Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission became stuck in overdrive. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the main control valve was defective; it was replaced. The contact later began having issues with the brakes as they locked up when the contact applied them to avoid a deer. The vehicle crashed into the woods as a result. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck injuries. The contact was informed that the ABS tone ring seal had cracked; it was repaired. The failure continued and the dealer then replaced the tone ring and sensor. Months later, the brakes began to grab. The entire brake assembly was replaced four times. Furthermore, the contact noticed that the electrical system was defective. The switch assist in all doors was replaced in 2005. …
The sensor part #sw-6351 get fire under the master cylinder.5/7/08- it appears the NHTSA is staring an investigation into the deactivation switch leaking a causing fires! This is certainly good news and I'm sure will save lives. If you have a old deactivation switch that leaked, please do not throw it away, we May need to collect a few!
I came to a stop sign. The brake pedal went to floor without any warning. I was able to steer to the shoulder without hitting the car ahead of me. The car finally rolled to a stop with the help of the emergency brake. The vehicle was in motion and on a dual lane highway.
The brakes suddenly started failing and the brake petal would go to the floor like a defective master cylinder. The master cylinder was replaces 3 times at 2 different shops because they were sure it was the master cylinder and they thought perhaps it was a defective replacement. The defect ended up being the antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit (hcu). If you do an internet search for Windstar hcu, you will find Windstar reviews rating their brakes as significant problems specifically stating "an occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit (hcu). The cost to repair the ABS hydraulic control unit is estimated at $975.00 for parts, without traction control, and $1,200.00 for parts, with traction control, and $162.50 for labor." this problem also affects the 1997 Windstar. …
I purchased my 1998 Windstar with approx 20,000 km on it in 1999. Just after the warranty expired (at 60,000 km) I noticed 2 large bubbles in the paint on the two front doors. I took the car to the Ford dealership where they agreed to pay 80% of the cost of repainting. This was not entirely agreeable to me but I felt I had no choice. My vehicle how has 86,000 km on it and the paint is peeling on the roof and around the sliding door. I have contacted Ford Canada but have not heard back from them as yet. Other problems encountered include having to replace a motor for the power windows, the fan mechanism (the blower would not move off of defrost), a leaking brake cylinder as well as what I would consider standard maintenance such as brakes, tires. I am also having intermittent problems with the electrical system eg. …
While I was driving on June 18, 2007 I realize the ABS lights would stay on. I check the fuses and relays couldn"t solve this issue. When I lifted up the hood I notice leaking from deactivation sensor under the master cylinder. I assume the master cylinder went out on me so I replace the master cylinder didn"t solve the problem. I was furious meaning the vehicle I own and I depend on this van to go to work and home. When brake is leaking down under the ABS ECM it can caused fire but I don't want to chance it me still this van. I don't want to experience tragedy or anyone who must go through this. So, I left the van in garage until I get funds to fix this issue. I also replace the ABS ECM twice but it is still burning out my ABS module. Or we need to investigate this issue to Ford dealership im sure other victims experience same thing. …
I have a 1998 Ford Windstar van 2 months ago I had a leak of fluid that caused some wires to burn into under the hood that caused wiring to my head light and overhead light to blow my mechanic had to direct wire one side of my head light and my cruise control system had to be disconnected as he said it would cause my van to catch fire. My ABS and brake system light stays on now as soon as the mechanic repaired the faulty part I started experiencing all the following things,,,I have lose of power . The van stalls in traffic and also as I'm taking off from a stop after putting the van in gear...when I put on the gas it makes a bad rattling sound like a lifter or valve tapping but only when the gas peddle is engaged. …
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. …
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. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The brake indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Whenever the brake pedal was depressed, the speedometer would malfunction. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that there was a brake fluid leak. The technician further stated that the speedometer failure was linked to brake fluid ingressed into the ABS module. The manufacturer has not been notified. Through online research, the contact found an investigation number pe08035 for the same failure. The investigation was closed with no recall issued, but he believes that the investigation should have LED to a recall. The mechanic replaced a vehicle speed deactivation switch to stop the leaking; however, the ABS module still needs to be replaced. The contact believes that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair. The current and failure mileages were 82,818.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
NHTSA investigations
Missing/loose front brake caliper anchor
There is no summary currently available
Missing/loose front brake
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 199 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 14% of the model year's 1,433 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (79 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Windstar brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-147 (master cylinder, Jun 14, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Windstar brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 2 fires and 10 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.