1996 Ford Aerostar Wheels Problems

“On 9/17/02 the right front alloy wheel cracked while on vacation. We were unable to travel in it. It was expensive and difficult to replace. On 2/1/03 (also out of town) the left back alloy wheel cracked. We are searching for a replaement. Our mechanic told us this should not happen and must be a manufacturing defect. There are several similair complaits please evaluate as it could cause a severe accident.”

“While doing periodic inspection of my vehicle noticed 2 cracked spokes on rear right 14x6 alloy rim. The crack is all the way through . Local Ford dealer was not helpful at all. This tire has not impacted anything as the Ford dealer eluded to, and I feel this is a definite safety issue, and the cracks may be due to a manufacturing defect. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Ford should acknowledge there is a problem and quit blaming the consumer.”

“During a brake inspection at a tire store, it was pointed out that the original aluminum wheels were cracked. Two of the large spokes on one wheel were cracked through. One other was cracked but not all the way through. I called wendle Ford who had sold me the car. They said it wasn't a warranty item and they had never heard of such a failure before. I took the car to the dealer ship to show them the cracked wheels. …”

“My 1996 Ford Aerostar has 14x6 aluminum allow wheel rims. The rims have 7 triangular slots and 7 wide/flat spokes . One of these rims is cracking. The crack is progressing from one spoke to another. I have stopped driving the vehicle all together. After almost a month of searching for a used replacement rim I have found out that I am not the only one with this problem. I suspected that this may be the case when I could not find any on-line company that had these in stock (used or new). …”

“A few years ago we noticed that 2 of the aluminum wheels on our 1996 Aerostar were cracked . We took the vehicle to the Ford motor co.service department where we were living at the time the service manager contacted the regional manager, who agreed to pay half of the replacement costs. Since that time, 2 additional aluminum wheels have cracked. We have been told that Ford will not replace these. I feel that this is definitely a safety issue, and that the cracks are due to a manufacturing defect, which Ford motor co. Should acknowledge and correct. Wheels are not a normal wear item.”