FaultScore report
Owners have filed 204 complaints about the 1995 Ford Aerostar with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 7 worst.
FaultScore 57/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Aerostar.
How this is worked out204
Complaints
22
Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
14
Injuries reported
140,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 165,000 mi
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Median failure at 103,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires
3 crashes, 0 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 140,000 mi
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 148,000 mi
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT
TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVESHAFT
FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY FIRES
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED ELECTRICAL LOAD THROUGH THE ACCESSORY POWER FEED CIRCUIT. THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE B2 (BATTERY), A2 (ACCESSORY), AND P1 (PROOF) CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR, CREATING A SHORT CIRCUIT, ALLOWING CURRENT TO FLOW THROUGH THE GROUND WIRE.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE OVER HEATING AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. HEAT GENERATION IN THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE FUEL PUMP/SENDER ASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER AND BECOME IMMOBILIZED AND THE FUEL GAUGE MAY BE ERRATIC.
Risk: HEAT DAMAGE, INCLUDING MELTING OR CHARRING OF THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDER ASSEMBLY WIRE HARNESS AND ASSOCIATED WIRING HARNESSES CAN ALSO RESULT. THE SHORT CIRCUIT COULD ALSO HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER MINIVANS. THESE VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP POWERTRAIN BENDING RESONANCE OR TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT BUSHING DISPLACEMENT. THE POWERTRAIN BENDING RESONANCE OR THE OUTPUT SHAFT BUSHING DISPLACEMENT CAN RESULT IN STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR TRANSFER CASE. FLUID EXPLUSION, DRIVESHAFT SEPARATION OR LOSS OF VEHICLE DRIVE CAN RESULT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND, IF THE EXPELLED FLUID CONTACTS THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES HAVE INCORRECT REAR TIRE SIZES LISTED. P215/70R14SL SHOULD BE P215/75R14SL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE INCORRECTLY SIZED REAR TIRE WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE VEHICLE'S SPECIFIED GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE.
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
THE SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE CAN CONTACT THE BRAKE LINES ON THE REAR AXLE IF IT IS MOUNTED IN THE UNDERBODY SPARE TIRE CARRIER. SUCH CONTACT COULD RESULT IN FRACTURE OF A REAR BRAKE LINE.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN REDUCED VEHICLE BRAKE CAPABILITY.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Other
Certain vehicles, from Ontario to Newfoundland, could experience a corrosion related failure of the spare tire winch cable. If the cable breaks while the vehicle is being driven, the spare tire could drop down, potentially creating a roadway obstacle. Correction: Owners are to inspect the cable, and if corrosion or broken wire strands are present the vehicle is to be taken to a dealer for replacement of the winch assembly. Program ends September 30, 2003.
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short circuit could occur at the A2 accessory terminal in the ignition switch of these vehicles when the switch is in the "on" position causing overheating and the potential for a vehicle fire. Correction: A jumper harness with a relay will be installed which will re-route and activate all A2 accessories through the relay.
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short circuit could cause heat damage, including melting or charring of the wire harness for the fuel pump and sender assembly and associated wire harnesses. In some cases the short circuit could have the potential for a vehicle fire. Correction: A fused jumper harness will be installed in the fuel pump ground circuit at the fuel pump inertia shut-off switch.
Powertrain
On certain Aerostar AWD vehicles, extended operation at speeds of over 130 kph may result in structural failure of the transmission/transfer case assembly. This could result in fluid expulsion, driveshaft separation or loss of vehicle drive. Fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire and driveshaft separation may lead to loss of vehicle control. Correction: Transfer case extension housing will be replaced and steel driveshaft will be replaced with an aluminum driveshaft.
Other
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 120 - TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS. CERTIFICATION LABELS SPECIFY A "70" SERIES REAR TIRE RATHER THAN THE APPROPRIATE "75" SERIES. CORRECTION: "IMPORTANT TIRE NOTICE" LABELS SHOWING THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Brakes
THE SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE MAY CONTACT THE BRAKE LINES ON THE REAR AXLE IF IT IS MOUNTED IN THE UNDERBODY SPARE TIRE CARRIER. OVER TIME, SUCH CONTACT COULD RESULT IN FRACTURE OF A REAR BRAKE LINE CAUSING LOSS OF REAR WHEEL BRAKING. CORRECTION: A LOWER PROFILE MINI-SPARE TIRE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE EXISTING MINI-SPARE WHEEL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE AXLE MOUNTED BRAKE LINE AND REPAIR IT IF DAMAGED.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE EXTREMELY HOT BEFORE THEY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED RIGHT HAND. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V028000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: FRONT UNDER HOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10206495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE INTERIOR OF THE DASH BOARD CAUGHT FIRE ON ITS OWN, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10113031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE OFFICE PARKING LOT. SUDDENLY A CUSTOMER NOTIFIED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURE WILL MAKE CONTACT WITH THE CONSUMER FOR INSPECTION. *NM
NHTSA complaint #10113062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:MULTI PIECE
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL CAME OFF OF 1995 FORD AEROSTAR EXT VAN. THE WHEEL INCLUDED THE REAR BRAKE DRUM AND BROKE THE AXLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN AT 60MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10039513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER PUT OUT THE FLAMES, BUT THE PANEL KEPT SMOKING. THE GROUND WIRE TO THE POWER WINDOWS HAD TO BE CUT TO STOP THE PANEL FROM SMOKING. *JB THE BURNED SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED ON THE LEFT SIDE DOOR. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10017827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
OUR VAN WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE HIT IN A FOUR CAR PILE UP. OUR VAN AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES WERE STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN STRUCK. OUR VAN SUSTAINED SUBSTANCIAL ENOUGH DAMAGE BOTH IN FRONT AND BEHIND TO TOTAL IT. THE DRIVERS AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED SO I'M HAVING TO RECEIVE SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR NECK INJURIES. I WONDER IF MY AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED WOULD I HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH THESE DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND THERAPY. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE? DT
NHTSA complaint #769792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD AEROSTAR. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DETECTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL STRAP AND THE FUEL INLET WERE CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10639902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE EXTREMELY HOT BEFORE THEY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED RIGHT HAND. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V028000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: FRONT UNDER HOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10206495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF HIS VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO FLAKE OFF IN DIFFERENT AREAS. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO LOCAL BODY SHOPS. THE TECHNICIANS AT BOTH SHOPS TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY SAW THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THE REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #566128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WENT TO INSTALL CAR SEAT IN THREE ROW, PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED. IT WILL NOT STAY BUCKLED AT ALL. WENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE US OVER $100 FOR BUCKLE AND AN HOURS WORTH OF LABOR. WE ARE DUE IN 2 WEEKS WITH THIRD CHILD AND THAT IS THE ONLY SPOT LEFT IN THE VAN THAT THE CAR SEAT FITS IN.
NHTSA complaint #10161916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 AM 6/23/06, I WAS DRIVING FROM ALBANY, TX TO DALLAS, TX ON HIGHWAY 180... AND THE TREAD ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE TURANZA. I WAS DOING BETWEEN 70 AND 75 AT THE TIME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO REDUCE SPEED TO ABOUT 25. INTERESTINGLY, THE REMAINING TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT. IT WAS STILL INFLATED WHEN I CAME TO A HALT. THE TREAD TORE OFF PART OF MY REAR BUMPER AND MARKED UP THE REAR SIDE PANEL OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN MANY PICTURES OF THE TIRE AND OF THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIRE OF A 4 TIRE SET THAT HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS. THE FIRST TWO DEVELOPED RIDGES IN THE TREAD. I REPLACED THEM LAST AUGUST. THE REAR TIRES AT THE TIME SEEMED FINE. NOW, TEN MONTHS LATER... HERE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TREAD SEPARATES. I COULD HAVE EASILY DIED OR BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. IF THERE HAD BEEN TRAFFIC AT THE TIME... THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT AS MY VEHICLE WAS ALL OVER THE HIGHWAY UNTIL THE SPEED WAS REDUCED AND CONTROL COULD BE REGAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10160640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DT: THE CALLER SAID IGNITION FAILED. SHE SAID A YEAR AGO THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED BY ITSELF WITHOUT A KEY. SHE STATED THAT CURRENTLY SHE HAD INTERMITTENT TROUBLE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WILL COME ON BUT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. DEALER SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. THEY WILL NOT HELP HER FOR FREE. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10136919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE INTERIOR OF THE DASH BOARD CAUGHT FIRE ON ITS OWN, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10113031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE OFFICE PARKING LOT. SUDDENLY A CUSTOMER NOTIFIED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURE WILL MAKE CONTACT WITH THE CONSUMER FOR INSPECTION. *NM
NHTSA complaint #10113062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO GET THE VEHICLE RECALL 99V029000 REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER KEPT GIVING THE CONSUMER EXCUSES WHY THEY COULD NOT FIX THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK *SC
NHTSA complaint #10071645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND ON. USE TO ONLY HAPPEN WHILE ON HIGH BEAM. BUT IS NOW DOING IT ON LOW BEAM. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I HAVE OWNED TO DO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10064311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:MULTI PIECE
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL CAME OFF OF 1995 FORD AEROSTAR EXT VAN. THE WHEEL INCLUDED THE REAR BRAKE DRUM AND BROKE THE AXLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN AT 60MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10039513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SLIDING DOOR WILL EITHER NOT LATCH AT ALL OR IT WILL STAY CLOSED AND WE ARE UNABLE TO OPEN IT .
NHTSA complaint #10020635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER PUT OUT THE FLAMES, BUT THE PANEL KEPT SMOKING. THE GROUND WIRE TO THE POWER WINDOWS HAD TO BE CUT TO STOP THE PANEL FROM SMOKING. *JB THE BURNED SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED ON THE LEFT SIDE DOOR. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10017827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
BLOW OUT AND TREAD SEPERATION ON A BF GOODRICH RADIAL T/A (P215/70SR14 96S M+S) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPROX 34,000 MILES ON THE TIRE. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH SOUTH ON THE SAWGRASS EXPRESSWAY (SUNRISE, FL) BETWEEN MILE MARKER 4 AND 5, MY RIGHT REAR TIRE MADE A POPING SOUND AND WENT FLAT ALMOST IMMEDIATLY (3 TO 4 SECONDS). I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE SHOWED ABOUT A 4 TO 6 INCH TREAD SEPERATION. AFTER AAA REMOVED THE TIRE, THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE SHOWED ALMOST COMPLETE TREAD SEPERATION (IT LOOKED LIKE THE TIRE HAD EXPLODED). THE SIDEWALLS APPEAR TO HAVE FAILED AS WELL. I HAD HAD THE TIRES CHECKED ABOUT TWO WEEKS PRIOR AFTER HAVING A NAIL REMOVED AND PATCHED ON THE LEFT FRONT. INFLATION WAS NORMAL. THE TEMERATURE WAS ABOUT 68 DEGREES AND I HAD BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. THE TIRES HAD ABOUT 34,000 MILES OF WEAR ON THEM. THEY WERE REGULARLY ROTATED AND INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE IS A 1995 FORD AREOSTAR XLT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO KEEP THE TIRE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE 13 DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE FRONT, BACK AND TREAD OF THE TIRE. I WILL MAKE THEM AVAILABLE AT YOUR REQUEST (CD-ROM OR ELECTRONICALY).
NHTSA complaint #10003140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
BLOW OUT AND TREAD SEPERATION ON A BF GOODRICH RADIAL T/A (P215/70SR14 96S M+S) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPROX 34,000 MILES ON THE TIRE. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH SOUTH ON THE SAWGRASS EXPRESSWAY (SUNRISE, FL) BETWEEN MILE MARKER 4 AND 5, MY RIGHT REAR TIRE MADE A POPING SOUND AND WENT FLAT ALMOST IMMEDIATLY (3 TO 4 SECONDS). I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE SHOWED ABOUT A 4 TO 6 INCH TREAD SEPERATION. AFTER AAA REMOVED THE TIRE, THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE SHOWED ALMOST COMPLETE TREAD SEPERATION (IT LOOKED LIKE THE TIRE HAD EXPLODED). THE SIDEWALLS APPEAR TO HAVE FAILED AS WELL. I HAD HAD THE TIRES CHECKED ABOUT TWO WEEKS PRIOR AFTER HAVING A NAIL REMOVED AND PATCHED ON THE LEFT FRONT. INFLATION WAS NORMAL. THE TEMERATURE WAS ABOUT 68 DEGREES AND I HAD BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. THE TIRES HAD ABOUT 34,000 MILES OF WEAR ON THEM. THEY WERE REGULARLY ROTATED AND INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE IS A 1995 FORD AREOSTAR XLT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO KEEP THE TIRE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE 13 DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE FRONT, BACK AND TREAD OF THE TIRE. I WILL MAKE THEM AVAILABLE AT YOUR REQUEST (CD-ROM OR ELECTRONICALY).
NHTSA complaint #10003140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
OUR VAN WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE HIT IN A FOUR CAR PILE UP. OUR VAN AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES WERE STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN STRUCK. OUR VAN SUSTAINED SUBSTANCIAL ENOUGH DAMAGE BOTH IN FRONT AND BEHIND TO TOTAL IT. THE DRIVERS AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED SO I'M HAVING TO RECEIVE SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR NECK INJURIES. I WONDER IF MY AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED WOULD I HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH THESE DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND THERAPY. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE? DT
NHTSA complaint #769792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SEVERE SHIMMY OF FRONT END. REPLACE BUSHINGS AND SHOCKS STILL THERE. DEALERS AND SERVICE SHOPS UNABLE TO CONFIRM COMPLAINT. FRIENDS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM. DT
NHTSA complaint #769280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A LIGHT POLE AT 27 MPH AND THE FRONTAL DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOYED. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8019228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
PLASTIC FUEL TANK IS CRACKING AT THE TOP WHICH IS CAUSING A MASSIVE FUEL LEAK, AND POSSIBLE HAZARD. FUEL TANK MUST BE KEPT AT HALF LEVEL, BUT IT DOES NOT STOP FUMES FROM ENTERING COMPARTMENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8016902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLACK EXHAUST/SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM REAR END OF VAN DUE TO HEAD GASKET FAILING WHILE BEING DRIVEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8015460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
A BOLT WHICH HOLDS BACK REST HAS SHEARED OFF AND CAUSED SEAT TO COLLAPSE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOIRMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8010137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WHILE HAVING WINDSHIELD REPLACED, THE PINCH WELD HAD CORRODED DUE TO IMPROPER PREPARATION DURING PREVIOUS INSTALLATION.
NHTSA complaint #564010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FUEL PUMP. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER AND FUEL GAUGE BECOMES ERRATIC. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK ALL THE GAUGES QUIT WORKING AND THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DUE TO MAIN DASH WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #8007423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FUEL PUMP. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER AND FUEL GAUGE BECOMES ERRATIC. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK ALL THE GAUGES QUIT WORKING AND THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DUE TO MAIN DASH WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #8007423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FUEL PUMP. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER AND FUEL GAUGE BECOMES ERRATIC. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK ALL THE GAUGES QUIT WORKING AND THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DUE TO MAIN DASH WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #8007423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.