1996 Ford Aerostar
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 104
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Wheels
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 104 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 53 |
| 1987 | 114 |
| 1988 | 178 |
| 1989 | 261 |
| 1990 | 197 |
| 1991 | 223 |
| 1992 | 318 |
| 1993 | 374 |
| 1994 | 258 |
| 1995 | 157 |
| 1996 | 104 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Wheels
22% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-11
Also filed under Structure
Service brakes
20% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Power train
13% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing driveshaft and column shift.
Electrical system
13% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-23
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-31
While driving on freeway, kept smelling burning odor, stopped, checked underhood, continued on, engine suddenly quit, smoke coming from firewall area, subsequently, underhood engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-05
Steering
9% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing arm and hydraulic power assist system.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-05-15Latches/locks/linkages96V070000 When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in FMVSS No. 206, "Door locks and door retention components."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
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1996-12-11Equipment96V161000 The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
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1998-02-16Power train97V204000 Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger minivans. These vehicles can develop powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft bushing displacement. The powertrain bending…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.
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1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 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.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed…
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1998-07-31Recall queryClosed 1999-01-07 Transfer cases and rear driveshaft
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1999-01-07Engineering analysisClosed 2000-11-14 Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
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1999-03-19Electrical system99V029000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all A2 accessories through the relay.
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2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 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…
Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Wheels: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V070000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 96V161000 · Equipment
- Recall 97V204000 · Power train
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 99V029000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Ford Aerostar reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford Aerostar is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Aerostar?
- The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Aerostar have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.