1996 FORD AEROSTAR

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.

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.

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.....

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MY 1996 FORD AEROSTAR HAS 14X6 ALUMINUM ALLOW WHEEL RIMS. THE RIMS HAVE 7 TRIANGULAR SLOTS AND 7 WIDE/FLAT "SPOKES". ONE OF THESE RIMS IS CRACKING. THE CRACK IS PROGRESSING FROM ONE SPOKE TO ANOTHER. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE ALL TOGETHER. AFTER ALMOST A MONTH OF SEARCHING FOR A USED REPLACEMENT RIM I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I SUSPECTED THAT THIS MAY BE THE CASE WHEN I COULD NOT FIND ANY ON-LINE COMPANY THAT HAD THESE IN STOCK (USED OR NEW). TODAY I SPOKE WITH A WOMAN AT ACKERWHEELS.COM AND LEARNED THAT THIS RIM CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. SHE WARNED ME THAT IF I ORDERED ONE FROM THE DEALER TO LOOK IT OVER CAREFULLY FOR CRACKS. I ASKED HER IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. SHE SAID IT WAS AND THAT I SHOULD NOT EXPECT FORD TO RECALL IT. I BELIEVE THAT ALL OF MY OTHER THREE RIMS ARE NOW SUSPECT. WHAT CAN YOU DO? *JB

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

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

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

ON 9/17/02 THE RIGHT FRONT ALLOY WHEEL CRACKED WHILE ON VACATION. WE WERE UNABLE TO TRAVEL IN IT. IT WAS EXPENSIVE AND DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. ON 2/1/03 (ALSO OUT OF TOWN) THE LEFT BACK ALLOY WHEEL CRACKED. WE ARE SEARCHING FOR A REPLAEMENT. OUR MECHANIC TOLD US THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND MUST BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THERE ARE SEVERAL SIMILAIR COMPLAITS PLEASE EVALUATE AS IT COULD CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT.

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

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

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

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

ALUMINIUM WHEELS HAVE CRACKS IN THEM. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK *TT

THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL HAS FATIGUE CRACKS AROUND LUG NUT HOLES, CHP SUGGEST THAT WE CONTACT YOU, COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK

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.

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.

THREE OF ORIGINAL ALUMINUM SPOKE WHEELS HAVE BROKEN ACROSS THE SPOKES. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. *AK *JG

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

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

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

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

CASTING ON ALLOY WHEELS FAILED. OF SEVEN SPOKES ON WHEELS THREE HAD BROKEN. WHEELS WERE FALLING OFF THE AXLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND FORD. FORD STATED DID NOT HAVE A RECALL ON ALLOY WHEELS. DEALER STATED WILL NOT REPLACE WHEELS UNLESS UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

BOTH FRONT WHEELS HAVE CRACKS IN THE FORD MANUFACTURED SPOOK WHEELS. FORD CONTACTED AND HAD NO EXPLANATION AND STATED IT IS MY PROBLEM. ONE FORD MECHANIC CONTACTED AND 4 WHEEL SHOPS CONTACTED AND STATED IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. FORD REPRESENTATIVES HAD NO CONCERN CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE. AS OF THIS DATE FORD WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY LIABLITY.

THREE OUT OF THE FOUR ALUMINIUM WHEELS ON THE AXLE OF THE CAR WHERE CRACKING UNTIL CONSUMER SWITCHED TO STEEL WHEELS AT HIS EXPENSE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT, BUT REFUSED TO HONOR CONSUMERS REQUEST. *AK

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

VEHICLE PARKED. OWNER NOTICED 3 WHEELS WERE CRACKED/BROKEN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE WHEELS REPLACED. MECHANIC GAVE NO INDICATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE WHEELS TO BE CRACKED OR BROKEN. *AK *ML

WHILE DRIVING HEARD LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT WHEEL, DISCOVERED CRACKS IN LEFT WHEEL, REPLACED THE WHEEL

WHEEL RIM BASE IS CRACKED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK