1998 Ford Windstar brakes problems

199 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 18 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 199
of this car's complaints: 14%
typical mileage: 90,000
crashes: 18
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
78
Foundation components
19
Foundation components: disc: rotor
13
Foundation components: master cylinder
10
Foundation components: disc: pads
8
Foundation components: disc: caliper
8
Foundation components: disc
8
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
5

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Ford Windstar brakes problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Ford Windstar brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 75 Grinding brakes 51 Brake failure 28

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported June 14, 1999 · 789,723 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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."
Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

Recall number 99V147000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Missing/loose front brakeOpened April 30, 1998, closed June 30, 1998

There is no summary currently available

EA98008

Missing/loose front brake caliper anchorOpened November 3, 1997, closed April 30, 1998

There is no summary currently available

PE97048

What 1998 Ford Windstar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · MN

Abs dashboard light stays on vibration when braking while in motion vibration is proportional to speed

Filed Sep 30, 2016 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · MD

I came to a stop sign. The brake pedal went to floor without any warning. I was able to steer to the shoulder without hitting the car ahead of me. The car finally rolled to a stop with the help of the emergency brake. The vehicle was in motion and on a dual lane highway.

Filed Oct 31, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 80,000 miles · MA

Abs light is on.

Filed Jul 14, 2014 · Brakes · ME

Abs is inoperable vehicle does not brake properly.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Brakes · 136,514 miles · IN

The ABS light started coming on after driving for a few minutes then it would go off when the van was turned off. Now the ABS light comes on when I turn the van on & doesn't go off until I turn the key off.

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Brakes · AL

Abs light comes on often when I reach speeds of 70mph only.

Filed Jan 22, 2013 · Brakes · 233,456 miles · NJ

Brake fluid all leaks out wear hole in brake fluid tube to rear brakes between frame and gas tank. Causing virtually no braking power. Drivers side near rear wheel. Would require 200.00+ to repair.

Filed Feb 28, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

I went to ford dealership in dec 09 received inspection on recall # o9s09 and 09so9h only. Now here in feb. 2012 the same problems with suspension,right front tire wheel makes alto of noise power steering fluid is leaking strange noise is heard when making right turns,ford said my vehicle has had all service it is due . I believe they are wrong all the same problems the recalls reported are my problems I have paper work providing they only ran test on recall #o9s09 and 09s09h my car is in serious weather conditions here in illinois.under the original owner ford stated they are not responsible for any further repair. Ford dealership roberts motors 4350 alby alton il 62002.

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Brakes · 106,000 miles · PA

This vehicle was part of a previous recall. All the ford dealer did was install a fusible link in the scds circuit to the ABS brake unit. Since that time, the ABS brakes have become inoperable and will start pulsating while driving down the road. This causes dangerous driving conditions. We request that ford replace the defective scds switch, which they know is defective.

Filed Dec 13, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 114,000 miles · OH

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

Questions about the 1998 Ford Windstar brakes

Does the 1998 Ford Windstar have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 199 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Ford Windstar brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Ford Windstar brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V147000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Windstar have bad brakes?

The Ford Windstar model years with the most brakes complaints are 2003 (655 complaints), 2002 (643 complaints) and 2001 (544 complaints).