1994 Ford Club Wagon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 Ford Club Wagon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes729.2%
- Steering416.7%
- Electrical312.5%
- Body & structure28.3%
- Fuel system14.2%
- Interior & seats14.2%
- Other / unspecified14.2%
- Airbags14.2%
- Tires & wheels14.2%
- Heating & air conditioning14.2%
- Driver assistance14.2%
- Engine14.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT AT CLEVELAND CLINIC, I HEARD TWO LOUD BANGS AND UPON LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD I NOTICED THE GEARBOX HAD PULLED FROM THE FRAME AND THREE BOLTS SHEARED OFF LEAVING THE STEERING UNUSABLE AND THIS INCIDENT HAD I BEEN DRIVING WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF MY WIFE AND I. WHY NO RECALL I ASK? UPON RESEARCHING, I AM FINDING MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES FROM OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. *TR
I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD AND AS I WAS BACKING OUT THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED I STILL CANNOT GET THE VAN HOME YET BECAUSE IT HAS YET TO BE FIXED. THE STEERING BOX SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, WHERE IT WAS MOUNTED AND SHEARED ALL 3 BOLTS AND PULLED ONE BOLT THROUGH THE FRAME. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE WRECKED. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND IT TO BE A PRETTY COMMON THING IN 93'/94' FORD CLUBWAGONS AND IVE SEEN PICTURES THAT LOOKED SIMILAR TO WHAT HAPPENED TO MY AUNTS VAN THAT I WAS DRIVING. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THERE IS STILL CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON THAT DEFECT AND IT IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECALL 08S01, FUSED JUMP HARNESS CALLED THE DEALER, SAID IT WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 0F 2008. LETTER RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY. *TR
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 6TH TRANSMISSION THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END SHAKES WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. HEAT WAS COMING FROM REAR AIR CONDITIONER WITH FRONT AIR CONDITIONER ON, DEALER REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR MOTOR. REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T UNLOCK. REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *SLC STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQUEAKING NOSIE. THERE IS TIRE NOISE AT 25MPH. CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL FROM THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING BOX IS BOLTED TO THE FRONT LEFT FRAME WITH THREE BOLTS. ALL THREE BOLTS SHEARED, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE TOP OF THE MT. BAKER HIGHWAY, WASHINGTON STATE RT 542. THERE WERE SIX PEOPLE IN THE VAN, AND WE HAD JUST DRIVEN UP THE WINDING STEEP MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH THOUSAND FOOT DROPS AND FEW GUARD RAILS. THE BOLTS BROKE AS WE WERE PARKING IN FRONT OF THE SKI LODGE. HAD IT BROKEN MOMENTS SOONER OR LATER, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE WOULD ALL BE DEAD. INSPECTION SHOWS MUCH CRACKING IN THE FRAME AT AND NEAR THE LOWER BOLT HOLE. *TR
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 6TH TRANSMISSION THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END SHAKES WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. HEAT WAS COMING FROM REAR AIR CONDITIONER WITH FRONT AIR CONDITIONER ON, DEALER REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR MOTOR. REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T UNLOCK. REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *SLC STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQUEAKING NOSIE. THERE IS TIRE NOISE AT 25MPH. CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL FROM THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK FROM FILLER NECK WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK CONSUMER ALSO OWNS A 2000 YEAR VAN THAT WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 01S14 REGARDING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR THE 1994 YEAR REPAIRS. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO OPEN. REPLACED LOCKING MECHANISM 9 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THESE VANS OPERATE WITH THE REAR WHEEL DISPLACED FROM THE FRONT WHEEL TRACK BY 2.5 IN. MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A BROADSIDE CRASH THERE WAS NO DEPLOYEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. CLUB WAGON WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. THE CLUB WAGON HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 6TH TRANSMISSION THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END SHAKES WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. HEAT WAS COMING FROM REAR AIR CONDITIONER WITH FRONT AIR CONDITIONER ON, DEALER REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR MOTOR. REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T UNLOCK. REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *SLC STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQUEAKING NOSIE. THERE IS TIRE NOISE AT 25MPH. CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL FROM THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 6TH TRANSMISSION THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END SHAKES WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. HEAT WAS COMING FROM REAR AIR CONDITIONER WITH FRONT AIR CONDITIONER ON, DEALER REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR MOTOR. REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T UNLOCK. REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *SLC STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQUEAKING NOSIE. THERE IS TIRE NOISE AT 25MPH. CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL FROM THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CLUB WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FOR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE DISTRIBUTOR HAD FAILED AGAIN. AS OF JULY 3, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 229,000. UPDATED 09/18/07. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 6TH TRANSMISSION THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END SHAKES WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. HEAT WAS COMING FROM REAR AIR CONDITIONER WITH FRONT AIR CONDITIONER ON, DEALER REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DOOR MOTOR. REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T UNLOCK. REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. *SLC STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQUEAKING NOSIE. THERE IS TIRE NOISE AT 25MPH. CONSUMER COULD SMELL OIL FROM THE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, RADIATOR WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .