no report yet
Ignition: switch
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE OVER HEATING AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
1996 Ford AerostarProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 104 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Aerostar, most often about the wheels. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 11, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1996 Ford Aerostar has problems
104 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Wheels
16Service brakes, hydraulic4 crash/fire/injury
12Power train
12Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
9Steering
6Air bags
6Latches/locks/linkages
5Tires
4Vehicle speed control
2010 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 23 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 16 | 4 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 3 |
| Steering | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 6 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| 10 other systems | 20 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
1996 Ford Aerostar recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND, IF THE EXPELLED FLUID CONTACTS THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES..
no report yet
Doors: latch
Risk. THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
1996 vs. every other Aerostar year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Aerostar median. How we score
'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
1996 Ford Aerostar safety ratings
1996 Ford Aerostar in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 1996 Ford Aerostar, and the recalls they led to.
- TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFTLed to recall 99V-094
- TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVESHAFTLed to recall 97V-204
In owners' words
What Aerostar owners report
Recent wheels complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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.
Own a 1996 Aerostar?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.