Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
I have a 98 Ford Windstar family van VIN# [redacted] I purchased the van in June of 2002 it is still under warranty and had a full inspection by the service dept according to the dealership when purchased, I was driving by myself on a Sunday returning from visiting my elderly parents and as I was driving the interstate a huge noise scared me and I looked to the rear of the van and a window on the passenger side rear vent window was gone, the temp was very cold and no one was around it thank goodness, it could have at a different time cost a motorcycle rider or anyone it could of hit their life or serious injury, I took the van to the Ford dealership I bought it from and explained what happened for them to report and also explained I should not have to pay for the repair, I had to pay for it and contacted the Ford motor co three times and they do not seem to believe they should take care …
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. …
I own two 1998 Ford Windstar minivans, both of them have the same problem with the sliding door causing the panel light to come on and the car interior lights to stay on for up to two hours after you have exited the vehicle. I have read in a report that this has been a problem with some of these vehicles. I have a sister that also owns a Windstar and a brother that just traded his in. They have never had this problem to my knowledge. What is causing this and how is the problem fixed? The dealer's mechanic where I purchased it from told me that it is supposed to be like this, but I know it is not. 12 second delay is normal not two hours. I think he was just as stumped as my husband and I have been with this problem. Again please let me know what is causing this to happen and how it can be repaired.
Electronics-door ajar warning light stays on specifically when weather is damp or mild. This causes door locks to unlock by themselves even when vehicle is in motion, also door chime keeps chimming. Battery looses power because dome lamp stays on for extended period of time. Rear windshield wipers will not work if illuminated door ajar warning is caused by opening or closing rear liftgate. Repairs have been made to driver door switch at the cost of $100 parts and labor, however the passenger door, side slider and rear liftgate have the same problem. Im not sure if doors are really closed or not. Since the doors wont stay locked, I believe this poses as a safety hazard to all passengers. Mechanics have told me that this is a common problem with Mini vans.
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
1)all 5 lugs: nuts sheared off from the right front passenger hub, causing the wheel to leave the vehicle. The body of the vehicle traveled approximately 200 feet until it stopped. 2)the rear brakes had to be replaced with new pads and rotors. Dealer couldn't explain why this was a problem. 3) the next day the right passenger mirror electical system no longer worked. 4)the parking brake consistently does not disengage after use. We no longer use it, possibly creating a safety hazard. 5) the vehicle intermittently stalls out at low speeds or upon stopping. Additionally the initial gears shift hard and loud. 6) the rear seat will not move on the track.
Vehicle is a 1998 Ford Windstar. 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,power windows will not operate and on a few occasions the headlights will blink with the warning lights. I understand that this is an old vehicle but I have researched this issue and have found hundreds of complaints about the same problem. Not just restricted to this year. It is also an issue that happens just after a few years of service. I would think that wiper blades malfunctioning due to an electrical issue would be a safety concern.
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
The transmission failed after having the fluid and pan gasket changed within the previous 6 months. Since it is a '98 and although it has the same transmission as earlier years (whose transmissions have been replaced at no cost to the owner because of either recalls or secret warranties) Ford refused to replace this transmission at cost.
*since purchase new, one tire would go nearly flat weekly. Took it to the dealer to have it checked when they checked the window mechanism and the ABS sensor light--no problem found. Took it to 3 different tire stores (2 Goodyear)--no problem found. It went bald after only 18K and 2 rotations. No problem since purchasing 2 new tires. Alignment was not a problem--done @ 10K & 21K. Weather did not effect air loss, either. *drivers "auto-down" feature has never worked consistantly. Has nearly caused accidents & is very frustrating. Dealer has checked it too many times to count--same with the light on the dash coming on and not going off. I think they changed fuses once--still happens, but not as often. Would that effect safety? I don't know if the system will work properly while the light is flashing. *wiper problem is very intermittent--of course. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Ford Windstar, 3% of the model year's 1,433 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.