1995 Ford Windstar: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Apr 17, 2004 · Acceleration, Lights · 49,780 miles · MA

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

I have had a continuing stream of endless repairs to this ford windstar. Staring with the water pump one week after purchase; then the left front spring and strut collasped; next the ABS system almost cost me my life by failing on a downgrade into an intersection; a compoent of the fuel injection system in the main computer failed; the rear master cylinder on the brakes was leaking; the transmission has never shifted correctly almost giving passengers whiplash; the rear power door lock on the tailgate has just never worked form day one; I did receive a recall for the hood and that was replaced; now the power windows operate without the key in the ignition, but the door locks do not work and the vehicle is totally diabled, it will not start or even try to turn over. I am just a nurse not a millionaire, I have paid almost $5,000.00 in repairs into this vehicle in the 2 1/2 years I have owned it. And now it is dead, leaving me with no transportation to work, my only source of income. Please help.

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Electrical · NY

Instrument cluster would short circuit while driving. Electronic dashboard blew out. This caused windows and door locks not to open after pulling over. Smoke was coming inside vehicle. Also, there was poor visibility due to electrical failure. Vehicle has been in shop since september , and mechanic could not not get instrument cluster parts for repairs. Informed on back order. Contacted manufacturer & informed case was documented only.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

The transmission on our 1995 windstar van failed after 78000 miles, 3000 miles after our extended warranty period had expired. This vehicle has been a lemon from the start. We have had the hood bonding problem fixed under the recall on that problem, had the head gaskets replaced on the extended warranty before that recall came out, replaced the fuel pump inside the gas tank at my own expense, and now I am presently having problems with the power windows, the air bag system, and the power door locks. If this is read by anyone contemplating a mini-van purchase, I would think long and hard before buying a windstar. From the number of complaints from people from all over the country on the internet, I'd say this wasn't just an isolated thing, but should be looked into by the government regulatory people. None of our failures have resulted in accidents or injuries, but could have easily done so, had we not lived in a more rural area. I definitely would not want to have one of these vehicles in a more high-speed metropolitan area.

Filed Mar 11, 2000 · Airbags, Engine · NC

Notified by ford sliding door latch, had it repaired. Then front end doesn't stay in alignment, head gasket blew, causing loss of starter and other related parts, total cost of $1800.00 at this time the car only had around 50,000 miles. Door light stays on indicating that a door is open when one isn't. Sometimes goes on and off and beeps. Interior lights stay on for extended period of time. Heard on news about recalls and buy back, called ford, they tell me about 3 other recalls on the van,: head gaskets, hood separation, feul tank mounting (which will only replace or repair if they feel its necessary). I looked on the net and found that there is also an airbag problem on the passenger side. I was never notified of these and only recently became aware of them. I am in the process of trying to get a refund for the $1800.00 on the head gasket and related problems. I was told to go and speak to a mary flanagan at the sanders ford in jacksonville, nc where I live and purchased the vehicle. I would like to find out more information a out all these recalls and repairs that are needed and if the buy out program applies to my vehicle. I have 3 children and I am feeling very unsatisfied with safely transporting them in this vehicle.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Locks · ID

Sliding door latch failed. Nlm

Filed Jan 8, 1999 · Electrical, Locks · PA

In addition to the transmission failure, there have been numerous electrical problems with the heating/ AC, door locks, wipers and door sensors. My windstar also had the defective head gasket which was part of a voluntary recall by ford. The transmission failure of this model is well known. Additional anecdotal info can be obtained through the car trackers website on internet. The transmission failure on the 95 windstar is a known problem at ford, however no recall has ever been issued.

Filed Nov 4, 1998 · Body, Transmission · MN

Passenger's side sliding door is unable to be opened on either side of vehicle, and the inside handle came off. Door handle mechanism replaced 3 times by dealer. Also had to have driving gear replaced. *ak

Filed Oct 7, 1998 · Body · CA

Vehicle is locked. While sitting and touching the door handle the door will open, while moving it will open even when locked. Turning corners, same thing occurs. Right front door. Dealer contacted and stated that it was due to a design flaw.

Filed Mar 8, 1998 · Locks · TX

Door locks are difficult to open with the original keys.

Filed Jul 8, 1997 · Locks · CA

Driver's door latch popped open during accident.

Filed Aug 26, 1995 · Locks · CA

Sliding door latch failed on occasion.