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Ford Windstar 1995-2003

1995–2003 · DN5 (1st gen) / MV1 (2nd gen) · van

Front-wheel-drive minivan built to take on the Chrysler minivans. First generation (1995-1998) on the DN5 platform; second generation (1999-2003) on the MV1 platform with a 5-door layout (sliding doors on both sides from 1999). Engine options across the run: 3.0L Vulcan V6 (early base), 3.8L Essex V6 (volume engine). 4-speed automatic throughout. Replaced by the rebadged Freestar for 2004.

Watch out: The August 2010 NHTSA recall of roughly 575,000 1998-2003 Windstars for rear-axle corrosion (the axle could fracture in salt-belt states) is the defining issue - Ford's remedy varied from inspection to outright buyback depending on severity. Subframe corrosion is a related salt-belt concern. The 3.8L Essex V6 has well-documented head-gasket failures (a generational issue across many Ford 3.8L applications). 4-speed automatic transmissions are also flagged for early failure if fluid service is neglected.

What your Windstar takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades24" driver · 20" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Oil filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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