1996 Ford Club Wagon
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 17 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 17 |
| 1997 | 28 |
| 1998 | 28 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN IN DRIVE AND AT A STOP, AND SOMETIMES INSTEAD OF JUST DYING IT TRIES TO STAY RUNNING BY FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT CURBS AND MY GARAGE WALL. I CAN AVOID THIS BY PLACING IT IN NEUTRAL TEMPORARILY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030306
2 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, AND VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. THEN VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990921
MADE A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE REAR SEAT BELTS, THAT LOCK DOWN THE WHEEL CHAIRS, CAME UNLATCHED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970530
1 of 17 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE MASTER CYLINDER ON A 1996 FORD CLUB WAGON. THIS VEHICLE WAS OWNED BY HIS EMPLOYER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050804
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLES ON A 20% GRADE WITH FOOT PEDAL EFFORTS OF 125 POUNDS OR LESS. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Campaign 96V214000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford Club Wagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V214000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford Club Wagon reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Club Wagon?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Club Wagon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.