1998 Ford Windstar from North America - Comments

Power steering pump went out at 145,000, and the transmission went out at 145,500.

Passenger side mirror glass fell out at 146,000.

Had to replace both front strut assemblies; springs both broke on both sides.

Replaced both drive axles 3 times since bought in 05.

Using antifreeze, and white smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.

Lights stay on in van; they have always stayed on, and go out once in a while.

I have had to replace the alternator 4 times in past 2 years, starter went out 2 times in past year.

It always says there is a door ajar when all the doors are shut tight,

The Ford Windstar is a real piece of work. I would not buy another Ford if my life depended on it.

I owned a Windstar 95 before this one, and had more problems than this; at least the motor is still running in this one.

I would rather push a Chevy than drive or own a Ford.

Check out the reviews for any Toyota Previa. Too bad they don't make them anymore. It just goes to show you though. Anything out there that was any good is no longer in production. Hmmmmmm... imagine that...

300,000 miles on a Windstar is beyond any reasonable expectation. Of course it is worn out.

It seems Ford and funky electrics go together. But you can control some of the pain by searching google for these problems.

Also one problem could lead to another. Maybe the light staying on is increasing the draw on your alternators and killing them early. Once you are done spraying WD 40 into the door latches your interior lights might go off together with the door ajar light. You could also just turn the interior light off for good. That switch is to the left of the steering column. That won't help the door ajar light though.

Replacing most of the front suspension may actually reduce the stresses on the drive shafts and allow them to serve as long as they should.

Good luck to you. And once I figure out exactly why my interior lights flicker I will post my solution somewhere.

At 145,000 miles on a 10-year-old vehicle, what in the world are you complaining about??? If you'd have taken care of it, changed fluids, lubricated door parts, you could have prevented most of your problems. I think you'd be disappointed with any vehicle.

I still drive my 1998 Windstar. It is now 11 years old and is the best investment I ever made. "Remember, take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you" Happy motoring!!