Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
97V204000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 01/31/1992 to 01/20/1997V (Vehicle)7500002/16/1998MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY11/13/199711/20/1997
Defect SummaryVehicle 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.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, and, if the expelled fluid contacts the exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin february 16,1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
98308002/26/1998607372Information regarding transfer case rear housing and driveshaft replacement. *tt09/21/1999
9811201/19/1998605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released. *tt07/12/1999
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC135095090609/01/199545756High altitude transmission available. *tw04/25/1996
95101205/01/199542097Transfer case may leak fluid from the case vent tube. *tw11/01/1995
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
00231011/13/2000616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt03/05/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
9823311/23/1998603717Concerns with front drive axle fluid may leak out of the vent under some driving modes on some vehicles. *yc03/03/1999
BC243197050105/01/199752834Aerostar e4wd models may experience front axle lubricant leakage from the vent tube under some driving conditions. *tw09/18/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
BC067896102510/25/199650356Information on aode/4r7w transmission main control & case replacement. *tt04/24/1997

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
EA99002FORD MOTOR COMPANY01/07/199911/14/2000TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT99V094000
 Powertrain bending resonance and/or transfer case rear drive shaft bushing displacement can cause structural failure of the transmission
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
RQ98012FORD MOTOR COMPANY07/31/199801/07/1999TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVESHAFT97V204000
 Powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft busihing displacement, resulting in structural failure of the transmission and/or transfer case driveshaft separation, loss of fluid and fire potential

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
10/04/2001103/01/2000
 Vehicle would not start. transmission transfer cable consists of inner cable inside metal, rubber covering with asbesto covering (burned thru) to protect against hot exhaust pipes and manifold.
09/26/199607/04/1993
 Odometer failure; odometer indicated wrong mileage. mileage went up in one day from 75480 to 121712. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
06/15/20021
 Consumer states that while driving at any speed and with no warning transmission will lock up. dealer notified.*ak
11/08/200210/04/2002
 Told by mechanic that power train snapped and car drove out of control. was unable to put the car in park or neutral. the car only stopped when mechanic turned the ignition key off.
12/21/2002243150106/01/1994
 They say where there's smoke there's fire so that's why i checked the fire button on the form. just to the right of the accelerator the carpet started smoking. we still don't know the cause. but, everytime we run the car an awful smell results. we no longer drive long distances. it's our only car but i we'll have to take it to the garage soon. with holiday bills this couldn't have come at a worse time.
11/24/2000111/01/1997
 Was shifting gears when something had snapped. was unable to put into park. could drive vehicle. could not shift into any other gear. would force gear into neutral to get key out. noticed metal rod inside compartment had broken in half after steering cover removed. *ak the metal shaft that shift the gear broke in half making stick shift loose. *yh
07/01/200008/01/1995
 I know at least 3 other people who have had the same problems with the same year and make of vehicle. unable to locate recall information. please contact me as soon as possible!
10/03/1999
 Was driving vehicle and noticed smoke behind vehicle. pulled to side & checked underneath. noticed transmission was leaking fluid. had vehicle towed to dealer & was informed by mechanic vibrations had set up in the transmission bushings & that a new transmission was needed.
10/08/1998
 Vehicle was repaired, under recall 97v204000, concerning driveshaft failure. transmission would not shift into gear. after 1 year later. taken to dealer & mechanic checked the transmission & noticed the crack in it. mechanic refused to repair drivershaft even when owner offered to pay.
06/03/19991
 Transmission has a problem with overheating due to the over-drive specifications and inadequate cooling from original design specifications. the transmission was repaired and the micro security system is now faulty. *yc
07/13/1999
 While driving at 40 mph there were no brake lights. consumer couldn't get the vehicle out of park, and the brake fuse blew out. dealer couldn't determine the cause of the problem. *ak
12/18/1998
 While driving at 25 to 30 mph the transmission started to stall, and the gears would not shift properly, causing the vehicle to jerk. dealer has been contacted. *ak
08/21/1998
 Transmission has no reverse gear, reason unknown at this time. dealer not notified at this time. *ak
03/04/1995
 Consumer stated when taking vehicle in for repair service the dealer noticed the real seal was broken, causing the consumer to have a leakage coming from the transmission unit. the consumer took the vehicle in before back in 1995 for a transmission problem, and the dealer could'nt determine the problem. *ak
09/10/1998
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with transmission. when taking vehicle to the dealership to get inspected under recall number 97v204000, dealer stated that the transmission needed replacing. the transmission failure is affected by the defect mentioned in recall # 97v204000. *ak
 Consumer received recall letter contacted dealer. dealer states no parts available parts will be ordered upon inspection of the vehicle. recall number 97v20400. please give any further details. *ak
01/12/1995209/15/1993
 Transmission failed twice.
06/16/19961
 Small child pulled gear shift lever into reverse gear without applying brakes, causing vehicle to roll backwards/accident.
04/12/19952
 Transmission failed twice. (attorney for client) *skd
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
03/24/20001
 Possible transaxle coolant line failure caused fire. *et
10/03/1999
 Was driving vehicle and noticed smoke behind vehicle. pulled to side & checked underneath. noticed transmission was leaking fluid. had vehicle towed to dealer & was informed by mechanic vibrations had set up in the transmission bushings & that a new transmission was needed.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
 Gear indicator lever was placed in the park position when the park pawl broke, causing the vehicle to not roll, but to drive into the garage. please give any further details. *ak
 Vehicle was parked in a driveway in a park position it started to roll down the driveway and hit another car's rear bumper . *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
03/01/2002201/31/1994
 While driving at 55-60 mph transfer case fell apart, and consumer had trouble shifting gears in vehicle.*akconsumer states that in 1999 this vehicle was taken to a local ford dealer under recall notice #97583 and the transfer case was replaced. one year later 22-apr-2000 this unit failed at high speed. *yd
11/01/2001
 Recall 97v204000 on transfercase was done in 1999. at this time vehicle is shaking at 40 mph. dealer determined driveshaft needs to be replaced again. *ak
05/01/2001
 Recall 97-v-2041-000; whenever making a left turn vehicle will jerk to one side. contacted dealer, and dealer is not willing to do anything.*ak
01/03/2000102/01/1994
 I went to put the vehicle in gear and the linkage snapped. when i contacted the ford dealer in hays kansas they told me this was a common problem. *ak
06/01/1996302/01/1993
 2 repairs on transmission prior to recall, (6/96 and 9/96) consumer not notified of recall and unit failed a 3rd time (5/99) consumer was denied recall repair due to time frame. (97v-204000) yh
07/05/1999
 Recall 97v204000, the transfer case recall was repaired, and vehicle continues to shake at highway speed which may cause loss of control. the problem started after recall repairs were done. please provide further information. *ak
03/06/19971
 Transfer case failed prior to recall notice, dealership has not made the necessary repairs as per recall notice. (attorney for consumer).
07/10/19981
 Transfer case failed, recall component however no notification of recall.
 Front brake rotors cracked prior to recall 98e-010.000. also, transfer case leaks/locks up prior to recall 97v-204.000.
10/17/19981
 Transfer case failed prior to recall notice notification.
01/29/19971
 Transfer case failed prior to recall notice.
11/09/1998
 Dealer not honoring mfr. recall notice # 97s- 83. this condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, and if the expelled fluid contacts exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur. dealer notified. *ak
10/19/1998
 Recall number 97v20400, manufacturer's number 97s83: consumer received a recall letter, and it said for him to bring the vehicle in to be inspected and for parts to be replaced, they inspected the vehicle, but refused to replace the parts. *ak
08/01/19983
 High beam switch/horn button, and transfer case failed.
03/13/1998102/27/1993
 Van started making noise and shaking when accelerating due to transfer case failure. also experienced a rear seal oil leak. *ak
11/07/1997109/01/1993
 Transfer case failed, recall item, however can not be fixed due to lack of part.
10/08/1997203/01/1994
 Vehicle made a lot of racket when attempting to shift gears. also, while driving vehicle vibrated. *ak
12/02/1997
 Owner is a disabled veteran. wants vehicle to be fixed immediately or to be provided with a rental car. dealer said will charge $800-1000 for defect because consumer does not have orginal recall notice. (97v-204). *ak
 Auto-transmission; system is designed not to engage until foot brake is pushed. gear shift engaged and van began to roll down driveway. please describe details.
07/09/1995
 The rear seal on the transfer case falls out and all the oil comes out and causes the transfer case to burn up and cause a fire. please describe. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
05/30/2001109/01/1999
 5 year old child disengaged transmission from park. keys were not in vehicle. vehicle was off and in park. vehichle rolled down driveway across stree and hit parked car. *ak
09/06/1998
 While parked on slight incline, 3-year got into driver's seat and pulled lever and knocked it out of gear, vechicle rolled back. was caused by a defect in the transmission because ignition was not on/parking brake was on, and brake pedal was not pressed. *ak
10/15/1996105/01/1993
 The brake shift interlock feature failed, causing accident/injuries.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
112/01/1993
 Rear axle is making a loud noise, axle grease was replaced. nlm
07/01/1997206/01/1997
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
 Front axle broke off on the driver's side, causing a vibration in the vehicle. vehicle was stopped, unable to continue driving. dealer replaced the front axle. *ak
01/31/19951
 Left rear axle broke, lost control of vehicle, resulting in an accident/injury. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
03/04/1995
 Consumer stated when taking vehicle in for repair service the dealer noticed the real seal was broken, causing the consumer to have a leakage coming from the transmission unit. the consumer took the vehicle in before back in 1995 for a transmission problem, and the dealer could'nt determine the problem. *ak
03/13/1998102/27/1993
 Van started making noise and shaking when accelerating due to transfer case failure. also experienced a rear seal oil leak. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
 Front cv joint broke. also replaced front stabilizer bar links. *ak
07/15/19971
 Driving vehicle 45-50 mph, when heavy smoke obscured vision. pulled to side of road. vehicle towed home. husband noticed rubber tubing pressing cv boot around axle. hole rubbed into tubing, causing refrigerator gas to escape & mix w/refrigerator oil. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
07/30/2000108/01/1996
 While driving at 40-45 mph rear wheels locked up and caused vehicle to squeal. took vehicle to two independent repair shops, they informed consumer that rear differential has burned up. *ak the vehicle was recalled for driveshaft inbalance , loosen fastners causing cracks in transfer case, repairs were made. but the driver questions if these difects have impact on current problem? *yh
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
11/01/2001
 Recall 97v204000 on transfercase was done in 1999. at this time vehicle is shaking at 40 mph. dealer determined driveshaft needs to be replaced again. *ak
11/10/2000212/01/1995
 This vehicle was recalled in nov. 1997 for drive line failures associated with the tranfer case and driveshaft. the dealer made the repairs at that time. a vibration has occurred now and inspection shows excessive wear in the transfer case, and very likely has created a problem with the rear differential. the local dealer was contacted and they said they will do nothing to remedy this problem. the approximate costs 0f repairs is $2000.00 the situation is extremely dangerous if the driveshaft does indeed drop from the back of the transfer case. also this vehicle was recalled in march 1999 for power circuit and potential fire hazards. since the repairs were made we have experienced problems with the accesorys working when the switch is in the wrong position, and the air bag light coming on periodically. we contend that ford attempted to make the necessary repairs, but due to poor dealer support, the vehicle is as unsafe as it was prior to repairs being made. any assistance you can give us in fixing this injustice would be greatly appreciated.*ak
01/21/2000102/01/1999
 This problem was supposedly fixed in nov. 1998 by family ford mercury in carlisle, pa in accordance with mfg. recall 97s83. however, the recall specifies the replacement of the original steel drive shaft with an aluminum drive shaft. during the repair of the vehicle it was quite apparent that the vehicle did not have an aluminum drive shaft installed. apparently the recall was either not performed or not performed correctly causing a potentially dangerous failure. i have asked ford to reissue the recall on this vehicle and they have declined.*ak
10/08/1998
 Vehicle was repaired, under recall 97v204000, concerning driveshaft failure. transmission would not shift into gear. after 1 year later. taken to dealer & mechanic checked the transmission & noticed the crack in it. mechanic refused to repair drivershaft even when owner offered to pay.
 The bolts that hold the driveshaft separated form the vehcle twice, causing the front end to drop, resulting in loss of control. the dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak
09/21/1998
 Consumer started experiencing vehicle gear failure, drive stopped completely. vehicle was towed to dealership after receiving nhtsa recall 97v-204/manufacturer's recall notice 97s-83 for driveshaft. dealer repaired driveshaft, and charged consumer $2,500 for transmission damage caused by defective driveshaft. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
01/14/2002110/01/1993
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
1
 Transmission failed. *slc
109/01/1998
 I wiil be faxing over the information regarding this 93 ford aerostar. no safety defect listed in the summary. *ak the vehicle had starting problems. the transmission failed. the a/c failed. relay starter motor failed. the heater core failed. power steering was inoperative. tie rods on both tires failed. water pump failed. *yh
03/04/1996211/01/1993
 At 33836 miles the transmission went out and they the dealer replaced it,again at another 34000 miles the next transmission goes out and now the dealer says that because of the over all miles combined that they will not fix it. on top of this ,its a lease and im needing to have it fixed before jan 1999 and i have no way to pay for this out of pocket and when i talked to 1-800 ford they said its not really there problem they just make sure that the dealers do the warranty work they are to do. help!!!!!!!
02/15/1996
 Manual transmission fails in extreme cold weather, vehicle will start but when shifting gears it wont move. *ak
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
11/19/20032
 While driving vehicle lost control. took vehicle to independent repair shop, and mechanic indicated that this vehicle was on recall concerning transfer case problem. also, had brake system problem. *ak
 Consumer called complaining about having problems with power train transfer case. also stated that it leak transmission fluid. also staetd that here is a recall but his vin number was not included and his vehicle is having the same type of problem like the recall. mr
07/11/19952
 Rear transfer case bushing failed prior to recall notice. (97v-204) nlm
1
 Transfer case failed. nlm
1
 Transfer case bushing failed prior to recall notice. campaign #97s83
07/17/19981
 Transfer case failed prior to recall notice causing damage to driveshaft.

Some parts © 2024 Advameg, Inc.
Based on public records. Inadvertent errors are possible.
This web site is not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by and has no official or unofficial affiliation with the vehicle's manufacturer.