1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Poor fit on side and rear door. The factory neglected to install a striker plate. (adjusted 1 week after delivery)
Sub-frame mounts replaced at 15,000 (warranty)
Tie Rod ends replaced around 20,000 (warranty)
On it's third noisy blower motor.
Transmission module went at 22,000 miles
(warranty)
Rear shocks made noise internally at 36,000 miles (warranty after dialog)
Dealer installed (Sony) 6 disc changer has been replaced 6 times.
Intake gasket leaked internally to the engine at 50,000 (warranty)
Front springs broke (just like they said they would) at 72,000.
All five Right front wheel studs sheared off at 74,000 and 78,000 both times resulting in the wheel falling off. The first time was shortly after the front springs were replaced under warranty. The Service manager had never heard of it, but gave me free studs. I replaced both sides up front, and went on with life. Now, all five have broken again. I am replacing the entire hub on my own dime, but no longer trust the vehicle with my wife & small children.
General comments?
A very practical vehicle when it works.
Recommended reviews
| Good safe minivan, yet has some reliability issues |
|
| 1997 - Windstar GL I think 3.8 V6 A good family car for travel |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15 miles |
| Most recent distance | 79000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Skylark |
| Date of Entry | 2nd August, 2004 |