Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Heater core failure that LED to immediate cylinder head cracking that LED to coolant entering engine oil system and total engine failure. Transmission failure of original and replacement transmission. Told by auto parts store employee about the cylinder head recall as his sister owned same 1995 Windstar 3.8l, Ford had a vendor answering calls. Representative stated that Ford had mailed recall information to the wrong address, that is why I never recieved it. Rep unable to explain how Ford mailed hood recall info to correct address, but not the cylinder head recall info. Rep refused to address issue further. I would love to taker part in any cylinder head or transmission class action proceeding.
When minivan slowed down and driver applied the brakes there were no brakes, driver did not pump the brakes. Consumer stated he slowed from 70mph to 30 MPH with no problems while entering city limits, when slowing at a traffic light ahead, brakes were inoperable causing a crash and $8000 worth of damage. Consumer states that the rear window windshield wiper, washer, and defroster switch is too low, one has to take their eyes off the road to find it. Radio controls do not allow for manual operation without diverting the driver's attention from driving vehicle.
Ford Windstar 95 shift lever prdnl does not match gear. When in park car rolls have to find d or r by moving shift lever. Sometime have to put lever in to park twice or three times befor it catched and car starts. When the car rolls back and kills someone it will get fords attention. Also replaced head gasket engine and head gasket again. Tranny sensor, door ajar sensor. What a car mark hershkowitz
Speedometer inoperable above 45 MPH (bounces and grinding noises); outer door locks inoperable (except drivers door), key only opens drivers door; door ajar sensor and interior lights stay on when all doors are closed.
I have owned this van since 1999. Since I have owned it we have had nothing but problems with it. I have had the rotors turned, and replaced at least 3 times, and they need it again. I have had the head gasket replaced 3 times and one of them times was at 99,000 miles when it was under the warrenty. It had been replaced at least one time before that. My sliding door won't stay closed, even though I just spent $300 getting a new latched put on. My windows won't work. I had larson motors fix a head gasket and my electronic windows, cost me over $250 for the window, that only worked 2 times. I called, and since they put "May not be the problem" on the invoice, they think that clears them, and they wanted me to spend more money on another part. My speedometor has been replaced once and is broke again. The alternator has been replaced. I could go on and on. …
Engine has been sputtering, flashing overdrive light keeps coming on. Rear passenger front and rear windows won't open, radio console started to get real hot and then went out. Engine continues to sputter as though its skipping a gear, and overdrive light constantly blinking.
Engine head gaskets needed to be replaced. Consumer spoke with customer service concerning extension of warranty. Request was denied. Also, rear axle/ windshield wipers/ cassette, & oil pump were broken. Manufacturer wasn't responding. Dealer was out of business.
Consumer is handicapped and the conversion vehicle is not working right, especially the fuel tank which is not taking any gas. Consumer states wrong address he has never owned a Ford vehicle.
The cigarette lighter when engaged and gets hot it dislodges form the holder onto the floor, and gets hot without the engine on. Tt
The air bag warning light remains illuminated, indicating malfunction within the system. Cause unknown, please give any further details.
Equipment complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are equipment problems on the 1995 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the equipment & accessories of the 1995 Ford Windstar, 1% of the model year's 3,326 complaints. The component named most often is electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Windstar equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for the 1995 Ford Windstar, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Windstar equipment problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to equipment & accessories problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.