NHTSA Recall 96V086000: Automatic transmission (power train)
FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 100,000 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the Ford Taurus.
| NHTSA campaign | 96V086000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 96S39 |
| Component | POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION |
| Report received | May 14, 1996 |
| Owner notification | July 17, 1996 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Safety risk
This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
Notes
System: power train; transmission; automatic. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI-vans equipped with ford ax4s automatic transaxles. Note: owner notification is expected to begin in mid-june 1996. Note: 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.
Vehicles covered by recall 96V086000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.