How many problems does the 1996 FORD Aerostar have?

The 1996 FORD Aerostar currently has 109 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 FORD Aerostar?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 FORD Aerostar are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 FORD Aerostar problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 FORD Aerostar comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1996 FORD Aerostar Problems

WHEELS

21 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ROARING SOUND. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SPOKES FAILED. THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TIRE OR VEHICLE. THE WHEEL WAS INSPECTED BY THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL WAS DEFECTIVE. THE WHEELS WERE THE ORIGINAL WHEELS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.

Nov 13, 2007

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE CRACKED. THIS WAS NOTICED FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND STATED THE WHEELS CRACKED UNDER STRESS FROM THE VEHICLE.

Apr 18, 2006

WHILE DOING PERIODIC INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE NOTICED 2 CRACKED SPOKES ON REAR RIGHT 14X6 ALLOY RIM. THE CRACK IS ALL THE WAY THROUGH . LOCAL FORD DEALER WAS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. THIS TIRE HAS NOT IMPACTED ANYTHING AS THE FORD DEALER ELUDED TO, AND I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE, AND THE CRACKS MAY BE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED. FORD SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM AND QUIT BLAMING THE CONSUMER.*AK

Apr 26, 2005

A FEW YEARS AGO WE NOTICED THAT 2 OF THE ALUMINUM WHEELS ON OUR 1996 AEROSTAR WERE CRACKED . WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD MOTOR CO.SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE WE WERE LIVING AT THE TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED THE REGIONAL MANAGER, WHO AGREED TO PAY HALF OF THE REPLACEMENT COSTS. SINCE THAT TIME, 2 ADDITIONAL ALUMINUM WHEELS HAVE CRACKED. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THESE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, AND THAT THE CRACKS ARE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, WHICH FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE AND CORRECT. WHEELS ARE NOT A NORMAL WEAR ITEM.*AK

Nov 16, 2004

ONE OF SEVEN SPOKES ON LEFT FRONT ALLOY WHEEL/RIM IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. RIGHT REAR WHEEL/RIM IS STARTING TO CRACK (SHOWING ON TOP SURFACE). LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS ITEM. ONE LOCAL USED AUTO PARTS DISTRIBUTER SAID HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO SELL THIS TYPE OF RIM BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL LIABILITY SUITS. ANOTHER USED PARTS DISTRIBUTER SAID HE GETS SEVERAL REQUEST A MONTH FOR THE SAME RIM. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, FORD SHOULD RECALL THE RIMS BEFORE FAILURES/FATALITIES. *JB

Sep 17, 2003

+ 16 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14 complaints

BRAKE ROTORS ARE WEARING, AND WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIES THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WILL JERK AND BECOME HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS IS A RESULT OF WARPED FRONT BRAKE DISC. (FORD WON'T PAY) *SCC

Sep 12, 2002

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL JERK FORWARD. THIS IS CAUSED BY FRONT ROTORS WARPING EXTREMELY. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK THE BRAKE PADS ARE BARELY WORN. CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY FORD THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSUMER FEELS THE ROTORS WARPED PREMATURELY. *JG

Jul 29, 2002

AS PROMISED, I'M BACK. MAJOR BRAKE FAILURES AT 32,518, 55,638, AND RECENTLY AT 58, 700. I CHECKED YOUR SITE THROUGH THE CARTALK WEBSITE AND FOUND 12 BRAKE PROBLEMS REPORTED OUT OF 79. I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER WHOSE FAMILY IS AT RISK. MOSY RECENTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL BOTTOMED OUT TWO CONSECUTIVE TIMES AT SLOW SPEED. THE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR SAID THEY SMELLED HEATED BRAKES. I BELIEVE THE CALIPERS MAY BE DRAGGING, OVERHEATING THE BRAKES. I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE OWNED AN AEROSTAR PREVIOUSLY AND HAD NO SUCH BRAKE PROBLEMS, CERTAINLY NOT A PAD REPLACEMENT AT 32,000. THESE BRAKES ARE WEARING PREMATURELY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WE WERE CHARGED FOR PAD REPLACEMENT AND ROTOR RESURFACING. MS BRENNER, THE PRINCIPAL DRIVER NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND WHICH CASED HER TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE. I BELIEVE THE DEALER WAS WRONG TO CHARGE US FOR THIS REPAIR, AS BRAKES DO NOT WEAR THIS QUICKLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE PAD OF CALIPER FAILED, UNRELATED TO THE WEAR. OUR HONEST, COMPETENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, B&M AUTOMOTIVE INMC LEAN, VA (703)356-1532 TELL US THAT THEY SEE MANY PROBLEMS WITH FORD BRAKES. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE, FOLKS? DOES SOMKEONE HAVE TO LOSE HIS LIFE AT THE HANDS OF FORD BEFORE YOU RECALL THESE CARS?

Sep 04, 2000

AS PROMISED, I'M BACK. MAJOR BRAKE FAILURES AT 32,518, 55,638, AND RECENTLY AT 58, 700. I CHECKED YOUR SITE THROUGH THE CARTALK WEBSITE AND FOUND 12 BRAKE PROBLEMS REPORTED OUT OF 79. I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER WHOSE FAMILY IS AT RISK. MOSY RECENTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL BOTTOMED OUT TWO CONSECUTIVE TIMES AT SLOW SPEED. THE PASSENGERS IN THE CAR SAID THEY SMELLED HEATED BRAKES. I BELIEVE THE CALIPERS MAY BE DRAGGING, OVERHEATING THE BRAKES. I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE OWNED AN AEROSTAR PREVIOUSLY AND HAD NO SUCH BRAKE PROBLEMS, CERTAINLY NOT A PAD REPLACEMENT AT 32,000. THESE BRAKES ARE WEARING PREMATURELY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WE WERE CHARGED FOR PAD REPLACEMENT AND ROTOR RESURFACING. MS BRENNER, THE PRINCIPAL DRIVER NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND WHICH CASED HER TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE. I BELIEVE THE DEALER WAS WRONG TO CHARGE US FOR THIS REPAIR, AS BRAKES DO NOT WEAR THIS QUICKLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE PAD OF CALIPER FAILED, UNRELATED TO THE WEAR. OUR HONEST, COMPETENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, B&M AUTOMOTIVE INMC LEAN, VA (703)356-1532 TELL US THAT THEY SEE MANY PROBLEMS WITH FORD BRAKES. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE, FOLKS? DOES SOMKEONE HAVE TO LOSE HIS LIFE AT THE HANDS OF FORD BEFORE YOU RECALL THESE CARS?

Sep 04, 2000

MY BRAKES FAILED AFTER AN EXTENDED DOWNHILL DRIVE--ALTHOUGH NOT AN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE. IN TAKING APART THE DISK BRAKES, MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE CALIPERS HAD BECOME BRITTLE (OVER TIME FROM HEAT) AND THEY CRUMBLED IN HIS HANDS. THE PADS HAD WORN DOWN BUT STILL WERE WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE THICKNESS (BUT AT THE LOW END). THE ROTOR WAS NORMAL. THE MECHANIC BELIEVES THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THESE BRAKES RESULTING FROM A ROTOR THAT IS TOO THIN (NORMALLY) AND AS A RESULT DOES NOT ABSORB HEAT WELL FROM THE PADS. HE HAS OBSERVED THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER AEROSTARS AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE BRAKES NEED TO BE CHECK EARLIER THAN NORMAL PAD WEAR WOULD INDICATE. HE SAID THAT WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE DID NOT END UP IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Jul 19, 2000

+ 9 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

13 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSFER CASE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V204000 (POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)) MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Sep 13, 2011

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES. AFTER THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN HOME AT 45MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS IF THE GEARS WERE NOT CHANGING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE TIRE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE USED UNTIL THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS WELDED AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT WAS REPLACED.

May 08, 2006

I BOUGHT A USED 1996 FORD AEROSTAR AWD VAN FROM A USED CAR DEALER ABOUT 10 MONTHS AGO. I HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE VAN IMMEDIATELY BUT THE DEALER DECLINED RESPONSIBILITY. TODAY I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IN THE VAN NEEDS, MINIMALLY, REPAIR OR TOTAL REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED A BALL JOINT FOR $320, WHICH THE USED CAR DEALER SAID HE HAD CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WE ARE RETIREES WITHOUT A HUGE INCOME AND SO WE DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER FORD WAS IN SOME WAY RESPONSIBLE. WE LEARNED THAT A RECALL FOR TRANSFER CASES WAS ISSUED IN 1998 SO MY WIFE CALLED FORD, WHERE SHE WAS, OF COURSE, TOLD THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I WANT TO KNOW HOW I CAN LEARN IF THIS IS TRUE OR WHETHER I CAN MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MAJOR MALFUNCTION. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE!!!! OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE OWNED MANY, MANY VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BEFORE. BECAUSE OF THE TRANSFER CASE, MY FRONT TIRES ARE BALD AND I NEED TWO TIE ROD ENDS AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE REPAIR. MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW I WILL PAY FOR ALL OF THESE REPAIRS. I ALSO STILL HAVE TWO YEARS' CAR PAYMENTS LEFT!!!*AK

Apr 22, 2004

WAS TRANSMISSION ON A TECH LIST FOR REPAIRS OR RECALL LIST FOR PROBLEMS AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND LOW SPEED PROBLEMS. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/75/14 )

Apr 08, 2000

WHILE DRIVING TRANSFER CASE BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP MOVING WHILE ENGINE REMAINED ON. OWNER COULD NOT SWITCH GEARS. DEALER SAID VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSFER CASE. *AK

May 04, 1999

+ 8 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaints

I HAD SMOKE AND ACRID SMELL COMING FROM UNDER MY DASH (WHILE DRIVING), WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN FITS TO IT. I HAVE CONTACTED A MAJOR FORD DEALER (BRANDON FORD), AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO HELP ME. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HE SAID MY VIN IS NOT LISTED FOR A RECALL, BUT YET HAD NO ANSWER FOR ME WHEN I ASKED WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, WHEN IT IS IN THE GROUP OF VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND THAT ARE CATCHING ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. OVER 887,000 WERE RECALLED FOR FIRE RELATED PROBLEMS, BUT THEY REFUSE TO EVEN LOOK AT MINE. SO, CAN I KEEP DRIVING IT? I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS A ONE TIME THING, OR WHAT.....

Aug 23, 2017

Fire: 1

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 30 MPH, ALL POWER FAILED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STALLING HAS ALSO OCCURRED AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE. A FUSE CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY CABLES BLEW. WHEN THE FUSE WAS REPLACED, THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 99V029000, FOR THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH DUE THE VIN EVEN THOUGHT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

Dec 12, 2006

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK

Jan 31, 2005

Fire: 1

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE ON 03/99. ON 10/21/03 CONSUMER STOPPED, PARKED VEHICLE, TOOK KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, AND IGNITION CYLINDER CAME OUT. *AK

Oct 23, 2003

RECALL 99V029000, IGNITION SYSTEM FAILURE. OWNER HAS BEEN WAITING SINCE MARCH 1999 FOR PARTS ON RECALL. *AK

Sep 13, 1999

+ 6 more complaints for this component

STEERING

8 complaints

THE METAL PORTION OF POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE AND ONE OF THE METAL LINES TO THE POWER STEERING GEAR BOX/ACTUATOR ARE MOUNTED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THEY RUB TOGETHER AND OVER TIME RUB AWAY AT THE METAL AND DEVELOP LEAKS THAT CAUSE THE POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK OUT CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING. THE ONLY INDICATION OF THIS FAILURE IS WHINING COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*AK

Feb 11, 2001

WHILE BACKING VEHICLE OUT OF PARKING LOT, STEERING WHEEL BROKE IN DRIVER'S HANDS & FELL INTO DRIVER'S LAP. HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TURNED VEHICLE OFF & TOWED TO DEALER. *AK

Aug 24, 1999

WHILE DRVING VAN AT ANY SPEED A GRINDING NOISE COMES FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. WHEN THE VAN WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC THE BEARING WAS GONE FROM THE SPINDLE. PLEASE LIST VIN, MILEAGE AND DATES FOR OTHER VANS. *AK

Jul 16, 1999

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TURNING THE HAZARD LIGHT'S ON THE STEERING COLUMN STARTING SMOKING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

Jun 04, 1998

POWER STEERING LEAKING AT TIME OF DELIVERY.

Oct 27, 1997

+ 3 more complaints for this component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

6 complaints

SLIDING DOOR ON RIGHT INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT WORK, IT WILL NOT LATCH TO CLOSE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. STATES IT NEEDS FOUR PARTS, TWO PARTS ARE UNDER WARRANTY, ANDTWO ARE NOT (THE LATCH AND THE STRIKER PLATE). *AK

Oct 08, 1998

SLIDING DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED.

Oct 08, 1998

SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED.

Nov 04, 1997

DOOR LATCH FAILED.

Oct 27, 1997

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE.

Aug 28, 1997

+ 1 more complaint for this component

TIRES

5 complaints

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO CHANGE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. SIZE#21570R14 DOT#HYHY4FA229. *NM

Jun 03, 2004

I NOTICED A "PINHOLE" ON MY VIPER GT TIRES, CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THEM, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE NOT ON A RECALL LIST BUT WOULD REPLACE THEM FOR A "DIFFERENCE" COST. I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT 1-2 YEARS EARLIER COOPER (THE MANUFACTURER) GAD A RECALL ON A SIMILAR ISSUE. THE DOT NUMBER OF THE TIRES THAT HAD ON MY VAN WERE AS FOLLOWS: 30 HY UDN2802 - THIS TIRE HAD NO NOTICABLE PINHIOLE 30 HY UDN2401 - PINHOLE WITH VISIBLE WIRE THREADS VISIBLE 30 HY UDN2402 - PINHOLE WITH VISIBLE WIRE THREADS VISIBLE 30 HY UDN3001 - PINHOLE BUT NO VISIBLE WIRES SHOWING YET. *AK

Aug 20, 2003

WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *AK *JB

Aug 15, 2003

THESE 2 TIRE FAILURES OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CIRUCUMSTANCES ON A VEHICLE THAT IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED AT THE FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER THAT INSTALLED THE TIRES. FIRESTONE HAS DENIED CLAIM OF VEHICLE REPAIR FROM THE TIRE SEPARATION INCIDENT ON JUNE 16, 2002, SAYING THE 'TIRE WAS IMPROPERLY INFLATED FOR AN UNDETERMINED TIME PERIOD'. THEIR OWN PEOPLE INSPECTED THE TIRES 40 DAYS PRIOR, THE TIME OF THE 1ST TIRE SEPARATION, CLAIMING TIRES TO BE WORTHY, PROPERLY INFLATED ETC. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THESE TIRES MUST HAPPEN, IF IT ISNT ALREADY UNDERWAY. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT FORTUNATELY DID NOT END TRAGICALLY, OTHER THAN DOLLARS SPENT OUT OF OUR POCKET. PLEASE TAKE SERIOUS NOTE TO OUR CIRCUMSTANCE, IT CAN NOT BE COMMON OF TIRES THAT 2 WOULD SEPARATE IN 40 DAYS ON A REGULARLY MAINTAINED VEHICLE ON A CLEAR HIGHWAY AND SPEEDS UNDER NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED LIMITS. AFTER THE FIRST TIRE FAILURE, THE SERVICE CENTER MANAGER STATED THAT THE 'TIRE HAD SEPARATED AND FAILED'. AFTER THE SECOND SEPARATION, THE SAME MANAGER HAD THE SAME STATEMENT FOR THE SECOND TIRE. THEY ULTIMATELY WERE WILLING TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES WITH A BRIDGESTONE PRODUCT, FOR US, THAT WAS UNACCEPTABLE, WE CHOOSE TO TAKE OUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE (CLEARLY, NOT AN ISSUE FOR THE NHTSA). THOUGH, WHAT IS OF GREAT CONCERN TO US IS THE LACK OF URGENCY ON THE PART OF LOCAL FIRESTONE AND CORPORATE FIRESTONE THAT THERE COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH A PRODUCT THEY SELL.THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME, YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE, AND YOUR CONSIDERATION.*AK

Jul 20, 2002

COMPONENT #1: RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE....I HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND PULLED OVER TO CHECK.I FOUND THAT THE TIRE WAS FAILING ON THE INSIDE CAUSING A VERY LARGE BUBBLING EFFECT TO OCCUR WHICH IN TURN WAS BREAKING THE INNER TIRE WIRES AND PUSHING THE TREAD OUT FROM THE BODY OF THE TIRE. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO TIRE KINGDOM, SO. US #1, FT. PIERCE, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS CAUSE FROM UNEVEN OUTTER WEAR---NOT!---AND THAT SINCE I HAD BOIUGHT THE LOWER PRICED TIRE THAT THAT WAS ALL I COULD EXPECT. I HAD TO BUT A REPLACEMENT TIRE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON 4/17/2001 TO THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES ON THIS VECHICLE WERE BOUT AT THE DAME TIME AND EXPERIENCE THE SAME WEAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS TYPE OF DEFECT IN THE SAME VEIN AS THE FIRESTONE FAILURES AND THAT HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY I AND ANY PASSENGER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE INSULT TO INJURT WAS THAT "I SHOULD EXPECT THIS KIND OF FAILURE SINCE I ROUTINELY DO NOT PURCHASE ANY TIRE OTHER THAT THE LOWER MODERATE PRICED ONES. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT NORMAL WEAR HAS TO DO W/TREAD WEAR, NOT INTERNAL FAILURE CAUSING DAMAGE.*AK

May 04, 2001

AIR BAGS

4 complaints

IN A MULTIPLE CAR PILE-UP, WITH SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 50 MPH THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IN OUR VAN (VEHICLE NUMBER #3 OF 4 INVOLVED) DID NOT DEPLOY. OUR VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ACROSS THE ENTIRE FRONT AND THE ENTIRE BACK BUMPERS (GRILL, HATCH...). MY DAUGHTER WAS EXAMINED BY A PHYSICIAN AND MISSED SOME WORK. IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED SHE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED SOME PROTECTION.*AK

Sep 19, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

VAN INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE SITTING STILL. SPEED FROM OTHER VEHICLE ESTIMATED AT 40 MPH. AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON COLLISION. IMPACT WAS TO EXTENT OF FRAME BEING KNOCKED OUT OF LINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Aug 01, 2002

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

DURING A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT AT APPR. 45 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO INFLATE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Apr 12, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

DURING FRONTAL IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Sep 23, 1996

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 50-55 MPH. CONSUMER STOOD ON BRAKES, WITH BOTH FEET. VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. CONSUMER THEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF ENGINE.THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THE SAME DAY, ABOUT 50 MPH. WHEN DRIVING BELOW 30 MPH VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. PLEASE ADD FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Nov 28, 2001

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE/MOTOR CAUSING AIR BYPASS TO STICK. MJS

May 27, 1999

REQUIRES A SHIFT INTO 'NEUTRAL' TO DISENGAGE MAXIMUM THROTTLE DURING A PASSING MANUVER. SEEMS TO BE TORQUE RELATED. OCCURS INDEPENDENT OF 'CRUISE CONTROL' BEING ON OR OFF. APPLYING BRAKES OR TURNING CURISE TO OFF DOES NOT RELEASE THROTTLE. VEHICAL HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER WHO SOLD VEHICLE AND ACCESSORY AT LEAST TWICE. CRUISE CONTROL HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT PROBLEM RECURS.

Mar 03, 1999

EQUIPMENT

3 complaints

MISPRINT ON TIRES (PRESSURE LABEL), MICHELIN.

Oct 22, 1997

INTERMITTENT RADIO FAILURE.

Aug 27, 1997

THE FLOORBOARD BECOMES VERY HOT WHEN AIR CONDITIONER DEFROSTER OR AIR VENT IS ON. THIS WAS DUE TO EXPOSED HEATER CORE TUBES, THE MAKE SHIFT PLENUM CHAMBER COVER WAS FABRICATED BY THE DEALER. THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK

Jun 16, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Dec 21, 2001

MOTOR PINGS UNDER LOAD IN OVERDRIVE WHEN USING A/C AT 40-45 MPH. REQUIRES TAKING OUT OF OVERDRIVE MANUALLY. DEALER REPORTS NO CODES UPON COMPUTER CHECK. ENGINE ALSO PINGS IN WINTER ON LOAD GOING UP GRADE AT 40-45 MPH IN OVERDRIVE. DEALER REPORTED ENGINE COMPUTER INDICATES VERY LEAN CONDITION WHEN FORST PURCHASED....NO CORRECTION AVAILABLE. MILEAGE EXCELLENT 20-21 AROUND TOWN AND 27-30 ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS A GREAT VAN EXCEPT FOR THE PINGING. HAVE TRIED MID RANGE AND PREMIUM FUEL AND PREMIUM WITH NO BETTER RESULTS. MY RESEARCH SHOW A SPARK KNOCK SENSOR IS PRESENT....IS IT SUPPOSED TO SENSE THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT TIMING OR IS THERE ANOTHER POSSIBLE FIX?*AK

Mar 26, 2001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND DIMMER SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. CONSUMER NOTED THAT HEADLIGHT SWITCH CURRENTLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Dec 18, 2001

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH WHEN CONSUMER TURNS ON SIGNAL SWITCH UPON MAKING A TURN OR JUST CHANGING LINES, SIGNAL SWITCH WON'T HOLD, AND CONSUMER HAS TO HOLD IT MANUALLY. *AK

May 13, 1999

Injuries: 1

SEATS

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING SEATBACK BOLT SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. *AK

Jan 27, 2000

VEHICLE'S BACK SEAT MATERIAL IS TORN, CAUSING A METAL ROD TO STICK OUT. *AK

Aug 14, 1997

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

AS THE SLIDING DOOR WAS BEING OPENED THE BOTTOM TRACKS HAD SEPARATED FORM THE DOOR. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

May 07, 1999

CONSUMER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH SLIDING DOOR. THEY LEASED IT 0N (1) 17-AUG-97, (2) 9- 19-96, (3) 8- 5-97 AND (4)9-21-97. RANCHO FORD OF TEMECULA, CA. HAS DONE REPAIRS THREE TIMES CHANGING THE PARTS REGARDING DOOR LATCH THE FIRST TWO TIMES; QUALITY REPAIR R&R DOOR TRIM PANEL AND REPAIR LOCK ROD MACHANISM, THE THIRD TIME. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. CONSUMER CANNOT OPEN SILDING DOOR AT MOST OF THE TIMES FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. VEHICLE IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. *AK *SLC

Sep 22, 1997

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

FUEL LINE HAD CRACK, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK, RESULTING IN A FIRE. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN. *AK

May 12, 1998

Fire: 1

FAILURE ON THE FUEL TANK AND FILLER NECK, CONSUMER FILLED THE TANK WITH GAS AND FUEL IS LEAKING AROUND THE TANK FILLER NECK. *AK

Oct 31, 1996

STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

CONDENSED VERSION: @ 70MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT GOODYEAR ALLEGRA TOURING TIRE EXPLODED LIKE A 1/4 STICK OF DYNAMITE AND ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE IF MY REACTIONARY TIME HAD BEEN ANY SLOWER. 3 OTHER TIRES SAME LEAKING THROUGH SIDEWALL GOODYEAR DECORATIVE GILLS ON SAME THIS HAS NOT RESOLVED. SELLER HAS NOT RESOLVED AND REFUSES THOUGH GOODYEAR SAID TO REPLACE BEFORE THE MAIN ISSUE OF THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER TIRE EXPLODING AT 70 MPH, . LITIGATION IS NEXT STEP IF AMICABLE RESOLUTION CAN NOT BE HAD. CONTACT HAS BEEN EXTENSIVE WITH GOODYEAR TO NO RESULTS.

Mar 11, 2020

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

12/6/2014 @ 18:20 C.S.T. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, (HOPEFULLY A SUPERVISOR OR DIRECTOR) THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FLOOR CLASP FAILS. I RELEASES THE SEAT BELT WHILE DRIVING. AFTER TWO OR THREE TIMES OF RE-HOOKING THE SEAT-BELT TO THE HOLD DOWN CLASP BOLTED THROUGH FLOOR BOARD OF THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT AND HOLD THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF MY VEHICLES, THE 1993 OCCURRED AT APPX. 190,000 MILES AND WHEN I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT TO REMAIN CLASPED, THEY SIMPLY SAID, IT IS AN OLDER VEHICLE AND YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FOR OVER $500.00...[XXX]. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE...AND FORD NEEDS TO REPLACE THE HOLD DOWN CLASP WHICH IS BOLTED THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD FREE OF CHARGE. LABOR AND PART FREE. IF I HAD BEEN ATTEMPTING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT OR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THAT BELT LET LOOSE, I MIGHT BE DEAD. THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. MY 1976 FORD TORINO NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM, NOR THE OTHER VEHICLES REFERENCED, NOR ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. THIS IS A SAFETY AND DRIVER SAFETY WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, AND NO MATTER THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS A SAFETY FEATURE MANDATED BY ALL STATES MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS TO BE ENGAGED AT ALL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. IF THE ITEM IS DEFECTIVE BY DESIGN, AND AS IN MY CASE, IT ARBITRARILY AND WITHOUT NOTICE OF ITS IMMINENT FAILURE, FAILS WITH NO PRESSURE ON IT, IT NEEDS TO BE A RECALLED ITEM. I ALSO SUSPECT THAT FORD IS STILL PURCHASING FROM THE SAME SUPPLIER AND IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN ALL SUBSEQUENT SEAT BELT HOLD DOWN CLASPS WILL FAIL LIKEWISE AT THE 6 - 9 YEAR RANGE, WITHOUT NOTICE AND EXPOSE FORD TO WRONGFUL DEATH SUITS DUE TO MECHANICAL DEFECTS IN THOSE SEAT BELT HOLD DOWN CLASPS. I AM CUTTING AND PASTING A COPY OF THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT SO THAT I HAVE A RECORD OF ITS SUBMISSION TODAY DECEMBER 6, 2014 @ 18:20 C.S.T. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Dec 06, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

3 MONTHS AGO, I BROUGHT OUR VAN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY SPARK-PLUG WIRE, WHICH THEY REPLACED AND RESET THE COMPUTER, FOR $130.00. A MONTH LATER, THE VAN STARTED HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS, SO I HAD ANOTHER GARAGE DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, AND POSSIBLY A CRACKED HEAD. I TOOK THE VAN TO A TOP MECHANIC, WHO REMOVED THE HEADS AND HAD THEM INSPECTED. RESULTS WERE THAT THEY WERE BOTH CRACKED. WE NEVER RAN THE VAN HOT, AND KEPT THE VAN IN GOOD RUNNING SERVICE. WE RARELY WENT OUT OF TOWN, SO THE VAN WAS USED ABOUT 20-25 MILES A DAY. MY MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE WAS RUN HOT, AND HE FEELS ALL FORD AEROSTARS HAVE AN INHERENT PROBLEM OF RUNNING TOO HOT, OVER TIME, DUE TO THE AIR/FUEL MIX DURING COMBUSTION. OUR VAN IS THE 5TH AEROSTAR THEY'VE REPLACED HEADS ON IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. WE'RE OUT $1400.00 FOR THIS REPAIR.

Jan 02, 2002

WHEELS,SEATS

1 complaint

1. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT A WHEEL HAS DEVEOLPED A CRACK IN ONE OF ITS SPOKES. 2. A BOLT THAT HOLDS THE FRONTSIDE DRIVER SEATBACK IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION SHEARED OFF AND ALLOWED THE SEATBACK TO MOVE FREELY BACK AND FORTH.*AK

Apr 18, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT VEHICLE HIT A STEEL POLE. WITHIN SECOND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN A FOWARD POSITION, WHILE DRIVER'S FOOT REMAINED ON BRAKE, VEHICLE HIT THE WALL OF WAREHOUSE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK

Oct 26, 1999

Crash: 1

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE AND APPYLING THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE, A PIN WITHIN THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FORWARD. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jul 15, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH A SMALL VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, IT INCREASED AS TIME WENT ON, WHEN EXAMINED WAS FOUND PADS CAME APART-SHIFTING ON RIVETS. THIS HAPPENED BOTH TIMES, IT HAS STARTED IT AGAIN, ONLY MINOR AT THIS TIME. WHEELS NOT PULLED YET.

Mar 17, 1999

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A POPPING SOUND AND THE SOUND WENT AWAY. DRIVING AT 55 TO 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER DUE TO THE WHEELS VIRBATING. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WHEEL, AND DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE CONSUMER RAN SOMETHING OVER, AND THE THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL WAS BENT. *AK

Nov 12, 1998

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN FELT A PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE RIGHT SPINDL/ BRAKE CALIPER ANDBRAKE LINE BROKE. LOST CONTROL OF STEERING & THE BRAKES. TOOK TO THE DEALER. LOOKING AT VEHICLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK

Aug 20, 1997

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION, TRAVELING ABOUT 15 MPH THE SLIDING DOOR, WHICH WAS LOCKED UPON IMPACT, CAME OPEN AND THE DRIVER 'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Mar 24, 1997

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

IN AN ACCIDENT AT 40-45MPH, 12:00 POSITION, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ABS BRAKING SYSTEM HAD REAR WHEEL LOCKUP WITH 100 FEET OF SKID MARKS. *AK

Mar 19, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

1996 FORD Aerostar Problems & Complaints

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