1998 Ford Windstar suspension problems
229 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1998 Ford Windstar — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic…”
filed Oct 31, 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a hissing sound coming from the vehicle, but could not identify where the sound originated. The contact also began to smell a burning rubber odor. The contact pulled into a nearby driveway and placed…”
filed Dec 17, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking…Campaign 15V608000 · Sep 29, 2015
- SuspensionCampaign 12V195000 · May 3, 2012
- SuspensionCampaign 10V385000 · Aug 26, 2010
- ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF…Campaign 01V199000 · Jun 18, 2001
Related service bulletins
Safety recall 10S13 - Rear axle corrosion - requests for recall service action
TSB160070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2016For 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 10S13 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear axle could potentially fracture. If the rear axle should…
16-0070 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2016Summary to be provided on a future date.
CSP-15-N-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 29, 2015Ford: safety recall concerning rear axle fracturing if vehicle is operated in high corrosion areas for and extended period. Model 1998-03 windstar. *pe
TSB-14-0167 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 9, 2014Ford: on some minivans, rear axle will fracture, in high corrosion area, after operating for an extended time period, and vehicle handling ability will be affected. Model 1998-2003 windstar. *pe
TSB-14-0146 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2014
Suspension problems in other Windstar years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 Windstar | 9 | 38% |
| 2003 Windstar | 254 | 17% |
| 2002 Windstar | 279 | 21% |
| 2001 Windstar | 416 | 25% |
| 2000 Windstar | 356 | 21% |
| 1999 Windstar | 208 | 14% |
| 1997 Windstar | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 Windstar | 111 | 8% |
| 1995 Windstar | 145 | 4% |
| 1994 Windstar | 3 | 13% |
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.