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.
1998 Ford Windstar: loss of power steering
13 of the 1,424 complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
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.
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
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.
Consumer states that while driving and without warning the power steering went out. Dealer has been notified. Ts there was a noise that emitted from the engine before the steering failed.
While driving at any speed vehicle will start to lose steering, and consumer can not control vehicle. Contacted dealer.
At 35 thousand miles power steering went out. Mechanic replaced steering pump at 38-39 thousand miles, power steering went out again. Mechanic researched problem, found out that tie rod end rods were too tight, putting extra strain on power steering.
The power steering failed.
When going though water you lose steering.
While driving the van all of a sudden there was no steering at all. Driver could hardly get the van to the side of the road. Van was towed to the dealerhship. Broken steering: power assist belt was replaced. Please provide any further information.
While driving at 40 MPH steering gear rack broke, causing loss of steering and a leakage of power steering fluid. Also, vehicle veered to left and right all over the road. Consumer then slowed down and pulled to the side of the road. The manufacturer has been contacted. First failure at 46,561 miles, second at 62,500.
Power steering failed. Nlm
Service bulletins that may apply
- Subject regarding power steering line part ordering information
- Some vehicles may exhibit a power steering fluid leak from the end seals of the steering rack and pinion
- The front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt may slip momentarily in wet conditions causing a reduction in...
- Power steering leak at the constant tension clamps
- Power steering line leaks on 95/96 3.8L trailer tow equipped tube and fin cooler systems see oasis message...
Related recalls
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.
- Risk
- This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for windstar model vehicles are 97jb09 or 97jc08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97j09b or 97j08b.
Recall number 97V165000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Ford Windstar power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
13 of 1,424 owner complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Ford Windstar
Stalling 98Coil spring 85Transmission failure 81ABS 75Ball joint 56Grinding brakes 51Fire or smoke 40Tire blowout 32Adaptive cruise 31Brake failure 28Jerking 27Fuel pump 22Harsh shifting 22Check engine light 20Won't shift 20Slipping 19Door locks 18Sudden acceleration 17Wipers 17Pulling 15Fuel gauge 14Engine failure 12Overheating 10Headlights 9Hesitation 8Loss of power 8Power windows 8Seat belt 8Fuel leak 7Fuel smell 6Steering lock-up 6Steering noise 6Knocking 5Won't start 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history