Ford Club Wagon Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 24 safety recalls and 166 owner complaints across 25 model years of the Ford Club Wagon (1975–2001). The most-complained-about year is 1997.

Pick your Ford Club Wagon model year

• 1975
• 1976
• 1978
• 1979
• 1980
• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987
• 1988
• 1989
• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 1993
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001

What Ford Club Wagon owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA. The 1997 model year has the most, with 28.

• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip25
• Engine and engine cooling: gasoline7
• Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components7
• Tires6
• Tires: tread/belt5
• Engine and engine cooling: engine5
• Vehicle speed control5
• Electrical system: switch4

All Ford Club Wagon recalls (24)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Ford Club Wagon, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Vehicle speed control

   NHTSA 06V286000 Reported August 1, 2006 1,200,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   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)

   Model years: 1994, 1995, 1996

2. Conventional (parking brake)

   NHTSA 96V214000 Reported October 28, 1996 53,400 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   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.

   Model years: 1996

3. Emission control (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 87V144000 Reported September 9, 1987 188,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   Vehicles are subject to excessive underhood temperatures and fuel system pressures in severe duty applications.

   Remedy: Install modification kits to minimize possibility of fuel expulsion and to shield underbody components from exhaust system heat.

   Model years: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

4. Connection (steering)

   NHTSA 86V094000 Reported July 15, 1986 70,125 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   The rubber that encases ball stud and socket joint (connects steering drag link and pitman arm) may deteriorate, causing metal to metal contact, and may eventually result in complete separation. Consequence of defect: complete separation of the drag link to pitman arm connection results in loss of steering control which may lead to an…

   Remedy: Install new drag link assemblies with steel ball and socket joints at the pitman arm connections.

   Model years: 1985, 1986

5. Carburetor system (fuel system)

   NHTSA 84V119000 Reported October 2, 1984 85,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   The secondary throttle shaft may, with accumulated mileage, become contaminated and may stick in a partially open position while driving.

   Remedy: The primary to secondary throttle closure link on the carburetor will be replaced free of charge.

   Model years: 1984

6. Wheels

   NHTSA 84V014000 Reported January 7, 1984 1,050 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   Some vehicles may have been built with improperly manufactured wheels. The welds securing the center sections to the rims may crack from fatigue.

   Remedy: Affected wheels will be replaced.

   Model years: 1984

7. Automatic transmission (power train)

   NHTSA 83V028000 Reported March 7, 1983 98,162 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   The parking gear may not engage, even though the gear shift lever is placed in the "park" position. This occurs if the linkage inside the transmission that actuates the park gear was improperly manufactured. A pin that retains components on a linkage (actuating) rod could break and the linkage may not engage the parking gear.

   Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl actuating rod assembly.

   Model years: 1983

8. Fuel pump (fuel system)

   NHTSA 82V124000 Reported December 13, 1982 650 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   Some of the involved vehicles may have a diode in the electrical fuel pump circuit that may short during engine starting due to inadequate capacity to withstand current draw. A short circuit would result in normal engine starting, but the pump will not continue to supply the engine with fuel.

   Remedy: The dealer will replace defective element in the electrical fuel pump circuit with a new relay feed wiring assembly which contains a larger capacity diode, free of charge.

   Model years: 1983

9. Column shift (power train)

   NHTSA 82V004000 Reported January 13, 1982 378 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   On some of the involved vehicles, the shift rod in the transmission may not be properly seated in the retention grommet of the steering column shift lever assembly. If the shift rod were to disengage, the driver could not select the proper transmission function which would create the potential for unexpected movement of the vehicle.

   Remedy: Dealer will inspect the shift rod attachment and make sure it is properly seated at no cost to owner.

   Model years: 1982

10. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 80V120000 Reported September 19, 1980 10,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Certain vehicles were equipped with front brake hose assemblies that were incorrectly manufactured by the supplier. These assemblies, both rh and lh, were incorrectly built with the fittings misoriented by 90 degrees. This could cause chafing of the brake hose through contact with the adjacent tire during full turns. Continued chafing…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect both front brake hoses and, if necessary, replace one or both hoses at no charge.

    Model years: 1980

11. Hubcap/cover (wheels)

    NHTSA 80V072000 Reported June 9, 1980 12,500 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Certain vehicles were produced with wheel assemblies that may have cracks near the bolt holes in the wheel disc. During vehicle use, the cracks could gradually increase and result in partial or complete separation of the wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the wheel disc date code and replace those wheels indicating an october 18, 1979 date of manufacture.

    Model years: 1980

12. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 79V261000 Reported December 18, 1979 80,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The parking pawl actuating rod in the transmission may have an insufficient or cracked weld. This can cause the park cam end to separate from the rod itself, preventing the parking pawl from engaging the parking gear when the selector is placed in the park position.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the defective parking pawl actuating rod free of charge.

    Model years: 1980

13. Wheels

    NHTSA 79V185000 Reported August 7, 1979 22,500 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The wheel assembly may contain substandard welds in the area where the disc is attached to the rim. As a result, cracks can form in the wheel assembly, causing air loss and an underinflated tire.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace any defective wheels without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1979

14. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 79V152000 Reported June 19, 1979 75,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The incorrectly installed left front brake hoses may allow for contact between the front brake hoses and the front tires when the front wheels are in full right or left turn positions. If contact is made, the hose could wear and allow brake fluid to leak out.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect front brake hoses and replace those lacking the proper clearance with current production hoses, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1979

15. Underbody shields (structure)

    NHTSA 79V153000 Reported June 19, 1979 12,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Certain vehicles may not contain the specified body mounted heat shields. This could cause high floor pan temperatures when the engine is idled for extended periods of time. Fouled spark plugs or other engine conditions could further increase exhaust temperatures.

    Remedy: The dealer will install the necessary frame mounted heat shield, if missing.

    Model years: 1979

16. Shaft sector (steering)

    NHTSA 78V269000 Reported December 21, 1978 20,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The steering gears on the involved vehicles may have been built with improperly manufactured sector shafts from which the threaded portions of the shafts may fracture and separate. Should the sector shaft fracture, the pitman arm may disengage from the splined portion of the sector shaft.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering gear assembly or install a new sector shaft in the steering gear assembly.

    Model years: 1979

17. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 78V256000 Reported November 27, 1978 7,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The involved vehicles were equipped with automatic transmissions in which the parking pawl was not heat-treated. During normal vehicle operation, a parking pawl that has not been heat-treated could become deformed or worn to the point that the transmission will not lock in "park". As a result, the vehicle could roll free if the driver…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl with one that has been heat-treated.

    Model years: 1979

18. Seat belts: rear/other

    NHTSA 78V214000 Reported October 5, 1978 874 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    On the involved vehicles, the potential exists for the outboard seat belts to become trapped in the seat-bed pivoting mechanism. Should the belt become trapped in the mechanism when the seat is converted to a bed, the belt may become cut or frayed.

    Remedy: The dealer will install seat belt shields on the folding seat/bed pivoting mechanism and replace the outboard seat belt assemblies if damaged, free of charge.

    Model years: 1979

19. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 78V201000 Reported September 15, 1978 22,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    These transmissions may contain improperly manufactured parking pawl actuating rods. Consequently, the unhardened cam surface of these rods can allow the rod to deform during use with resultant increase in shift efforts and difficulty in releasing the parking pawl and engaging the parking gear.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the transmission parking pawl actuating rod without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1979

20. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 78V035000 Reported February 16, 1978 47,339 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The shift selector reaction springs may be deformed as a result of improper installation of selector levers during column buildup. Thus the lever may not be able to be moved into the insert detents located in the steering column assembly. This could prevent the "park" gear from being engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the shift selector reaction spring without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

21. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

    NHTSA 77V197000 Reported November 15, 1977 63 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    On the involved vehicles, tempered glass may have been installed in the rear doors instead of laminated glass. This constitutes a non-compliance to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus window retention and release". One purpose of the standard is to minimize the likelihood of occupants being ejected from a bus in the…

    Remedy: Dealer will install laminated glass in place of tempered glass in the rear door, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

22. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 77V185000 Reported October 25, 1977 19,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    On the involved vehicles, the park actuation support plates are defective due to their susceptibility to cracking due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. As a result, fragments from a broken plate can become lodged in the transmission parking pawl mechanism. This could prevent the transmission parking pawl from engaging when…

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the park actuation cam support plates, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1978

23. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 77V187000 Reported October 25, 1977 1,885 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    On the involved vehicles, the steering tie rod and link assemblies with adjusting sleeve clamps may have been improperly manufactured. The clamps contain a sharp die mark which could cause the clamp to fracture when the clamp bolt is tightened to specifications. The clamp could break and cause separation of the tie rod adjusting sleeves.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the steering tie rod adjusting sleeve and clamp assembly, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1978

24. Unknown or other

    NHTSA 77V102000 Reported June 27, 1977 252,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    The instrument panels on the involved vehicles can be broken during occupant impact.

    Remedy: The dealer will install a field-installable panel pad, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

Other Ford models

• F-15037,961 complaints
• Explorer34,566 complaints
• Escape27,430 complaints
• Fusion22,405 complaints
• Focus22,096 complaints
• Taurus18,159 complaints
• Windstar14,158 complaints
• Edge14,065 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.