1998 Ford Windstar structure problems
81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 1998 Ford Windstar — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Subframe rusted on left front passenger side. 1998 ford windstar. I had a popping noise when I made a left turn and loud crunching noise and steering wheel pulled to left. I had taken it to a auto shop and they replaced struts.sway bars and brakes . No one told me about the rust issue with the sub…”
filed Sep 24, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving, the steering wheel shook and the vehicle pulled to the left and right. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side subframe was rusted due to…”
filed Aug 23, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or…
16-0065 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 20, 2020
Structure problems in other Windstar years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 Windstar | 127 | 8% |
| 2002 Windstar | 101 | 7% |
| 2001 Windstar | 293 | 17% |
| 2000 Windstar | 216 | 13% |
| 1999 Windstar | 276 | 18% |
| 1997 Windstar | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 Windstar | 37 | 3% |
| 1995 Windstar | 99 | 3% |
| 1994 Windstar | 1 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Ford Windstar
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.