1995 Ford Windstar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1995 Ford Windstar: 6 recalls, 3326 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #94V223000 · 1994 · 112,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The alternator output wire was not connected tightly to the power distribution box.
Why it matters: This can result in overheating of the connection and a possible vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the connection. Vehicles with visible damage to the plastic power distribution box housing will have the the underhood harness, including the power distribution box, replaced.
Electrical Vehicle recall #94V222000 · 1994 · 72,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The wiring harness insulation can abrade on a brace that runs from the instrument panel to the cowl.
Why it matters: This condition can result in an electrical short and possibly a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a shield on the instrument panel to cowl brace, and installation of a piece of convolute wrap material on one of the adjacent harnesses.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V180000 · 1997 · 769,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Why it matters: This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V309000 · 1999 · 70,116 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: These cracks could result in fuel leakage if they propagate through the wall of the tank.
The fix: Dealers will install a brace assembly at the strap bolt hole location and replace the tank strap with a revised, longer strap. Dealers will also inspect the tanks for leaks. If a leak exists and is the result of a crack in the fuel tank, the tank will be replaced in addition to the installation of…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V101000 · 2002 · 250,283 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with…
Why it matters: Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: 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 scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Airbags Equipment recall #95E006002 · 1995 · 8,600 vehicles
What's wrong: The passenger side air bag has an inflator body that cracked during forming of the curl that retains the igniter plug in the end of the inflator. Also the igniter end cap can separate from the inflator.
Why it matters: The passenger side air bag May not inflate properly resulting in reduced occupant protection in a vehicle accident. If the igniter end cap separates in a frontal collision, hot gases can be released and ignite flammable material or cause burn injuries.
The fix: Dealers will remove and replace the passenger side air bag module.
Suspension Recall #01I007000 · 2001 · 948,492 vehicles
What's wrong: 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: the 1997-1998 windstar MINI vans are also covered by NHTSA safety recall 01v-199/Ford recall 01s19. The MINI vans covered by the safety recall were originally…
Why it matters: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
The fix: Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 50 mention a fire, 118 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (1610): the most common themes are leaks (249), overheating (184), stalls / loses power (121).
- Transmission & drivetrain (874): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (239), stalls / loses power (55), leaks (52).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (484): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (147), noise or vibration (85).
- Electrical (168): the most common themes are electrical failure (64), fire / smoke (33), door / lock issues (24).
The 1995 Ford Windstar has 3326 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 16 Windstar model years for complaints (3.8× the average Windstar year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (863 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 99,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1994 (23 complaints, 0 recalls), 1996 (1386 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1995 Ford Windstar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1995 Ford Windstar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1995 Ford Windstar, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1995 Ford Windstar problems?
Owners have filed 3326 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (1610), transmission & drivetrain (874), brakes (hydraulic) (484).
What gas mileage does the 1995 Ford Windstar get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1995 Ford Windstar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.