1998 Ford Windstar: recalls and complaints

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All updates to the register

• 15V60800029 Sep 2015Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 12V1930003 May 2012Power Train / Axle Assembly
• 12V1950003 May 2012Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 10V38500026 Aug 2010Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly
• 09V39900013 Oct 2009Vehicle Speed Control
• 01V19900018 Jun 2001Suspension / Front / Springs / Coil Springs
• 00V16800019 Jun 2000Exterior Lighting
• 99V14700014 Jun 1999Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder
• 97V16500030 Sep 1997Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector
• 97V0970009 Jun 1997Power Train / Automatic Transmission
• 97V0510001 Apr 1997Child Seat

1. 15V608000Received 29 Sep 2015. 283,413 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

   Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 15S27. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Oct 2015.

2. 12V193000Received 3 May 2012. 27,000 units.

   Power Train / Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 10S13. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Jun 2012.

3. 12V195000Received 3 May 2012. 9,192 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 12S30. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Jun 2012.

4. 10V385000Received 26 Aug 2010. 492,650 units.

   Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-Powered Axle Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 10S13. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Oct 2010.

5. 09V399000Received 13 Oct 2009. 4,500,000 units.

   Vehicle Speed Control

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 09S09. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Oct 2009.

6. 01V199000Received 18 Jun 2001. 198,583 units.

   Suspension / Front / Springs / Coil Springs

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began september 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 01S19. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 6 Sep 2001.

7. 00V168000Received 19 Jun 2000. 20,637 units.

   Exterior Lighting

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 00S14. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Jul 2000.

8. 99V147000Received 14 Jun 1999. 789,723 units.

   Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 99S17. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Jun 1999.

9. 97V165000Received 30 Sep 1997. 2,250 units.

   Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for windstar model vehicles are 97jb09 or 97jc08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97j09b or 97j08b.

   Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Oct 1997.

10. 97V097000Received 9 Jun 1997. 100,000 units.

    Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.

    Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 97S75. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 30 Jun 1997.

11. 97V051000Received 1 Apr 1997. 202 units.

    Child Seat

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: minivan equipped with second row bench seats with optional integrated child seat (ics). The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats may not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.

    Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 1998 Ford Windstar
• All 1998 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 28.

Complaints that report a crash

51

Complaints that report a fire

60

Injuries in the complaints

58

Deaths in the complaints

3

Date of the newest complaint

27 Oct 2010

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19850
2. 19900
3. 19910
4. 19920
5. 19930
6. 19940
7. 19956
8. 19968
9. 19975
10. 199811
11. 199911
12. 200015
13. 200115
14. 20028
15. 20038
16. 20040

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Ford Windstar: all model years
• Ford: 196 model lines

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• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 1998 Ford WindstarThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Windstar?

6,423,650 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Ford Windstar have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the Ford Windstar, model years 1985 to 2004. 11 of them name the 1998 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar name most often?

Power Train: 334 of 1,781 component mentions, or 187.5 per 1,000. For all 1998 vehicles the figure is 94.3 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1998 Ford Windstar open?

1 investigation has no closing date in the NHTSA file, of 10 that name this model year.