Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The vehicle had failures regarding the steering control. The contact was able to locate a recall in regards to the failure (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 97v165000-steering: gear box: shaft sector) yet when contacting the dealer, they were unaware of such recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 166,593.
1998 Ford Windstar steering complaints
Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 143, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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!
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that he has been experiencing steering failure ever since the vehicle was purchased. He hears loud, squeaky noises everytime he turns the steering wheel. The vehicle has been repaired by a private mechanic approximately five times, but the failure still persists. His VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v165000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector). The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 120,000.
Steering rack failure.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a grinding noise from the steering wheel when turned. The steering wheel pulled to the right or left without warning while driving 40 MPH. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified, but informed the contact the vehicle was not included in recall # 97v165000 regarding the steering:gear box:shaft sector due to the VIN, although the vehicle had the same problems.
Vehicle has a dangerous rack and pinion input shaft steering gear. This is covered under recall 97v-165000, however, after contacting the dealer and ford motor company several times they refuse all responsibility in correcting this problem. This is a safety issue and ford refuses to take any and all corrective actions. The federal safety agency was useless in helping the situation.
Power steering return line from rack to cooler rubbed on frame of 98 ford windstar until a hole resulted in loss of most ps fluid. Drastic loss of fluid occurred descending blue ridge mountains. Windstar had about 125,000 miles, and the damage to the hose was not visible from normal inspection. Fluid sprayed over hot engine parts but did not ignite.
When turning left or right, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. The driver has difficulty making turns, the steering wheel locks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
The federal safety agency recall campaign 97v165000; ford issued a steering gear recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN, but had same gear steering problems as mentioned in the recall.
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problems as mentioned in recall97v165000 concerning steering gear box failure. The dealership will not repair free of charge because the VIN was not included. *ak
I have replaced the rack and pinion steering twice and the power steering pump once on my 1998 ford windstar.
The vehicle made a grinding noise and was hard to turn. The mechanic stated there was a recall, however the vehicle was not included for the rack and pinion. Please provide additional information.
1: steering on vehicle is not working properly 2: steering wheel takes extra effort to turn vehicle leading to loss of control of vehicle sometimes. 3: ford recalled certain VIN numbered vehicles of this model year, but mine did not get recalled, but still has the condition.
I had a metalic grinding noise when I steered to the right or left. I took it to my ford dealer for repair and found that the right and left tie rod ends were binding and had to be replaced. I have always had my van lubricated and have found out that these tie rods have no grease fitting for lubrication. I view this as a safety hazard and could result in a serious accident if left unattended.
Both front tie-rods totally failed and had to be replaced at only 50,000 miles.
Right after purchasing the vehicle, I started having problem with it. I addressed the seller, and he told me that the vehicle had no warranty, and so that I should just take the vehicle and take care of the problem by myself. I have had numerous of problems with this vehicle. When I purchased the vehicle, I feel I was used because I am poor, and was desperate for a vehicle. Other people that have purchased a vehicle from them have had the same problem. I don't know what actions can be taken to correct the matter any longer. I haven't given a payment for about 4 months, because I have had to fix the vehicle. Mainly transmission and electrical problems. I have also had steering wheel problems, and tire problems.
Power steering leak, black power steering fluid, loud when turning left or right,brought to mechanic,replaced power steering rack.still have black power steering fluid ,car still loud when turning wheel.
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
This van has all the defects and complaints listed on thegovt. Recalls the federal safety agency site and others ihave too much info to put on this site if there is anyone I can send my complaint to please let me know iam putting it back into the shop again ive been thru a nightmare along with trying to assure my 4 kids that they were safe in this van thankyou angela wallace and by the wat the dealer that sold me this van will not cooperate at all
I bought this van because of the clean condition of it . I have the 3.0 ltr engine which has been excellent. The transmission so far is ok. Steering is a dangerous mess with almost everything new and 3 alignments. If you take your eyes off the road even for a second you can end up in a ditch. My wife & I both went off the road in a 1 month span. We both have excellent driving records. The front end seems ok to ford. Something serious is wrong with the steering. Won?t let my wife drive it anymore. Has a little vibration that you cannot get rid of. Sending this to you because I called ford and they said there was no safety recall or any steering issues with that van. Had a service bulletin in front of me at that time stating there was. But that is not the problem. Ford denied the all of the above. Am afraid to sell to someone because I think someone will get hurt. Don?t know why ford keeps putting in the same bad parts year after year. I have had all the dome light problems and door locks etc. They will still say no problems. Bought it used at a good price thinking it was a bad tire causing the problems. If accident occurs will seek damages
While driving consumer heard a groaning noise. Tie rod ends were cracked. Vehicle will be taken to the dealer for further assessment.
Rack and pinion steering was replaced at 50,000 miles at dealer for a cost of $1,500, and it failed again. Steering rack should not malfunction in such a short period of time. Also, boot leaks caused power steering pump to malfunction.
Consumer stated while parking and without any indication vehicle lost power steering. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed steering fitting was rusted which caused the power steeering fluid to leak. The hood was difficult to open. The dealer lubed the latch. *ak *ts
Sudden power steering leak. Main leak from low pressure hose, but found that rusted high pressure hose fitting also leaking a bit; and seal(s) of rack & pinion leaking into dust boot(s). Had to replace hoses & rack/pinion at 81,000 miles -- 98 windstar.
While steering, this vehicle tends to almost jump while driving and turning around any type of corner. I have to over compensate so as not to veer toward that direction. It happens all the time and is very dangerous. Consequently, I have to take the vehicle to my mechanic to get his evaluation?
Problems with transmission, torque, power steering, and front end stable rods & arms. *mr the transmission and torque had been replaced twice, the power steering once, the font end stable rods and arms twice and remained bad. The battery light had come on and the idler pulley was replaced, there was a creaking/cracking noise when turning the wheel and the outer tie rods were replaced along with the toe being reset, there was a clunk when going over the bumps, there was a vibration underneath due to the transmission, the engine light would come on and off and seemed like the shifts were erratic, the transmission leaked badly, and on some occasions the starter did not engage. *scc
Rack and pinion steering has failed. There was a recall issued on the description, but this vehicle was not included.
I filed a complaint on 2/10/03 (odi # 10005590) relating to the loss of power steering fluid in our 1998 ford windstar. The dealership, at that time, used a repair kit (rather than a complete replacement) for the second time in a year. In early august, 2003, the repair kit failed again and we had no power steering fluid left at all. Three failures in a critical safety device in 18 months very clearly indicates that the manufacturer's remedial plan is inadequate and a recall is necessary.
While driving at 45mph turned right and consumer lost control. Dealer notified.
1998 ford windstar I had to have the front tie rod ends replaced twice with only 47k miles. From what I understand talking to repair garages this seems to be a common problem with windstar vans.
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