1996 Ford Club Wagon: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Sep 2008
“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. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2005
“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 *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Rusting out oilpan with only 38k miles on it. Have been told it's a reacuring problem, looking for a recall notice. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2000
“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. *jb”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2000
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1999
“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. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1997
“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”Owner report · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · May 1997
“ABS brake problems; at low vehicle speed, on any slippery surface, when applying the brakes the ABS system is activated which releases the line pressure, and the vehicle keeps right on going. The dealer is not able to detect problem with the wagon. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1996
“Failure of the brakes and brake pedal, when you appply force to the brake pedal the vehicle will continue to move.*ak ABS light will illuminate, dealer can not remedy problem. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 05V017 AND 05V388)
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Club Wagon years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Club Wagon by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Club Wagon reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Ford Club Wagon. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1996 Ford Club Wagon have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning parking brake. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.