Three problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving my 1998 Windstar @ 45mph, I lost total steering control of my vehicle and my vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of a two lane highway. I was able to regain control after turning the steering wheel approx 360 degrees to the right and managed to stop safely. After further investigation, it was found that the drivers side lower control arm bracket that is welded to the subframe broke away from the subframe due to a rusted out subframe. I've owned this vehicle for the past 8 years and never received any information from Ford regarding this safety issue as noted in the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar recall which has the same issue as my vehicle. Although Ford is not going to honor a subframe recall for my year vehicle, Ford should at least send a notification letter to inform owners of this dangerous issue. Both my wife and kids drive this vehicle, but had I at least known there was a dangerous issue with this vehicle, I would have parked it.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that there was significant rust within the front subframe area. The authorized dealer was notified and they informed the contact that there was no recall related to the defect for his vehicle, although there was a recall on the 1999-2003 model years under NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Updated 03/02/11 updated 03/08/11.
Recall 01f090000 was done in April 2002. Shields were installed within 1/8 inch of tire, new tires will rub on the shields. Consumer stated that the gas filler hoses are exposed to flying stones from the wheels after 98 Fords added a shield to cover their hose.