Ten problems related to frame and members have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated there was a large hole in the sub frame and engine cradle. The manufacturer issued a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure) pertaining to 1999-2003 Windstar model year vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. . . Updated 12-30-13 updated 01/09/lj updated 01/13/14.
I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, in which the rear axle broke in half shortly after coming off the highway. I pulled into a customer lot and heard a noise, but I thought I ran over a hose that was on the ground. It was not until a worker came in an told me my rear wheels were at a 45 degree angle, and the axle it was split down the middle. I had to get my wife to pick me up and take me back to work, and then home. The car had to be left at the customers and I hadit towed the next day to my mechanic. He showed me the damage one and pointed out the rust and the break. I was blessed this did not happen on the highway, for I had just taken my son to work. The cost estimate for a new axle was $600. 00, and a used axle was $275. 00 and this did not include additional parts and labor. This happen on July 22 2010 at 3:00 p. M. The final bill including parts ,labor, and towing was about $950. 00.
The rear axle is cracked and almost separated. Don't know when or how it happened. Has not been repaired.
Without any warning signs that I could see, the rear axle on my 1998 Ford Windstar broke in half while my wife was driving home from the grocery store. She was able to pull off the road and call me for help. The rear wheels were tilted inward so much that we had to have the auto towed to a local mechanic, where the rear axle and related parts where replaced. This incident happened almost 9 months ago, and every since then I am reluctant to drive this auto anywhere near a highway. Because the engine seems to be very sound. We simply use the vehicle to drive around town. One of the main reasons I feel I need to register this complaint, is because I noticed an investigation that has been initiated for 1999 and later Windstars. Because we have a 1998, I felt this information would be helpful with this investigation.
I puchased my van on 2/24/02 with 55k on it from cavalier Ford in chesapeake ,va. The van was taken back to cavalier Ford in chesapeake, va. On 2/12/03 because of a popping sound coming from the front area when breaks are applied and sometimes while turning. The mechanic discovered severe cracking in sub frame where right strut rod attaches. The mechanic has never seen one do this and said I could lose my steering if it cracks all the way while I am driving. He said could be manufactuer defect. Est. Cost for repairs $3,000. 00. I only have 65k on the van and havent even had it a year yet. There is no evidence of van being in a wreck. This is not coverd under my extended warrenty . Has this been a problem with other Windstars and what do you suggest that I can do? l. J. Va. Beach,virginia.
I brought the vehicle to walker Ford on 3/14/202 for a protective spring shield, recall #01s19. We noticed a clunking noise from the passenger side front shorrtly after. We brought the vehicle back to walker Ford on 5/3/02. Upon inspection, we were told the weld for the sub frame was broken. This holds up the transmission,engine, suspension,. . This is definieetly a severe safety issue and gone unchecked, I believe it could have led to a major accident and possible injuries, not just to myself, but others who may be driving a vehicle with a similar problem. This is not something that needs to be fixed as part of routine maintenance and is very rare and uncommon for this to break, as confirmed by another mechanic. I believe the weld was defective. This vehicel is well maintained and there is no cause for this type of problem other than a defect.
The dealership service department stated the "front subframe sleeves were loose; welding of the radius arm sleeves was required. They stated this problem was very common for Windstar and even taurus models. If so, this is a potentially serious and widespread problem in these cars.
Was driving 25mph when suddenly driver lost control of vehicle. Managed to get to side of road after going from west bound crossing to east bound lane. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Was informed by mechanic that rear frame bolts had sheared off and caused frame to separate.
When driving vehicle/ either turning or coming to a stop there is a knocking sound near front wheels. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said that subframe strut sleeves need to be welded. Please provide any further information.
A spring under car came loose and was dangling aroung under vehicle. This part could have punctured a tire and caused a serious accident.