1998 Ford Windstar steering problems

Filed May 4, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 30,000 miles · VA

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

Filed May 3, 2016 · Steering · 200,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid. The contact stated that the vehicle needed approximately one bottle of power steering fluid per day for it to operate normally. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the spindle and rack fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 97v165000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Steering · 130,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and made a winding noise. The vehicle was taken to several mechanics for inspection and it was discovered that the rack and pinion failed and was leaking fluid. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2014 · Steering · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that he recently had his vehicle state inspected by an independent mechanic. The vehicle passed inspection but the following day the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic who stated the "steering knuckle" had to be replaced at the owners expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and mentioned there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 180,354.

Filed Feb 26, 2012 · Body, Steering · 54,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Dec 25, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · NY · crash · 1 injury

While driving on the highway at 60mph, I lost control of my vehicle and it started to fishtail and swerve into the next lane as I tried to regain control it spun around and flipped over upside down on top of the guard rail and landed facing traffic. I received minor injuries and my three children were not injured. I was informed that the rear axle snapped in half on my vehicle and that there is a recall on this part. I never received a notice in regards to this.

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

Filed Jun 9, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 142,000 miles · IL

Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on, and when I took it in to have front end aligned. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200.00 on it can't afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mfr about the recall that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do, because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. And my son is disabled and has numerous dr. Appts. Miles away. But my hands are tied. The mfr. Did advise to have another recall checked out which is the speed control because it can catch fire. When I asked why, you just told me it was unsafe to drive.he advised it could catch fire just setting in the drive not running. I was not notified of either one of these recalls by mail or other wise until I called to complain about the front coil springs. How does these billion dollar company's keep getting by with negligence? There are lots of recalls on this vehicle. Please help!

Filed Jan 7, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 81,250 miles · 00

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.

Filed Nov 13, 2010 · Body, Steering · 120,000 miles · MS

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.