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1996 Ford Aerostar transmission problems

12 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
12%
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Driveline: driveshaft
    3
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    3
  • Automatic transmission
    3
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1
  • Driveline: universal joint
    1
  • Driveline
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Aerostar transmission problems in other years

1990199119921993199419951996199719992000

Related recalls

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported November 13, 1997 · 75,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.

Recall number 97V204000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Transfer cases and rear drive shaftOpened January 7, 1999, closed November 14, 2000

There is no summary currently available

EA99002

Transfer cases and rear driveshaftOpened July 31, 1998, closed January 7, 1999

There is no summary currently available

RQ98012

What 1996 Ford Aerostar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2011 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · MO

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. The federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 8, 2006 · Transmission · 214,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · PA

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!!!

Filed Apr 8, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Was transmission on a tech list for repairs or recall list for problems at highway speed and low speed problems. *ak( dot number: tire size: 215/75/14 )

Filed May 4, 1999 · Transmission · CO

While driving transfer case broke, causing the vehicle to stop moving while engine remained on. Owner could not switch gears. Dealer said vehicle needed a new transfer case.

Filed Feb 24, 1999 · Transmission · NY

Front axle broke causing wheel to come off, and damaging other components.

Filed Dec 28, 1998 · Transmission · NH

Similar to safety recall # 97s83 for which service was performed, but affecting front shaft and transfer case instead of rear. Had seal leak on front transfer case under 30k miles warranty. Transfer case bearing failure on front drive shaft in transfer case ruined transfer case at a cost of $1,985.00 to repair. This vehicle has been treated very well, with no heavy loads or towing of trailers.

Filed Jun 9, 1998 · Transmission · TX

The federal safety agency recall 97v204000, manufacturer 97s83, transfer case; dealer's letter was received in march, and in april when contacted the dealer again, they didn't have the parts, when contacted again, the parts were in, but could not be located.

Filed Jun 4, 1998 · Transmission · WV

Recall (97v204000), driveshaft; not satisfied with work done pertaining to recall. Had taken vehicle in for repairs in april. Picked vehicle up & then had to return it the next day.

Filed Apr 14, 1998 · Transmission · WA

Consumer is having trouble receiving recall repair work on the transfer case by dealership.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Aerostar transmission

Does the 1996 Ford Aerostar have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 Ford Aerostar, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Ford Aerostar transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Aerostar transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V204000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Aerostar have bad transmission?

The Ford Aerostar model years with the most transmission complaints are 1992 (74 complaints), 1993 (67 complaints) and 1991 (49 complaints).

Other 1996 Ford Aerostar problems

Wheels 23Brakes 18Electrical 12Steering 9Airbags 6Locks 6Tires 5Acceleration 4Body 4Seats 3Engine 2Fuel system 2Lights 2Seat belts 1Suspension 1

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