# Recalls that may apply to the 1998 Ford Windstar A recall listed here may apply to a vehicle of this year, make and model. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle: check the VIN with the official lookups. ## United States (NHTSA), as of 2026-10-19 - [15V608000](/recalls/nhtsa/15V608000.md), 2015-09-29: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON\-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. 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. Built 1997\-09\-02 to 2003\-07\-03. - [12V195000](/recalls/nhtsa/12V195000.md), 2012-05-03: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON\-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. 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. - [12V193000](/recalls/nhtsa/12V193000.md), 2012-05-03: 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. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH, IF UNDETECTED, CAN INCREASE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE. Built 1997\-09\-01 to 2003\-07\-03. - [10V385000](/recalls/nhtsa/10V385000.md), 2010-08-26: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON\-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. 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. Built 2007\-09\-01 to 2003\-07\-03. - [09V399000](/recalls/nhtsa/09V399000.md), 2009-10-13: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. 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. Built 1995\-06\-16 to 2002\-10\-24. - [01V199000](/recalls/nhtsa/01V199000.md), 2001-06-18: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS. 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. Built 1996\-08\-28 to 1998\-07\-03. - [00V168000](/recalls/nhtsa/00V168000.md), 2000-06-19: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 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. - [99V147000](/recalls/nhtsa/99V147000.md), 1999-06-14: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER. 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." Built 1996\-06\-16 to 1999\-05\-31. - [97V165000](/recalls/nhtsa/97V165000.md), 1997-09-30: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI\-VANS. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE DAMAGED INPUT SHAFT BEARINGS. Built 1997\-09\-10 to 1997\-09\-12. - [97V097000](/recalls/nhtsa/97V097000.md), 1997-06-09: 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. Built 1996\-11\-24 to 1997\-03\-01. - [97V051000](/recalls/nhtsa/97V051000.md), 1997-04-01: CHILD SEAT. 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. Built 1997\-01\-20 to 1997\-01\-29. ## Canada (Transport Canada), as of 2026-10-19 - [2015437](/recalls/tc/2015437.md), 2015-09-29: Structure. On certain vehicles that had rear axle reinforcement brackets installed as part of safety recall 2010\-284, the brackets may not have been installed properly, which could limit the effectiveness of the recall service repair in addressing the safety defect. Safety recall 2010\-284 was conducted to address the risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to a complete fracture of the axle. If the rear axle fractures, and the reinforcement brackets were not installed properly, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear axle reinforcement brackets that were installed as part of recall 2010\-284. If one or both brackets are found improperly installed, the dealer will replace the rear axle. - [2010284](/recalls/tc/2010284.md), 2010-08-24: Suspension. On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods \(Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland\-Labrador\), the rear axle may corrode and fracture. If the rear axle fractures, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, creating the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will install rear axle reinforcement brackets. - [2009292](/recalls/tc/2009292.md), 2009-10-14: Other. On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 \(05S28\) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign. - [2001120](/recalls/tc/2001120.md), 2001-06-08: Suspension. On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs could fracture when operated in high corrosion areas \(where salt is used on the roadways in the winter\) for an extended period of time. Depending on the location of the fracture, there is a potential for a fractured spring to move past the spring seat and contact a front tire causing it to deflate. Correction: Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. - [1999126](/recalls/tc/1999126.md), 1999-06-23: Brakes. Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 105 \- Hydraulic Brake Systems. The brake fluid warning statement embossed on the side of the brake fluid reservoir is not clearly visible by direct view. Correction: Warning labels, along with installation instructions and wipe materials will be sent to owners. Labels will be installed on the front of the reservoir where they will be entirely visible by direct view. - [1998157](/recalls/tc/1998157.md), 1998-07-31: Brakes. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD INCORRECT SERVICE REPLACEMENT BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED WHICH WILL CAUSE AN IMPROPER WHEEL TO HUB ABUTMENT CONDITION TO OCCUR. WITH AN INCORRECT ROTOR INSTALLED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE WHEEL SHUDDER ON BRAKING OR SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED THIS CONDITION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL STUDS TO BREAK. CORRECTION: FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. - [1997165](/recalls/tc/1997165.md), 1997-09-30: Steering. On certain vehicles, the rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings. This condition could increase steering efforts, potentially affecting steering control. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly. - [1997124](/recalls/tc/1997124.md), 1997-06-23: Powertrain. NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THESE TRANSAXLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVERS THAT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL BE EXPELLED AND CAN CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: SERVO COVER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. - [1997118](/recalls/tc/1997118.md), 1997-06-16: Seats And Restraints. NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS AND INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT \(ICS\). ALL VEHICLES IN THIS RECALL HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. THE HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE AND LOCK THE HEADRESTS IN THE "DOWN" POSITION, AS INTENDED WHEN THE ICS IS DEPLOYED. CONSEQUENTLY, A VEHICLE OCCUPANT COULD MOVE THE HEADREST TO THE "UP" POSITION, AND AS A RESULT A CHILD IN THE ICS WOULD RECEIVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE CHILD HEAD AREA. CORRECTION: SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH SEATS BUILT WITH REVISED HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISMS. ## Check a VIN - [NHTSA recall lookup by VIN, United States](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) - [Transport Canada recall search, Canada](https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/menu.aspx?lang=eng) Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. JSON: [/v1/vehicles/1998_ford_windstar/recalls](/v1/vehicles/1998_ford_windstar/recalls) [Report an error on this page](https://github.com/wenmar-pro/wenmar-open/issues/new?template=data_correction.yml&title=Data%20correction%3A%201998%20Ford%20Windstar&page=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.wenmarpro.com%2Fmakes%2Fford%2Fwindstar%2F1998%2Frecalls&vehicle=1998%20Ford%20Windstar)