Faults:

I am also being driven crazy by the interior lights and chiming!! Just last night my interior light switch broke off, so I had to remove all the interior bulbs. I am trying to find a cure for the chiming problem and a new lightswitch.

I have also had the head gaskets blow, replaced the alternator, and I have had a problem with the AC not blowing through the front vents. I actually fixed that problem with a slightly larger piece of vacuum line to reconnect the broken one. I inserted each broken end into the larger line, and it now works perfectly. The rear air doesn't work still. Can't seem to crack that nut.

Transmission TIP!!! I also had a 95 Windstar and had the same tranny trouble. The vehicle acted as if it would not shift into the higher gears. After numerous mechanics told us that we would have to replace the tranny, I finally bumped into a friend that is an ace mechanic and he told me it was the neutral safety switch, located on the top of the transmission. We've replaced this switch on both vehicles, and the problem abated. It seems that there are crooked mechanics out there that will tell someone not knowing much about autos that their tranny is in need of replacement, knowing full well it is a simple to fix $100.00 problem. Both times we had the van fixed, it cost around the same, and took less than 15 minutes to do the work. The last time, my cousin fixed it while I stood there and watched. I could have done it myself. Be careful NOT to take the word of the first mechanic you go to.

Faults:

Power steering pump went out at 145,000, and the transmission went out at 145,500.

Passenger side mirror glass fell out at 146,000.

Had to replace both front strut assemblies; springs both broke on both sides.

Replaced both drive axles 3 times since bought in 05.

Using antifreeze, and white smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.

Lights stay on in van; they have always stayed on, and go out once in a while.

I have had to replace the alternator 4 times in past 2 years, starter went out 2 times in past year.

It always says there is a door ajar when all the doors are shut tight,

General Comments:

The Ford Windstar is a real piece of work. I would not buy another Ford if my life depended on it.

I owned a Windstar 95 before this one, and had more problems than this; at least the motor is still running in this one.

I would rather push a Chevy than drive or own a Ford.

Faults:

I service the car regularly and keep on top of repair issues. In 11 years it has needed a bushing in the steering, an engine sensor, an alternator, an intake manifold gasket, otherwise nothing but brakes and tires.

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable. Everything has always worked.

It has never burned oil and has required only one tune-up in its life.

People give the transmission a bad rap, but mine has been bullet proof, even when I towed my travel trailer over 28,000 km. over all kinds of terrain.

The fuel economy is excellent; almost 30 mpg on the highway, yet the car is powerful.

The utility of the van is excellent. You can get 4x8 sheets of plywood in the back; better than a pickup.

The ride is comfortable and the view is great from the large windows when you travel.

The body has never rusted and the paint is still very good, even though I have only waxed it once or twice.