1998 Ford Windstar Recall

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.

A failure of this component (structure) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (suspension) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (suspension) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (steering) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

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.

A failure of this component (seats and restraints) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).