Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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.
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 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.
When driving at 40 MPH and without prior warning the vehicle overheated, lost power, and shut down,causing the consumer to pull over to the side of the road and wait to start the vehicle back up. When starting the vehicle I back up, the vehicle overheated again and cut back off. Consumer is also having problems with the windshield wipers, the transmission was replaced at 40,000 miles,the new transmission began to slip because of a blown head gasket and the dealer can not determined the problem's.
Consumer was traveling 55mph on the highway while driver's/passenger's airbags deployed. Driver maintained control of vehicle, but veered off the road onto the shoulder. Also, rear two windows blew out/dashboard came apart, and passenger's airbag caught on fire. Fire department was notified. Dealer contacted, said vehicle is out of warranty.
2003 - door ajar light 2002 - blew head gasket; 2002 - heater core replaced 2001 - ignition coil pack & ignition leads replaced 2001 - front tie rod ends replaced 2000 - refrigerant coolant loss 1998 - EGR valve replaced 1998 - transmission fluid cooler hoses replaced 1997 - blew head gasket, repaired under warranty
The paint is blistering off the hatch and sides in large patches. The airbag light blinks and the power window on the driver side fails to close all the way and struggles to open. The rear vent windows work when they want to .
Recall on sliding door - problem ever since repaired. Rear wiper motor died three times and was replaced. Recall on head gaskets. Since Ford dealer replaced them, the intake manifold gaskets blew, replaced those at our expense (approx. $1000), then the front water pump gasket blew and replaced those at our expense (approx. Another $500), then the engine blew and we were informed that the cause was water and antifreeze got into the engine and spun the bearings.... Told by the parts manager that it all started back with the head gaskets. Ford is not backing their engine due to this problem. Also, was not told the first time we came in that the replacement of the head gasket would cause more gaskets to break until after our second return to the service center. Since then, we authorized them to replace the engine. …
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. …
On 6/13/2003, at 57049 miles, our 1995 Windstar overheated and seemed to be losing coolant so we took it to zimmerman Ford, st. Charles, il to be checked out. They reported no problem found and we paid $66.79 for a cooling system service and lube service. On October 4th,2003, the check engine light on our Windstar went on. We took it to the same dealership to be checked. They charged $111 for sbds tests and told us we had head gasket failure and quoted $2100 to repair. We contacted five other dealerships in the chicago area who quoted between $900 and $1600 to do the job. Our van is currently with family Ford of west chicago being fixed. We have been told to expect a bill of about $1300. Moving from zimmerman to family Ford was not just a cost decision. Zimmerman refused point plank to help us get help from Ford. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1995 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 87 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1995 Ford Windstar, 3% of the model year's 3,326 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Windstar window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.