IllustrationWHILE DRIVING SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. PULLED OVER AND LIFTED UP HOOD. NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL WIRING. BEFORE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS IN FLAMES. FRONT OF VEHICLE/ INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WAS TOTALED.*AK
1987 Ford Aerostar
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1987 Ford Aerostar do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 135.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Aerostar years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 114 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Seat Belts. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports44 fire reports3 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
36 reportsVEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED FIRE STARTED ON LEFT HAND SIDE OF ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
VAN CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD. *AK
WE HAVE HAD THE CONTROL MODULE REPLACED A MINIMUM OF 5 TIME (RECEIPTS ON HAND), EACH TIME THE VAN STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS CAUSED MANY NEAR CRASHES AND MUCH FUSTRATION ONLY THE ALERTNESS THAT THE VAN STALLS PREVENTED ANY BODILY HARM. SEVERAL FORD DEALERSHIPS DENY ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CONTROL MODULE ON THIS VAN AND NO…
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WE HAVE HAD THE CONTROL MODULE REPLACED A MINIMUM OF 5 TIME (RECEIPTS ON HAND), EACH TIME THE VAN STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS CAUSED MANY NEAR CRASHES AND MUCH FUSTRATION ONLY THE ALERTNESS THAT THE VAN STALLS PREVENTED ANY BODILY HARM. SEVERAL FORD DEALERSHIPS DENY ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CONTROL MODULE ON THIS VAN AND NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. *AK
WHEN VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ,AND THE HOOD WAS OPENED, CONSUMER NOTICED SPARKS AND LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RECALL 88VO91000. *AK
HAD SERVICE DONE ON VEHICLE & REPLACED THE OLD BATTERY. WAS DRIVING WHEN SMOKE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & PARKED. LIFTED HOOD & NOTICED FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED & PUT FLAMES OUT. HAD INDICATED IT WAS ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE ALTERNATOR. THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR CHECKED VEHICLE OUT & INDICATED WIRES …
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HAD SERVICE DONE ON VEHICLE & REPLACED THE OLD BATTERY. WAS DRIVING WHEN SMOKE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & PARKED. LIFTED HOOD & NOTICED FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED & PUT FLAMES OUT. HAD INDICATED IT WAS ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE ALTERNATOR. THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR CHECKED VEHICLE OUT & INDICATED WIRES TO ALTERNATOR BURNED & TOTALED OUT VEHICLE. *AK
ACCELERATOR MAKES SQUEAKING SOUND & WOULD STICK . ALSO, HAD TO HAVE SEAT BELTS REPLACED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE EMISSION LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON/THE COMPUTER CHIP SHORTED OUT. *AK
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
PARKED VEHICLE AT HOME AND SMELLED SMOKE, CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE RADIATOR HOSE BURST AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE WIRES WERE DAMAGED. HAD VEHCLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC, BUT IT WAS TOO MUCH DAMAGE FOR THE MECHANIC TO REPAIR. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
Official recalls
491V136000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Aug 19, 1991
SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A BALL STUD FRACTURES, THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT REMAIN INTHE OPEN POSITION. BODILY INJURY COULD RESULT IF THE LIFTGATE DROPS WHILESOMEONE IS UNDER IT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS.
89V226000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Dec 18, 1989
VANS WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT PLASTIC COVER DESIGNED TO COVER OUTBOARD SEAT BACK PIVOT HINGE ALLOWING WEBBING OF FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE SAFETY BELTS TO BECOME ABRADED OR CUT DUE TO CONTACT WITH EXPOSED HINGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DAMAGE TO BELT WEBBING COULD WEAKEN BELTS TO POINT OFFAILURE INCREASING RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT OR A SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy: INSTALL PLASTIC PIVOT COVER; REPLACE BELTS AS NECESSARY.
88V091000 · Electrical System:wiring
Jun 6, 1988
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGE HAVE A TRAILER TAILLIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS WIRES OF SMALLER GAUGE THAN THE FUSE LINK WHICH PROTECTS THE CIRCUIT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THE WIRING WITHIN THERELAY OR IF WATER INTRUSION OCCURS THE SMALLER GAUGE WIRE IN THE RELAY WILLFUNCTION AS A FUSE LINK AND OVERHEAT. THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR A FIRE IF THEWIRES ARE EXPOSED TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.
87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 4, 1987
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
20EA94025 · Seat Belt Buckle Failure
Opened Jul 19, 1994 · Closed Sep 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
There is no summary currently available
PE94021 · Seat Belt Buckle Failure
Opened Mar 4, 1994 · Closed Jul 19, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
There is no summary currently available
PE91127 · Park Pawl Bending
Opened Sep 16, 1991 · Closed Nov 8, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
There is no summary currently available
Power Train:automatic Transmission
There is no summary currently available
EA91015 · Liftgate Failure
Opened Feb 1, 1991 · Closed Sep 20, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE91005 · Liftgate Failure
Opened Oct 18, 1990 · Closed Feb 1, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90072 · Lower Cntrl Arm Fracture
Opened Apr 9, 1990 · Closed Jun 19, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA89032 · Safety Belt Fraying
Opened Aug 3, 1989 · Closed Apr 5, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
SUMMARY:COMPLAINTS OF CUTTING AND FRAYING OF SEAT BELT ON SHARP METALEDGE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.EDGE IS UNPROTECTED ON 86'S COVEREDON LATER MODELS.ALL COMPLAINTS ON 86'S AND 87'S (1 COMPLAINT ON 87MODEL).UPGRADE ON 1986 AND 1987 MODELS.===
EA89021 · Windshield Wiper Motor
Opened Mar 23, 1989 · Closed May 4, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
===
PE89092 · Power Steering Locking
Opened Feb 23, 1989 · Closed Jul 20, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT POWER STEERING WAS STIFF ORSTEERING LOCKED.FORD HAS ISSUED TWO SERVICE BULLETINS:ONE ON LEAKINGSEALS AND ONE ON COMPLAINTS OF STIFF STEERING.===
PE89021 · Seat Belt Cutting
Opened Dec 9, 1988 · Closed Aug 3, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE89010 · Windshield Wiper Motor
Opened Nov 1, 1988 · Closed Mar 23, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
There is no summary currently available
EA88041 · Filler Pipe Seal
Opened Sep 15, 1988 · Closed May 11, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
===
EA88033 · Under Seat Fires
Opened May 11, 1988 · Closed Jan 23, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
EA88030 · Electrical Fires
Opened Apr 19, 1988 · Closed Jul 13, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE88048 · Fuel Leakage
Opened Apr 19, 1988 · Closed Sep 15, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
BRIEFING: I. WHAT IS THE DEFECT? II. SOURCE/ORIGIN OF THE DEFECT?III. DATA ANALYSIS. IV. FORD'S POSITION.V. DESIGN CHANGES? VI. RECOMMENDATIONS.===
EA88028 · Door Falls Off
Opened Mar 23, 1988 · Closed Jul 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE88026 · Crnkshft Pulley Bolt Failr
Opened Feb 9, 1988 · Closed Apr 27, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE88006 · Fires
Opened Nov 30, 1987 · Closed Apr 19, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INFORMATION PROVIDED BY FORDDISCLOSED 8 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS OF 10 FIRES IN THE LEFT D-PILLAR AREAOF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NO COLLISION ACCIDENTS WERE REPORTED, BUT EACHINCIDENT INVOLVED PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO FIRE.IN ADDITION, FORD'S RECORDSINCLUDE AT LEAST 62 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR TRAILER LIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY SHORT/BURNED OUT.FORD ALSO PROVIDED AN UNSIGNED COPY OF AN INVESTIGATION DOCUMENT RELATEDTO SIX OF THE COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED.THE DOCUMENT INCLUDES THE ANNOTATIONB&C E, 10/16/87, APPARENTLY REFERRING TO BODY AND CHASSIS ENGINEERING,AND INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AND FINDINGS: -VEHICLE WATER TESTS AT ST LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT INDICATE WATERINTRUSION DOES OCCUR IN THE D-PILLAR AREA AROUND THE FIXED GLASS.BODY SEALING RELEASED BUTYL TAPE (7/86) AND D-PILLAR BAFFLE (8/86). -ROOT CAUSE-TBD -SHORT TERM RESOLUTION INVOLVES COVERING THE RELAY ASSEMBLY WITH APLASTIC, FIRE-RETARDANT BAG.TRW (SUPPLIER) WILL INSTALL THE BAG ANDSHIP THE PRODUCT TO THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.A PERMANENT RESOLUTION WASNOTED TO INVOLVE DEVELOPMENT OF A CLOSED HOUSING DESIGNED FOR WATERINSENSITIVITY.TRW IS REPORTEDLY PURSUING SUCH A DESIGN WITH ANESTIMATED 9-12 MONTH LEAD TIME.ANALYSIS:THE RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF OWNER COMPLAINTS/SERVICE REPORTSIS OFFSET BY THE UNIQUE LOCATION AND EQUIPMENT APPARENTLY INVOLVED IN THEINCIDENTS.THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE VIA THE WARRANTY REPORT DATA THAT THENUMBER OF ACTUAL FIRE OCCURRENCES MAY BE APPROACHING 100.THERE IS ALSOEVIDENCE THAT FORD IS PURSUING A MODIFICATION OF THE TOW EQUIPMENTELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY AND/ OR PACKAGING.NONETHELESS, FORD STATED ...THEREWERE NO SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS OR COMPONENT CHANGES.....THAT COULDRELATE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.IT APPEARS THAT SUCH A MODIFICATION MAY BECURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT.===
PE87052 · Rear Brake Lockup
Opened Sep 9, 1987 · Closed Mar 4, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANALYSIS:THE SIX REPORTS ALLEGE THAT WHILE ENGAGING IN NORMAL DRIVING ONDRY PAVEMENT, BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONALSTABILITY AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.FOUR INJURY ACCIDENTS HAVE RESULTED,WITH THREE OCCURRENCES OF VEHICLE ROLL-OVER.THERE HAVE BEEN NO TSB'S ORRECALLS ISSUED WITH RESPECT TO THIS CONDITION.PROPOSED ACTION:OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.===