Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
I was driving at about 20 MPH on a city street covered with about one [1] inch of wet snow. The street curved slightly to the left, I started to make the turn but the van began to slide straight ahead. I slid for about 20 feet before bumping the curb on my right side. The van then went over the curb , went about another 10 feet and struck a narrow [6-inch] utility pole head on.I was holding the steering wheel with both hands preparing for the slight impact.I was quite shocked when both air bags exploded. My hands were bruised slightly but nothing serious. The van was not damaged except for a small[2-inch] split in the top, not front of the plastic bumper. I drove to the dealership, mullinax Ford, immediately. They looked at the van and could not believe that there was a collision that could have caused the air bags to deploy. They called Ford motor co. …
The engine was the main problem due to the head gasket recall. In July,2000, we argued with Ford about a bad engine running for which we had just paid over $300 to evaluate by an outside repair shop. After about 6 weeks we received our car back with a new long block paid for by Ford, including a rental van for the time in the shop. In January 2001 the engine was running rough again and we were charged $81.45 to check it out and replace a wire bad on cylinder 6 which was misfiring. Three months later in April 2001 the car ran rough again and the engine light was back on (happened for years intermittently since we owned the car). The new long-block had another bad head gasket reinstalled per the second Ford dealership service center. After nearly another month we had the second new long-block in less than one year. …
Engine failed twice due to a faulty head gasket. Also, original automatic transmission failed and was rebuilt. About two years later, transmission failed and the dealer replaced it with a new transmission. Another two years later, the transmission failed again and was rebuilt. The cause of the failures was not determined. The recalled engine blew and the manifold gasket blew. When the consumer contacted Ford they stated they couldn't do anything right now but would notify them later and maybe they could help. Consumer had two windows that didn't go up or down - replaced $412.34. Both tie rods were replaced.
1)my van was pulling to the right and the tires were worn. 2) I took my 1995 Ford Windstar to Firestone to have new tires put on and an alignment done. They installed the tires and told me they could not do the alignment because the sway bar was broken in two. They also stated it was bad craftsmanship because the bar is a hollow metal tube instead of a solid piece. They also said I needed both inner tie rod ends replaced because the lack of control from the sway bar put stress on them and damaged them. 3) tires were replaced and I was given an estimate of $400 for the sway bar and $300 for the tie rod ends and alignment.
Ford and the dealership were not helpful at all. Ford tried to make me happy in the end with an additional warranty for 24 months or 24,000. But would not pay for repairs. To sorry to bad they said. This past year we had more problems, it was very very very stressful and expensive. We had to charge repairs and put some on heme equity. Think of the interest $. I was scared to drive. I have since sold van. I will still pursue this to get back $ and to tell others. No safety defect listed in summary.
At 146,00 miles I was just informed that I will have to have another head gasket repair done (that would make it the third time this part has failed) to save the car...I will not do it, as in February, I spent over $750 to have the rear brakes repaired for brake fluid covering the shoes of the brakes, cause by brake line corrosion (just as in the right front brake line corrosion that was a national recall!!!!) but there was no recall for the rears
The tie rod's broke while driving 15 MPH. The consumer turned the corner and the handling had become impossible. The consumer found that both front wheels were pointing inward as though the right front were turning left and the left front turning right. Also the rack and pinion was replaced as well as the serpentine belt.
Speedometer replaced at my cost of about$400 for part and labor at dealer. At the same time we requested the transmission be checked because, after being warmed up, at stops the van would not go when gas was applied, then would lurch forward after a second or two. The "transmission guy" was out, and we were told there might be an internal transmission problem. Someone advised us to change the transmission fluid and filter, as this can sometimes do the trick in what appears to be a serious problem, we did. The problem got worse while we waited for the dealer's tranmission man to return. We sought a private transmission repairman. This very reputable repair company told us there were quite a few problems with this model van and transmissions and that it was a cracked aluminium front clutch piston. We were given a repair estimate of $1200 to $1400. …
Transmission went at 70K no help from Ford. Head gasket leaking 120K no assistance or help from Ford. Window motor do not work no help from Ford. Steering problems no one can find a problem, but I keep replacing tire prematurly. I paid for the tramsmission $1500. Now the van is in the shop at sam galloway Ford for a head gasket. The only reason I had it towed into sam galloway is because they said there was a recall on the head gasket and they will take care of it . Covered by the recall. They called after looking at it and said $1700 to repair the gasket and others problems caused by the leaking head gasket. Recall states 60K 0r dec 31 2000 wich ever comes first. If they are putting faulty products in their vehicles they are causeing safety concerns and they should be responsible for repairs.
Leaking oil from seals of steering rack,oversized cylinder bore,dealer replaced . Noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it , its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. The sound is still there, it never was fixed. Now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.Ford has known of this defect in mid 1994 , but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. Then they replaced the alum. Piston that fails, with a steel piston. I feel Ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases.
Steering complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1995 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Ford Windstar, 2% of the model year's 3,326 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Windstar steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering 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.