Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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. …
My Mini van lights would flicker while I'm driving and even after replacing the starter in the car, it still turns off while I'm driving. There's rust coming from under the car, I smell a burnt smell when I'm driving. I'm having electrical issues, my car stops when it wants to in the middle of the highway, .. It makes noises when I'm turning, I have rust coming from under my car. The signal lights flicker. While driving the windshield washer, seat belt, and door ajar warning lights flash on and off. While this is happening the wiper blades stop working, front brake rotors is causing steering wheel to shimmy when the brakes are applied. Now when I turn my wheel to the left, it makes this loud nose. What is that?!
A/C oct. 99 $168.98, dec. 99 $134.40 suspension July 01 $664.61, dec. 99 $515.85, jun 01 $61.78, body jun 01 $443.61 other cd player jun 01 $19.50 and $366.86 turn signal jan 02 $161.04 dome light jan 02 $84.02 jan 02 $89.72 door oct 99 $134.52, mar 03 $285.07 steering sept.02 $258.82, mar. 03 569.32 computer controls sept. 00 $106.02 engine jan 02 $784.75 coolant smell (found front cover gasket leaking) sept. 02 85.95 (told throttle body worn out, sold me update computer software, seams to run better) currently in shop for check engine light and A/C system intermittent. Mechanic found engine problem, says main bearings or crankshaft bad, possibly due to coolant in oil system from January 02 problem
1998 Ford Windstar. According to dealer repair dept there was a hole in the fuel tank caused by corrosion relating to the emission tubing. Had to replace fuel tank. Reported to Ford, they have nothing to report. Dealer person said they have replaced several of these and this is in a small rural town. Tank was back ordered for a month. I would think that a hole in a gasoline tank would be hazardous, and given the statement of seeing several of these in one dealership plus the backorder situation indicates this is a widespread problem.
Head gasket failure. Faulty head gasket design in my opinion ABS/traction control unit. Current problem TSB states that fuel tank manufactured with incorrect depth - fuel pump wiring is rubbed until electrical short occurs - and fuel pump fuse blows - vehicle is then stuck in traffic, in the middle of an intersection etc. Fords recommended fix is to replace the fuel tank and pump assembly however, they will not contribute anything to the cost of the repairs caused due to their faulty design.
This van has all the defects and complaints listed on thegovt. Recalls the NHTSA site and others ihave too much info to put on this site if there is anyone I can send my complaint to please let me know iam putting it back into the shop again ive been thru a nightmare along with trying to assure my 4 kids that they were safe in this van thankyou angela wallace and by the wat the dealer that sold me this van will not cooperate at all
While driving at various speeds and without warning consumer smelled gas fumes inside the vehicle. Cause has yet to be determined. The seal between the gas tank and the fuel pump failed because the gas tank collapsed. The gas tank was replaced at the dealer. The fuel gauge accuracy problem that was corrected when the new gas tank was installed.
My Mini van lights would flicker while I'm driving and even after replacing the starter in the car, it still turns off while I'm driving. There's rust coming from under the car, I smell a burnt smell when I'm driving. I don't know how my VIN number wasn't part of the recall, so many things is wrong with the van, one thing after another.. Please help me
Fuel tank collapse on 1998 Windstar dealer wants $1300 dollars to replace fuel tank and all related components. Dealer says this is because there is a vacuum inside tank created by the fuel pump. Perfectly running van that has been kept up maintenance wise is now inoperative do to stalling.
Dt: contact stated the fuel sending unit and the fuel pump harness melted. Dealer told contact she was lucky the vehicle did not blow up on her. This happened while she was driving the vehicle. The check engine light came on, and then vehicle coasted to a stop.
Fuel System complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 5% of the model year's 1,433 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Windstar fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1998 Ford Windstar, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Windstar fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury and 2 deaths to fuel & propulsion system 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.