1998 Ford Windstar LX
VIN: 2FMDA5143WBA16791 | 1998 | Ford Motor Company Of Canada, Ltd. | OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
1998 Ford Windstar LX — 3.8L 6 Cyl, 4x2, See owners manual. Minivan.
F
35/100
Safety & Recall Score: High Risk
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 14 open recalls (very high)
⚠ 2440 owner complaints (high)
⚠ Not yet NHTSA crash-rated
⚠ 15+ year old vehicle
✓ VIN fully verified
Vehicle Report
Report
VIN 2FMDA5143WBA16791 identifies a passenger vehicle — the 1998 Ford Windstar LX. This specific unit was assembled at the OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA facility. It is equipped with 4x2 and a 3.8L 6 Cyl engine producing 200 hp.
This vehicle carries an unusually high 14 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly, power train:axle assembly, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. All recalls must be repaired by a Ford dealer at no charge to the owner. Contact a dealer with this VIN before finalizing any purchase. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 22 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), which represents moderate fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $2800 at national average gas prices.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 1998 Ford Windstar LX falls in an estimated used-market range of $6,700–$10,500. The high recall count may suppress resale value — factor this into price negotiation. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. Get the full history with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to unlock it. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
About the 1998 FORD Windstar
The 1998 Ford Windstar is part of the Ford lineup. For specifications and reliability data, consult established automotive publications or the manufacturer's official website.
📊 View all 1998 Ford known problems & year comparisons →
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Minivan
- Plant: OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
NHTSA Recalls
14 Open Recalls- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year...
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES...
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES...
Owner Complaints
2440 filed with NHTSA- The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact...
- Bought replacement brake pads from RockAuto 07/08/2023 9:06PM order...
Fuel Economy
22 MPG Combined- City: 18 MPG
- Hwy: 28 MPG
- Combined: 22 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$6,700–$10,500
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
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Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
🔔
Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Ford dealer with this VIN to confirm all 14 recall(s) are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
💰
Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 14 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
2FMDA5143WBA16791
Model Year
1998
Make
Ford
Model
Windstar
Trim
LX
Series
Not available
Body Style
Minivan
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
4
Seats
Not available
Seat Rows
Not available
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
See owners manual
Engine
3.8L 6 Cyl
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company Of Canada, Ltd.
Plant Location
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Country of Origin
CANADA
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
2 → Canada
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Ford Motor Company Of Canada, Ltd.
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
M → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
DA514 → Windstar LX
Position 9 — Check Digit
3 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
W → 1998
Position 11 — Plant Code
B → OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Positions 12–17 — Serial
A16791 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
Not available
Engine Manufacturer
Ford
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3.8 L
Displacement CC
3800.0
Displacement CI
232
Engine Config
V-Shaped
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
200 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Not available
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Not available
Transmission Speeds
Not available
Drive Type
4x2
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
22 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
18 MPG
Hwy MPG
28 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,800
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$14,000
GHG Score
Not available
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
404 g/mi
Barrels/Year
13.52
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
TPMS
Not available
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Not available
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Not available
Daytime Running Lights
Not available
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Not available
Front Airbags
Unknown
Side Airbags
Unknown
Curtain Airbags
Unknown
Knee Airbags
Unknown
Seat Belt Type
Unknown
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Hydraulic
Steering Location
Not available
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not available
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
Not available
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4x2
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Not available
Wheel Material
Not available
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company Of Canada, Ltd.
Manufacturer ID
977
Make ID
460
Model ID
5264
Plant Company
Not available
Plant City
OAKVILLE
Plant State
ONTARIO
Plant Country
CANADA
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
2FMDA514*WB
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
14
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Front Crash Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Side Crash Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Rollover Risk
Not rated by NHTSA
Safety Recalls
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...
Risk: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled,...
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....
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE...
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...
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS...
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,...
Risk: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED...
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...
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING...
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...
Risk: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
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...
Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED...
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION. NOTE:...
Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT TO A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WITH...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
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Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 1998 Ford Windstar
$2,040/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$10,200
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$14,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$4,725
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Ford Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Ford dealer.
Find Ford Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for 2FMDA5143WBA16791 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
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Common:
Owner Complaints
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact...
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store,...
Bought replacement brake pads from RockAuto 07/08/2023 9:06PM order...
Bought replacement brake pads from RockAuto 07/08/2023 9:06PM order 244457897 that are supposed to be Bosch BSH BC702 ceramic. What arrived is unbranded, unnumbered tag torn off the...
We woke up this morning to the driver's side...
We woke up this morning to the driver's side completely burned and melted. It had been parked sinced Monday. Fire inspector said it was definitely an electrical issue...
PARKING ON THE STREET IN IS GONE
PARKING ON THE STREET IN IS GONE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHERE...
SUBFRAME RUSTED ON LEFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. 1998 FORD...
SUBFRAME RUSTED ON LEFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. I HAD A POPPING NOISE WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN AND LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS...
TAKATA RECALL: THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BLOWN OUT OF...
TAKATA RECALL: THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. EACH TIME, IT SMELLS OF AN ELECTRICAL LINE IS BURNING,...
Showing 8 of 2440 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Ford recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 1998 FORD Windstar based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
1998
$8,600
1999
$7,600
-12%
2000
$6,700
-22%
2001
$5,800
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$2,040/yr
27%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
20%
Fuel/Energy
$2,800/yr
37%
Depreciation
$945/yr
13%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$7,535/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.8
/ 10
Rank #13 overall
42 issues / 100 vehicles
Ford Reliability
Ford reliability is mixed. Trucks and V8 Mustangs score well; some EcoBoost engines and electronics have higher complaint rates.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
29/09/2015
03/05/2012
03/05/2012
26/08/2010
13/10/2009
19/06/2000
18/06/2001
12/07/2001
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 1998 FORD Windstar:
Private Party
$5,900–$9,700
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$7,000–$11,600
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$7,200–$12,100
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 14 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Ford Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
⚠ At 28 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
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Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 1998 FORD Windstar.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 1998 FORD Windstar:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
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🗂 Vehicle history report link
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🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 14 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 2440 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
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VIN 2FMDA5143WBA16791:
14 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
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Estimated national average for this vehicle: $2,040/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 2FMDA5143WBA16791 decode to?
VIN 2FMDA5143WBA16791 decodes to a 1998 FORD Windstar LX, assembled in OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA.
How many recalls does this 1998 FORD Windstar have?
This 1998 FORD Windstar has 14 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 1998 FORD Windstar with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 1998 FORD Windstar?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 1998 FORD Windstar LX is estimated at $6,700–$10,500. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 1998 FORD Windstar get?
According to EPA data, the 1998 FORD Windstar gets approximately 22 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,800.
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