Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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. …
10/16/15 bought van. 10/30/15 stop had towed home.call dealership had towed to there place. They ran a red wire from fuse relay to inside of dashboard took over a week got it back. Not in even week later transmission start messing up told them wouldn't change gears. It went out. They didn't want to fix it file complaint with (dmv) investigator got in touch with them agreement was they will have it fix we dont pay labor, we just pay for trans and fluids. Had it towed they been had van year. 10/2016 they found trans cost 515.paid them. Then in 11/2016 said radiator was cracked we had to pay 102.84 another month 12/26/2016 got van. Its messed up smoking brakes burnt up.the speedometer lines under van not connect just hanging dont match up one broke at the end. The odometer not hook up. Told them then carried to inspection failed. …
Vehicle rolled backwards while parked on a slight incline. In an attempt to stop vehicle, one of consumer's fingers was severed, and three badly injured. This occurred when consumer tried to open the door to enter the moving vehicle. Consumer spent nine days in the hospital and has to go for treatment once a week.
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.
I currently own a 1998 Ford Windstar. I have had this van for two years. I bought it with 38000 miles on it and now have 66000 miles on it. Up till about a month ago, I had no problems as I have loved this van. But I did run into a peculiar problem that seems that most people are having with this van as I have checked numerous websites and web posts on the internet as well as my friends that have formerly owned this vehicle. The door ajar censor inside the doors wear, causing the computers to recognize the car doors to be shut. This emits a beeping sound that steadily beeps till you rise above 15 MPH. Also, the lights stay on and since Ford built these vans all the same way, you cannot simply fix it without spending at least 500 dollars if your lucky. Also, another problem has risen just recently. My transmission has started to slip. …
I own a 1998 Ford Windstar(manufacture date aug..1997. I have been having problems for a while. My van was making a whining grinding noise. Gear is hard to get out of park bad popping noise when backing up...replaced all 4 wheel bearings and both tie rod ends..still making a bad whining noise.3 days ago I was driving down the highway and the steering started acting weird and shaking and the back of the van started swaying back and forth .. Was told at the shop about the recall on axel I called Ford and was told my van is not on the list my van has a excessive amount of corrosion throughout the whole bottom the shop told me this van has been exposed to salt. …
Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on, and when I took it in to have front end aligned. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200.00 on it can't afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mfr about the recall that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do, because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. And my son is disabled and has numerous dr. Appts. Miles away. But my hands are tied. The mfr. Did advise to have another recall checked out which is the speed control because it can catch fire. When I asked why, you just told me it was unsafe to drive.he advised it could catch fire just setting in the drive not running. …
Front stabilizer bar broke in half inside bushing none of the auto techs could find the problem for the part 2 years (not even during ny state inspections) so they past the van anyways untill finally one gave a tug on the passangers side of the bar and it came out of the bushing in their hands the tech said he never saw a bar break like that before and that was the cause for having to get the wheel hubs lowerball joints &tie rod ends replaced twice in one year along with the tires on the front of the van so the van sits in the drive way untill it can get fixed (finding the bar is the hard part)dealer said he could not locate one now what???? …
Transmission on van went without warning, stranded the complainant in a parking lot. Van had to be towed to repair shop to have transmission replaced. Thsi was the thrid major repair to this vehicle (repairs costing more than $1,000 each). Purchased the used vehicle in April 2001- had 30,000 miles on it, currently has a little over 100,000 miles. Just after the dealer warranty expired the van had parts replaced in the transmission, then parts replaced in the drive train (expensive). Entire rack and pinion replacement followed. The reapirs were done withing 18 months prior to this transmission replacement. Even after having the entire transmission and rive train replaced, there is still a growling underneath the vehicle when it idles at a stop sign. …
Transmission: 1998 Ford Windstar Mini van: while trying to turn around in a driveway, I put it in reverse and there was not a reverse or drive gears ,nothing. The motor revved, but could not move. I was stranded with no warning. Had to have it towed since it would not move. After doing research online, other owners, this is a common problem with the Ford Windstar Mini van. I feel this is definitely a safety hazard. I agree with so many more consumers, why hasn't this been in a recall. It is very, very dangerous, since it just stops without any warning or problems. I realize it is too late for me since mine is in the shop already. However, I am on a limited income and probably will loose the vehicle due to no funds for the repair. If it had been on a recall, this would not have happened. This is my first Ford vehicle and more than likely, will be my last! …
Related recalls
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Transmission complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 332 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 23% of the model year's 1,433 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (255 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Windstar transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-193 (axle assembly, May 3, 2012); NHTSA recall 97V-097 (automatic transmission, Jun 9, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Windstar transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 4 fires and 7 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.