1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

Let's see.. It started with a rattle in the rear. The shocks were changed, and at first it was better. After a couple of months the rattle was back. The shocks were changed again.

The radio has had an electrical whine that varied with engine RPM; they replaced the antenna cable.

The tie-rod end ball joints failed at 15K miles.

The valve covers have a slight oil leak that you smell in hot weather. They retorqued the fasteners, but it still leaks.

The power door locks went nuts one day, going up and down at random. The only way in or out of the vehicle was to use the key and open the door before it locked you in/out. They never found a problem.

The engine emits a whistling noise when hot, they say it's normal, although I have found that only half of the 3.8L vans have a whistling noise, mine is the worst.

The transmission will shift harshly from first to second gear at slow vehicle speeds.

It is difficult to shift from PARK with a very mild incline.

If the climate controls are set for heat in the vent (upper) position for about 10 minutes you cannot turn-off the vent position. If you go to the defrost only position the vent also stays on. If you go to the floor only position the vent also stays on. If you turn the heat off for about 3 minutes, there will be a thump noise and the vent position will not be stuck on.

It has a intermittent engine miss when the transmission shifts into overdrive.

Best gas mileage I've ever gotten was 20.5 mpg with straight highway, no A/C, 65-70 mph speeds. The front door handles have a cheap feel and sound.

I hate being a critical part of Ford's R&D team.