Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
98E010000AIMCO PRODUCTS INC. E (Equipment)2350004/15/1998MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY04/08/199804/09/1998
Defect SummaryEquipment 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.
Consequence SummaryLoss of braking can result.
Corrective SummaryAimco 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 for replacement.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin during april 1998.owners who do not receive the free rotors within a reasonable time should contact aimco at 815-759-7935.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06E022000BRAKE PARTS, INC. E (Equipment)744003/20/2006MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY03/13/200603/13/2006
Defect SummaryCertain 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 brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. when subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
Consequence SummaryLoss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryAffinia (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 1-800-323-0354.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket napa, raybestos, ac delco, aimco, carquest, and bendix brake hydraulic master cylinders and has no relation to any original equipment installed on daimlerchrysler or ford vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
984503/02/1998601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc07/15/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
9521210/01/199546478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
985A5203/18/1998613023This bulletin contains service tips when servicing any brake related roughness / pull concerns. *tt06/16/2000
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
985A1103/18/1998601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc06/17/1998
9622210/21/199650941Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96261712/16/199651002Brakes - brake service - service tips. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A1303/18/1998601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
981401/19/1998605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt07/09/1999
985A503/18/1998601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - PADS
02/03/1998201/01/1996
 The problem started with a small vibration when applying the brakes, it increased as time went on, when examined was found pads came apart-shifting on rivets. this happened both times, it has started it again, only minor at this time. wheels not pulled yet.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
07/17/2000107/01/1998
 My brakes failed after an extended downhill drive--although not an unusual circumstance. in taking apart the disk brakes, my mechanic discovered that the calipers had become brittle (over time from heat) and they crumbled in his hands. the pads had worn down but still were within an acceptable thickness (but at the low end). the rotor was normal. the mechanic believes that there is a design flaw in these brakes resulting from a rotor that is too thin (normally) and as a result does not absorb heat well from the pads. he has observed the same problem on other aerostars and has concluded that the brakes need to be check earlier than normal pad wear would indicate. he said that we were lucky that we did not end up in an accident.*ak
10/23/1999
 While consumer was backing out vehicle hit a steel pole. within second vehicle suddenly accelerated in a foward position, while driver's foot remained on brake, vehicle hit the wall of warehouse. dealer / manufacturer were not contacted at this time. *ak
05/17/199905/01/1996
 On april 19, 1999, quality of napa located at 1823 soscol ave, napa, 94559, performed our 30,000 mile service which in our ford maintenance schedule book includes inspection of disc brake system and drum brake system. on april 19th, our mileage was 34,712.5 and quality signed off on the maintenance schedule for both the 30,000 & 35,000 mile service. on or about may 17th, 1999 our brakes failed at 35,597 miles, and caused us to take our van to ford for troubleshooting. ford charged us over $500 to replace the brakes. our complaint is with quality, they signed our book recognizing part of servicing on 4/19 was brake inspection and didn't inform us of our brakes being in need of replacement at that time. thus resulting in brake failure and further damage to the brake system causing us to pay in excess of $500 in repairs. please contact me with regard to this complaint. i wish to further pursue this complaint as well. thank-you, kathleen. *ak
01/21/1997
 Upon applying force to the brake pedal there is no response from the brakes, causing extended stopping distance, resulting in a minor collision . consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak
03/03/1997
 In an accident at 40-45mph, 12:00 position, driver's side airbag did not deploy. abs braking system had rear wheel lockup with 100 feet of skid marks. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
08/30/2000306/01/1996
 As promised, i'm back. major brake failures at 32,518, 55,638, and recently at 58, 700. i checked your site through the cartalk website and found 12 brake problems reported out of 79. i am not the only owner whose family is at risk. mosy recently, the brake pedal bottomed out two consecutive times at slow speed. the passengers in the car said they smelled heated brakes. i believe the calipers may be dragging, overheating the brakes. i cannot duplicate the problem. we owned an aerostar previously and had no such brake problems, certainly not a pad replacement at 32,000. these brakes are wearing prematurely. although the car was under warranty, we were charged for pad replacement and rotor resurfacing. ms brenner, the principal driver noticed a grinding sound which cased her to take it in for service. i believe the dealer was wrong to charge us for this repair, as brakes do not wear this quickly. i believe that the pad of caliper failed, unrelated to the wear. our honest, competent independent mechanics, b&m automotive inmc lean, va (703)356-1532 tell us that they see many problems with ford brakes. what's it going to take, folks? does somkeone have to lose his life at the hands of ford before you recall these cars?
07/17/2000107/01/1998
 My brakes failed after an extended downhill drive--although not an unusual circumstance. in taking apart the disk brakes, my mechanic discovered that the calipers had become brittle (over time from heat) and they crumbled in his hands. the pads had worn down but still were within an acceptable thickness (but at the low end). the rotor was normal. the mechanic believes that there is a design flaw in these brakes resulting from a rotor that is too thin (normally) and as a result does not absorb heat well from the pads. he has observed the same problem on other aerostars and has concluded that the brakes need to be check earlier than normal pad wear would indicate. he said that we were lucky that we did not end up in an accident.*ak
05/17/199905/01/1996
 On april 19, 1999, quality of napa located at 1823 soscol ave, napa, 94559, performed our 30,000 mile service which in our ford maintenance schedule book includes inspection of disc brake system and drum brake system. on april 19th, our mileage was 34,712.5 and quality signed off on the maintenance schedule for both the 30,000 & 35,000 mile service. on or about may 17th, 1999 our brakes failed at 35,597 miles, and caused us to take our van to ford for troubleshooting. ford charged us over $500 to replace the brakes. our complaint is with quality, they signed our book recognizing part of servicing on 4/19 was brake inspection and didn't inform us of our brakes being in need of replacement at that time. thus resulting in brake failure and further damage to the brake system causing us to pay in excess of $500 in repairs. please contact me with regard to this complaint. i wish to further pursue this complaint as well. thank-you, kathleen. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
07/29/1996404/25/1996
 Brake caliper failure is causing damage to the pads frequently.
07/29/1996404/25/1996
 Caliper failure has continually caused damage to other brake components, pads, rotors etc.
07/28/19970
 Driving about 35 mph when felt a pull to the right. the right spindl/ brake caliper andbrake line broke. lost control of steering & the brakes. took to the dealer. looking at vehicle to determine cause. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
08/16/2002105/01/1996
 Brake rotors are wearing, and when the consumer applies the brakes, the vehicle will jerk and become hard for the consumer to control. the dealer was notified. *ak the consumer states that this is a result of warped front brake disc. (ford won't pay) *scc
01/01/1998206/27/1996
 While driving, vehicle will jerk forward. this is caused by front rotors warping extremely. dealer contacted.*ak the brake pads are barely worn. consumer was advised by ford that the warranty had expired and there was nothing they could do. consumer feels the rotors warped prematurely. *jg
 When applying the brakes there is a vibration present due to warped rotors. dealer has turned rotors twice, and the problem still exists. *ak
2
 Brakes failed twice within 30,000 miles. first time at 12,000 ,causing the rotors to crack on the front brakes, resulting in reduction of brake effectiveness. dealer has been notified. *ak
101/24/1996
 Rotors failed.
08/08/1996
 Vehicle's rotors keep warping, and the brakes failed when trying to stop the vehicle, causing the vehicle to hit another vehicle. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
05/17/199905/01/1996
 On april 19, 1999, quality of napa located at 1823 soscol ave, napa, 94559, performed our 30,000 mile service which in our ford maintenance schedule book includes inspection of disc brake system and drum brake system. on april 19th, our mileage was 34,712.5 and quality signed off on the maintenance schedule for both the 30,000 & 35,000 mile service. on or about may 17th, 1999 our brakes failed at 35,597 miles, and caused us to take our van to ford for troubleshooting. ford charged us over $500 to replace the brakes. our complaint is with quality, they signed our book recognizing part of servicing on 4/19 was brake inspection and didn't inform us of our brakes being in need of replacement at that time. thus resulting in brake failure and further damage to the brake system causing us to pay in excess of $500 in repairs. please contact me with regard to this complaint. i wish to further pursue this complaint as well. thank-you, kathleen. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
07/28/19970
 Driving about 35 mph when felt a pull to the right. the right spindl/ brake caliper andbrake line broke. lost control of steering & the brakes. took to the dealer. looking at vehicle to determine cause. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
04/30/1996103/28/1996
 Vacuum hose leak.