Safety Recall NHTSA · 97V204000 Reported November 13, 1997

Ford/transfer case/driveshaft

Ford Motor Company · Power Train · 75,000 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
97V204000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Component
Power Train
Vehicles Affected
75,000
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
November 13, 1997

Defect Summary

Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger minivans. these vehicles can develop powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft bushing displacement. the powertrain bending resonance or the output shaft bushing displacement can result in structural failure of the transmission and/or transfer case. fluid explusion, driveshaft separation or loss of vehicle drive can result.

Safety Consequence

This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, and, if the expelled fluid contacts the exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.

Corrective Action

Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference recall ID 97V204000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Power Train.

FAQ: Recall 97V204000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 97V204000?

NHTSA recall 97V204000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on November 13, 1997. It addresses: Ford/transfer case/driveshaft. The recall affects approximately 75,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Power Train component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V204000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.