FaultScore report
Owners have filed 83 complaints about the 1997 Ford Aerostar with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.
FaultScore 43/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Aerostar.
How this is worked out83
Complaints
6
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
99,500 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
7%
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.
Median failure at 118,000 miles
1 crashes, 1 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 48,000 mi
3 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 99,000 miles
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Median failure at 132,000 miles
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. AN ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS KINKED DURING INSTALLATION, CAUSING THE CORE WIRES TO EVENTUALLY FRAY.
Risk: THIS COULD INCREASE THE FRICTION IN THE CABLE, CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BE SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE.
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.
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.
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.
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with 3.0 llitre engines, the accelerator cable may have been kinked during installation. If the cable is kinked, the core wires could eventually fray, with one strand at a time breaking. This could increase the friction in the cable and may cause the throttle to be slow to return to idle when released. A stuck throttle could increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will install a new accelerator cable.
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.
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.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
1997 AEROSTAR REAR HATCH: 1 OF 2 ANCHOR STUDS WHICH SUPPORT THE TAIL HATCH PNEUMATIC SPRING (VEHICLE BODY END) BROKE, ALLOWING THE HATCH TO IMMEDIATELY FALL ON TO OPERATOR. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE 2 PNEUMATIC SUPPORTS, 1 IS INSUFFCIENT TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE HATCH. SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH 1994 MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10130062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I FOUND TWO INCOMPLETE RECALLS. I CALLED THE DEALER 9/28/2020 AT [XXX] AND SPOKE TO [XXX]. SHE PUT THE VIN IN HER SYSTEM, SAW THE TWO RECALLS AND SAID THE PARTS WOULD BE ORDERED. NO RESPONSE. I CALL [XXX] 10/5/2020 AT THE SAME NUMBER AND SHE SAID ABOUT THE SAME THING. THEN I CALLED 10/8/2020 AND ANOTHER SERVICE ADVISOR PRINTED OUT THE ISSUE WITH MY PHONE NUMBER [XXX] AND SAID [XXX] WOULD CALL ME AFTER LUNCH. NO RESPONSE. I TRIED CALLING THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE 800 392-3673 AND AFTER PRESSING '#' FOR TWO COMMERCIALS, THE RECORDER HUNG UP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE, BUT THESE ARE TWO RECALLS THAT ARE CONCERNS. (00S56 & 99S02). THANK YOU VERY MUCH. [XXX]AUGUSTA, GA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11363588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
I WAS GIVEN THIS VAN WITH A HANDICAPPED LIFT AS A PRESENT FROM SOME PEOPLE AT OUR CHURCH. EVER SINCE I GOT IT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM I'VE BEEN HAVING IS THAT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WEARS OUT MORE QUICKLY THAN THE OTHER THREE. WE'VE HAD IT BALANCED SEVERAL TIMES BUT WE STILL HAVE THAT PROBLEM EVEN WITH NEW TIRES. SINCE I AM HANDICAPPED AND USE AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT USING THE RAMP LIFT THAT WAS INSTALLED AND THE SAME APPLIES TO THE ENGINE. HOW DO I KNOW IF THE ENGINE HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT IF THE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME?
NHTSA complaint #10659389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I WAS GIVEN THIS VAN WITH A HANDICAPPED LIFT AS A PRESENT FROM SOME PEOPLE AT OUR CHURCH. EVER SINCE I GOT IT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM I'VE BEEN HAVING IS THAT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WEARS OUT MORE QUICKLY THAN THE OTHER THREE. WE'VE HAD IT BALANCED SEVERAL TIMES BUT WE STILL HAVE THAT PROBLEM EVEN WITH NEW TIRES. SINCE I AM HANDICAPPED AND USE AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT USING THE RAMP LIFT THAT WAS INSTALLED AND THE SAME APPLIES TO THE ENGINE. HOW DO I KNOW IF THE ENGINE HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT IF THE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME?
NHTSA complaint #10659389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
NOTE: I WISH I HAD FOUND THIS SITE YEARS AGO. I COULD NOT GET PAST FORDS "BRICK WALL" TO SPEAK TO AN ENGINEER! 1. 1997 AEROSTAR - ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN QUICKLY TO PASS (2 LANE HIGHWAY). 2. NOW IN THE LEFT LANE, NOT FAR AHEAD OF PASSED THE CAR - I EXPERRIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER - HARD RIGHT OVER TO SOFT SHOULDER - AVOIDED AN ONCOMING HEAD ON COLLISION - L JUST MISSED THE CAR BEING PASSED BY INCHES AND STOPPED. THE CRIMPED END OF CABLE TO THE CARBURATOR HAD RELEASED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 3. I CLAMPED THE CABLE BACK ONTO THE PEDAL WITH VICE GRIPS. (DROVE TO DEALER). FORD REPLACED THE CABLE. THAT PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. (I DO NOT PRESS DOWN HARD EITHER!)
NHTSA complaint #10350538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NOTE: I WISH I HAD FOUND THIS SITE YEARS AGO. I COULD NOT GET PAST FORDS "BRICK WALL" TO SPEAK TO AN ENGINEER! 1. 1997 AEROSTAR - ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN QUICKLY TO PASS (2 LANE HIGHWAY). 2. NOW IN THE LEFT LANE, NOT FAR AHEAD OF PASSED THE CAR - I EXPERRIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER - HARD RIGHT OVER TO SOFT SHOULDER - AVOIDED AN ONCOMING HEAD ON COLLISION - L JUST MISSED THE CAR BEING PASSED BY INCHES AND STOPPED. THE CRIMPED END OF CABLE TO THE CARBURATOR HAD RELEASED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 3. I CLAMPED THE CABLE BACK ONTO THE PEDAL WITH VICE GRIPS. (DROVE TO DEALER). FORD REPLACED THE CABLE. THAT PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. (I DO NOT PRESS DOWN HARD EITHER!)
NHTSA complaint #10350538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
OBSERVED FULL CRACK ON ALUMINUM WHEEL RIM SPOKE. THIS IS STANDARD ALUMINUM WHEEL FROM MANUFACTURER. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM SAME AS HTTP://WWW.MOTORBEAT.COM/COMPLAINT/438440/. *TR THIS IS THE SECOND RIM THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED. ANOTHER RIM FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER ONE YEAR AGO. REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10275026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
NEED TO KNOW WERE TO START TO GET ALL THE PROBLEMS ON MY VAN TAKEN CARE OF ALL THE RECALLS, OF POWER TRAIN THE ELECTRICAL AND WHATEVER ELSE WAS REPORTED TO ME ON MY REPORT OF THE RECALLS ON THIS 1997 AREOSTAR VAN THANK YOU MARYJEAN.
NHTSA complaint #10222447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
NEED TO KNOW WERE TO START TO GET ALL THE PROBLEMS ON MY VAN TAKEN CARE OF ALL THE RECALLS, OF POWER TRAIN THE ELECTRICAL AND WHATEVER ELSE WAS REPORTED TO ME ON MY REPORT OF THE RECALLS ON THIS 1997 AREOSTAR VAN THANK YOU MARYJEAN.
NHTSA complaint #10222447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
1997 AEROSTAR REAR HATCH: 1 OF 2 ANCHOR STUDS WHICH SUPPORT THE TAIL HATCH PNEUMATIC SPRING (VEHICLE BODY END) BROKE, ALLOWING THE HATCH TO IMMEDIATELY FALL ON TO OPERATOR. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE 2 PNEUMATIC SUPPORTS, 1 IS INSUFFCIENT TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE HATCH. SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH 1994 MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10130062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR EXAMINE THE STEERING COLUMN OR THE COMPONENTS THAT BURNED OR OVER HEATED AS A RESULT OF THE OVERLOAD. [XXX] UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10129732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER'S HUSBAND DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE RIMS HAD CRACKED IN THREE PLACES. *LA ANOTHER RIM WAS FOUND WITH CRACKS IN THREE PLACES AS WELL. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10074110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
MY TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED A BAD LEAK IN THE FRONT SEAL. I PAID TO HAVE THE TRANSAXLE REMOVED AND THE SEAL REPLACED. THE FLUID WAS CHANGED AS WELL AS THE FILTER AND THEN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE CARS OVERDRIVE STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE BUT IT WILL SHIFT RIGHT BACK OUT WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS EVEN THE LEAST LITTLE BIT. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND YESTERDAY I WAS DOING ABOUT 60 AND THE CAR SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR FOR NO REASON AND THEN RIGHT BACK INTO THRID. THEN ABOUT A HALF MILE LATER IT BEGAN SHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND AND BACK OVER AND OVER. TALK ABOUT GETTING JERKED AROUND! IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE STEPPING ON THE BRAKES! NOW I AM ON FOOT AND I AM ON FOOT AND DUE TO OUR GREAT ECONOMY I AM OUT OF WORK FOR THE TIME BEING. THEY SHOULD OFFER A MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON ALL THEIR CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10070676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED A BAD LEAK IN THE FRONT SEAL. I PAID TO HAVE THE TRANSAXLE REMOVED AND THE SEAL REPLACED. THE FLUID WAS CHANGED AS WELL AS THE FILTER AND THEN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE CARS OVERDRIVE STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE BUT IT WILL SHIFT RIGHT BACK OUT WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS EVEN THE LEAST LITTLE BIT. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND YESTERDAY I WAS DOING ABOUT 60 AND THE CAR SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR FOR NO REASON AND THEN RIGHT BACK INTO THRID. THEN ABOUT A HALF MILE LATER IT BEGAN SHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND AND BACK OVER AND OVER. TALK ABOUT GETTING JERKED AROUND! IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE STEPPING ON THE BRAKES! NOW I AM ON FOOT AND I AM ON FOOT AND DUE TO OUR GREAT ECONOMY I AM OUT OF WORK FOR THE TIME BEING. THEY SHOULD OFFER A MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON ALL THEIR CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10070676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TWO FRONT RIMS CRACKED. *AK CONSUMER CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SAID THAT THEY WON'T ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S NOT ON WARRANTY OR RECALL. HOWEVER, CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10059385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN ACCELERATING CONSUMER HAD TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. WHEN THE VEHICLE MOVED THE THROTTLE GOT STUCK, AND REVVED VERY HIGH. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE HAD A STICKING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10049874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED RAPIDLY, WHICH RESULTED IN COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF THE TIRE. *AK THE WHEEL WELL AND BUMPER WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE TIRE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND IT FAILED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WHEEL WELL AND BUMPER WAS AGAIN DAMAGED. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10034255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT REAR DRIVER'S SIDE RIM SPOKES ARE CRACKED. VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. *AK FOUR SPOKES WERE CRACKED COMPLETELY THREW. ANY MORE AND CONSUMER FACED LOSS OF WHEEL FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE SPARE PUT ON AND RIM REPLACED. CONSUMER LEARNED A PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP SELLS ONE OR MORE TO OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ONE PARTICULAR CUSTOMER WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THREE DEFECTIVE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10031918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
REAR WINDOWS DO NOT ROLL DOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10029395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL # 97 V 204 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10017214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
VEHICLE WILL NOT RUN PROPERLY DUE TO THE TRANSFER CASE BEING DEFECTIVE. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER NOTED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8016938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
RIGHT FRONT SPINDLE AND KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK RIGHT FRONT SPINDLE/KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. RIGHT FRONT ROTOR, INNER AND OUTER WHEEL BEARINGS AND SEAL WERE ALL REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8005538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.