Fuel filler pipe on this vehicle has failed three times (first failure mileage is listed below). Each time the first symptom is the smell of fuel outside the vehicle after driving, when the problem worsens, at time of fill-up gas spills on the ground.
The worst 1996 Ford Club Wagon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes6
- Airbags2
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes6
- Airbags2
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- Risk
- Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
- 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 05v017 and 05v388)
Recall number 06V286000 · Recall details
Parking brake: conventional
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- The vehicle may roll after being parked increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will adjust the parking brake system on the affected vehicles.
Recall number 96V214000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Ford Club Wagon 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1996 Ford Club Wagon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. Upon inspection, it was found that the master cylinder was melted. The vehicle was drove approximately 8 hours before the incident occurred.
When the fan switch was turned to the fast position and the A/C was turned on the consumer began to smell something burning. After a few seconds alot of smoke came from under the dash and A/C area. The consumer removed the knob and saw flames. The consumer turned off the entire system and removed the cable. No damage was reported. *ak
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. I have taken it to ford about three times for this alone, but they cannot figure it out because it is an intermittent problem which they could not reproduce. Also the rear blend door flap for rear A/C deteriorates every year and needs replacing to stay cool in phoenix, az.
While fueling gas came out from under van, not at the fill neck.
Rusting out oilpan with only 38k miles on it. Have been told it's a reacuring problem, looking for a recall notice.
Front brake pads and rotors worn prematurely. Nlm
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.
Experiencing ongoing brake failure. Whenever vehicle is driven in wet conditions, the brake pedal would go all the way to the floor, no matter what the speed may be. Vehicle have been inspected/repaired by independent repair shop, but condition still occurs. Dealer/mfr. Was not notified at this time.
Abs brake failure.
Compare the 1996 Ford Club Wagon
Other model years
Questions about the 1996 Ford Club Wagon
Is the 1996 Ford Club Wagon reliable?
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 1996 Ford Club Wagon, 8.5 times a typical Club Wagon model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Ford Club Wagon?
Brakes, with 6 complaints. Next is airbags (2).
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Club Wagon have?
2 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and parking brake.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Club Wagon brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V214000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Ford Club Wagon?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history