had a appointment at the I.w.k hospital and it was by the grace of god that thay were not killed when the front suspention spring broke in which case my husband lost steering. I spoke to a lawyer who sadly told, because there was no death or injury there was nothing he could do,well my 8 year old who is now cancer free was so scared, she still gets very scared to get in a vehicle. I could go on but for now this is just the begining. I am going to pursue the matter of the diamondkote warranty further,and possibly more.we have had alot of vehicals before but never a ford with as much trouble as this has been.
A/c oct. 99 $168.98, dec. 99 $134.40 suspension july 01 $664.61, dec. 99 $515.85, jun 01 $61.78, body jun 01 $443.61 other cd player jun 01 $19.50 and $366.86 turn signal jan 02 $161.04 dome light jan 02 $84.02 jan 02 $89.72 door oct 99 $134.52, mar 03 $285.07 steering sept.02 $258.82, mar. 03 569.32 computer controls sept. 00 $106.02 engine jan 02 $784.75 coolant smell (found front cover gasket leaking) sept. 02 85.95 (told throttle body worn out, sold me update computer software, seams to run better) currently in shop for check engine light and A/C system intermittent. Mechanic found engine problem, says main bearings or crankshaft bad, possibly due to coolant in oil system from january 02 problem
Rear sway bar broke in half on low speed turn if this would have happened on a freeway exchange or off ramp this would have resulted in a rollover and possible death!
Extensive peeling of paint atop of van exposing surface thus creating extensive damage to vehicle requiring expensive repair.
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