1998 Ford Windstar Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine › Gasoline
  110
• Engine
  52
• Cooling system
  7
• Exhaust system
  6
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  6
• Exhaust system › Emission control
  5

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  35%
• 25k–50k
  47%
• 50k–75k
  1018%
• 75k–100k
  2137%
• 100k–150k
  1221%
• 150k+
  712%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

My wife attempted to start 1998 Ford Windstar when smoke began to issue from beneath the hood. She immediately removoved herself and dog whereupon the engine caught fire and subsequently exploded. The fire department was called to extinguish the flames but everything fowrward of the firewall was melted down. The windshield had exploded and the interior suffered smoke damage. Everything in front of the firewall was an entire loss. This report is filed after learning that NHTSA is involved in investigation of more than 130 other reports of a similar nature. We wish to learn if there is any recourse or class action suit available to us.

On July 3, 2010, I was driving my 1998 Ford Windstar van with my family. While waiting for a traffic signal to change, we observed smoke coming from under the van. I immediately pulled into a parking lot and turned off the engine. The smoke continued to get worse until flames appeared from under the hood. The fire department was summoned but the van was eventually destroyed by fire before the fire department could put out the fire. Prior to this event, the van was running smoothly. The temperature gauges were normal and there was no indication of any malfunction.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and vibrations coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact observed that the rear driver side wheel turned inwards and the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact smelled a burning odor while driving approximately 40 MPH. The contact stopped the vehicle and inspected under the hood. The contact noticed a flame coming from the alternator. The contact used water to extinguish the flame. The fire department also reported to the scene. The contact replaced the alternator. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. While parking he smelled a burning odor, and then saw flames inside of the engine compartment. He was able to extinguish the fire himself. The manufacturer was notified, and he was advised to call NHTSA because they would not provide assistance. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were under 184,347.

On June 13th, 2009, my 1998 Ford Windstar van caught fire from under the hood causing a total loss of the vehicle and damage to the house. I have since learned that there is a recall of this particular make and model relating to electrical fires under the hood. I want Ford to pay for the damage and the loss of my vehicle. About 5500 hundred dollars.

Two weeks ago our 1998 Ford Windstar minivan, with 220,000 miles on it, caught fire under the hood while parked, and was totally destroyed. We had been carefully following the maintenance schedule from Ford motor company. During the week before the fire, we had problems with the interior lights not always turning off when we exited the van.

Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed intermittently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

My Windstar has about 155,000 miles on it and a 25 gallon tank. About six months ago it cut off on the interstate in front of a tractor trailer with my daughter driving. It had just traveled about 200 miles and it was raining hard. We had it towed to a Ford dealer and all he reported was the fuel pump fuse blew. The second event was on vacation and after driving about 175 miles. Again it was pouring down rain. I figured it was moisture related and let it sit three days and the idle close to 1/2 hour. Finally I drove it about 45 minutes and it seemed fine so we drove home. Again at about 150 miles and heavy rain it blew the fuse about 5 miles from home. After two more fuses we made it home. I used an air compressor and air nibbler to carefully cut an access hole in the floor of the van. My daughters Chrysler comes with an access point for fuel pump service. Now my van has one too. …

Head gasket blew. Never ran hot. Always serviced on time. Talked to owner at the Ford dealership, who in turn had me talk to the service mgr. He told me he would look into it and see if there was anything Ford would do about it. He never called me back, so I called him after a week. He said he left a message on my answering machine. I don't have an answering machine...then he tells me the only problems with the 3.8 engines was in the t-birds, not the windstars. By this time I have already looked on the net and seen the problems are with the windstars as well. He then tells me to come in and talk with the owner. I had already taken off work to do this. I now have the van at my mechanic to be repaired. I will never again buy a Ford product. I personally believe that if Ford is producing a faulty product, they should take the blame when it tears up. …

Engine complaints in other Windstar years