Oil consumption or dilution
1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
Matching rule
\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\bU.S. public vehicle records
1986 Ford AEROSTAR problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
53 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
300,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1986 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 53 complaints (17.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 11.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 9.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 5.7% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 3.8% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.9% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 1.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 9 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 7 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 7 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 6 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 3 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 2 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | 2 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 2 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 9; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 7; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 7; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 6; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 3; Electrical System:Ignition: 2; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 52 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
1995: 10; 1996: 23; 1997: 6; 1998: 4; 1999: 7; 2000: 1; 2001: 1; 2017: 1
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 484729 · 1995-08-09 (August 9, 1995)
TRANSMISSION FAILED. *DH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 484729 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 525907 · 1997-12-09 (December 9, 1997)
TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 525907 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 549265 · 1999-10-28 (October 28, 1999)
POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 549265 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 804983 · 1996-11-14 (November 14, 1996)
WIRING HARNESS FROM THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 804983 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10980287 · 2017-04-24 (April 24, 2017)
THE GROMMET IN THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. FUEL IS ESCAPING FROM THE TANK AND MAY CAUSE A FIRE. THERE IS A CONSTANT ESCAPE OF FUEL MOVING OR STATIONARY. THEREFORE THIS SYSTEM WILL NOT PASS SMOG BECAUSE WHEN PRESSURIZED, IT WILL NOT HOLD AIR. THIS IS A CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENT. IT IS ALSO MOST DANGEROUS. FORD MOTOR CO. WILL NOT CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE 9 RECALLS FOR THIS MODEL IS ON YOUR SYSTEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 300,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10980287 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 504972 · 1996-05-24 (May 24, 1996)
FAILED FUEL INJECTOR CAUSED ENGINE FIRE. *DH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 504972 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 802043 · 1996-10-15 (October 15, 1996)
POWER STEERING GEAR SEAL FAILS CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN (4) REPLACEMENTS OF SAME PART. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 802043 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 987121 · 1996-07-19 (July 19, 1996)
TRUCK WAS PARKED AND THE STEERING AND SEAT WERE BURNING , PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 987121 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 826925 · 1998-08-19 (August 19, 1998)
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING ENGINE STALLING UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP, THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN NORMALLY. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 826925 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 958756 · 1995-01-17 (January 17, 1995)
AUTO-TRAN: WHILE PARKED, SHIFTED TO REVERSE; ENGINE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN; VEHICLE TOOK OFF; BRAKES APPLIED; VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO HOUSE ACROSS STREET. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 958756 at NHTSA ↗
Explore the data
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
53 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
1.9%Usable mileage1 / 53 records
77.4%Valid incident date41 / 53 records
100.0%Valid filing date53 / 53 records
77.4%Ordered incident and filing dates41 / 53 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 713.2% | 119.6% | 158.5%ODI 10033973 · 386,118 miTHE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *SCC *NLM | 3814.6%ODI 10140845 · 208,000 miDT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 96V071000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN HE CONTACTED FORD, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE VIN. THIS STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. THE SWITCH STARTED TO COME APART, CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. HE REPAIRED IT HIMSELF, AND IT IS CURRENTLY WORKING.*AK UPDATED 12/27/2005. *NM | 2110.8%ODI 10076051 · 12,000 miTHE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES DESCRIBED IN THE MASTER CYLINDER PISTONS RECALL 89V223000. IN ADDITION, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO, THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 96V071000 BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK | 2913.0%ODI 10120979I OWNED A 1991 FORD AEROSTAR WHICH BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. I HAVE BEEN BOUNCED AROUND TRYING TO GET SATISFACTIONS BUT SINCE THERE WAS AN ONGOING CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPENSATION. THE CONSUMERS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, RAN TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BUT BY THE TIME HE RETURNED THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. UPDATED 04/14/10.*JB | 3310.4%ODI 504420IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN TO RUN POSITION AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, CAUSING FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS/BLOWER MOTOR. *SD | 4612.3%ODI 10087331 · 130,000 miWHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN IGNITION SWITCH ELECTRICAL SHORT 99V029000 RECALL. MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CONFLICTING INFORMATION. THEY TOLD CONSUMER BY PHONE THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ,AND THEN SENT A LETTER INDICATING THAT THE VIN NUMBER WASN'T INCLUDED. *AK | 228.6%ODI 10008035THE WIRING HARNESS IN MY STEERING COLUME IS DEFECTIVE. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME IN 6 YRS THAT THIS HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HARNESS CONTROLLS THE AIRBAGE, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROLL. ALSO THE IGITION SWITCH IS FAULTY, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING | 1811.5%ODI 10071645 · 151,000 miCONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO GET THE VEHICLE RECALL 99V029000 REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER KEPT GIVING THE CONSUMER EXCUSES WHY THEY COULD NOT FIX THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK *SC *JB | 43.8%ODI 10175900 · 115,000 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 30 MPH, ALL POWER FAILED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STALLING HAS ALSO OCCURRED AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE. A FUSE CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY CABLES BLEW. WHEN THE FUSE WAS REPLACED, THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 99V029000, FOR THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH DUE THE VIN EVEN THOUGHT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK | 711.1%ODI 10129732MY 1997 FORD AERO STAR VAN PRODUCED A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHOM CHECKED THE RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND ONE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERHEATING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF IT SUBSIDES. SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT WORKED AND BLEW ALL FUSES, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT TURN ON WITH THE KEY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS IT ENGAGES SOME TIMES. THE FORD DEALER DID THE RECALL WORK BUT DID NOT FIX OR… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 611.3% | 1412.3%ODI 10038500TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THREE TRANSMISSION. *NLM | 84.5% | 145.4%ODI 481635VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS TWICE WHILE IN PARK GEAR, ONCE CAUSING INJURIES. *AW | 189.2% | 219.4%ODI 10073700WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ANOTHER MOTORIST YELLED AT THE CONSUMER THAT THE VAN WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE COMING FORM THE MIDDLE TO THE REAR. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VAN. CONSUMER SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, AND FIRE WENT OUT. A TECHNICIAN EXAMINED THE VAN AND STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V094000 WAS ISSUED. *AK | 278.5%ODI 483932SHIFT CABLE RESTING ON MUFFLER, MELTING PLASTIC COVERING, ALLOWING CABLE TO RUST. *TW | 174.5%ODI 10000660 · 243,150 miTHEY SAY "WHERE THERE'S SMOKE THERE'S FIRE" SO THAT'S WHY I CHECKED THE FIRE BUTTON ON THE FORM. JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE ACCELERATOR THE CARPET STARTED SMOKING. WE STILL DON'T KNOW THE CAUSE. BUT, EVERYTIME WE RUN THE CAR AN AWFUL SMELL RESULTS. WE NO LONGER DRIVE LONG DISTANCES. IT'S OUR ONLY CAR BUT I WE'LL HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE SOON. WITH HOLIDAY BILLS THIS COULDN'T HAVE COME AT A WORSE TIME. | 155.8%ODI 10017023AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE - TRANSMISSION FALLS OUT OF GEAR. *JB | 85.1%ODI 705043VERY DISAPPOINTING VEHICLE! NP SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK | 32.9% | 23.2% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 10172783THE MOTOR WOULD DIE AND THEN ACCELERATE SUDDENLY, SOMETIMES MAKING A CRANKING NOISE. THE SERVICE REPORT STATED THAT THERE NO PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WANTED TO CHANGE FROM PARKING TO DRIVE, IT WOULD BE STUCK, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION, USUALLY PRODUCING A LOUD CRANKING NOISE AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS TO EXPLODE. EVENTUALLY, IN FEBRUARY 2005 THE MOTOR BROKE DOWN AND BOTH THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER (BAYAMON FORD) REPLACED THE MOTOR IN MARCH 2005 AND WHEN THE TRA… | 116.7%ODI 898114THIS WAS SECOND TIME THAT VEHICLE TOOK OFF FORWARD WHILE SHIFT LEVER WAS IN REVERSE. ONCE VEHICLE TOOK OFF, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND WENT THROUGH SOME BUSHES, AND ALMOST WENT INTO A BUILDING. CONSUMER FELT SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.*AK |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 11.9%ODI 833818HAD FILLED VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE. NOTICED THAT THE TANK HAD STARTED TO LEAK AFTERWARDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & HAD IT CHECKED. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK IN & AROUND THE SEAM AREA.*AK | 21.8%ODI 809503CANNOT FILL GAS TANK MORE THAN HALF-WAY FULL WITHOUT LEAKING. *AK | 3821.5%ODI 10044531 · 117,814 miGAS TANK DEFECT STATED IN RECALL 98V190000 OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*AK | 4617.7%ODI 10046209 · 160,000 miTHE MANUFACTURER WAS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL 98V190000 FOR FUEL TANK CRACKS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED. *AK | 189.2%ODI 10004422NHTSARECALL 98-V-190-000 CONCERNING UPPER PORTION OF FUEL TANK THAT CAN DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO VERY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. FUEL VAPOR OR LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AT THESE CRACKS. CONSUMER HADTHE RECALL LETTER, BUT MANUFACTURER DIDN'T HONOR IT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.TS. *AK | 10.4% | 10.3%ODI 547856FUEL TANK AROUND STRAPS DEVELOPED HAIRLINE CRACKS FROM CHAFFING CAUSING SEAPAGES. MJS | 30.8%ODI 564167CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH A FAULTY GAS TANK AND IS REQUESTING REMIBURSEMENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS 1990 FORD AEROSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR A FAULTY GAS TANK, AND EXPECTS TO HAVE HIS 1993 RECALLED AS WELL SINCE BOTH VEHICLES EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *YD | 41.6% | 21.3%ODI 8016902PLASTIC FUEL TANK IS CRACKING AT THE TOP WHICH IS CAUSING A MASSIVE FUEL LEAK, AND POSSIBLE HAZARD. FUEL TANK MUST BE KEPT AT HALF LEVEL, BUT IT DOES NOT STOP FUMES FROM ENTERING COMPARTMENT. *AK *YH | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 23.8% | 54.4%ODI 731103SEPTEMBER 11, 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONE DIN SUMMARY. *AK | 52.8%ODI 753198VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, AND HAD BEEN BACKED INTO THE GARAGE, HEADING OUT. AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, PUTTING IT INTO GEAR, AND LIGHTLY TOUCHING THE THROTTLE, THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE WAS SUDDENLY PULLED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE SCREAMED OUT OF THE GARAGE UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK | 114.2%ODI 10097085 · 102,371 miTHE CONSUMER STATED THAT BACK IN 1998 SHE HAD A ACCIDENT WITH HER FORD AEROSTAR. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HIT THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND HIT A BUILDING. SHE SAID SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY IDLE AIR CONTROL. SHE SAID IT WAS REPAIRED AND SHE TOOK THE PART AND SENT IT TO THE MANUFACTURER. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS COME UP AGAIN AND SHE WAS ASKED TO BE A WITNESS, BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS KILLED, WHEN THEIR VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING. *JB … | 147.2%ODI 10079452 · 60,000 miUPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INDICATED THAT THE INCIDENT WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL 91V189000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *SC *JB | 188.1% | 82.5%ODI 544561CRUISE CONTROL REMAINED ACTIVE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO DISABLE IT WITH CONTROL SWITCH, VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY TURNING VEHICLE OFF. | 184.8% | 93.5%ODI 10233257 · 120,000 miALL ELECTRONICS ON STEERING COLUMN DON'T WORK. AIR BAG SYSTEM FLASHES 3-2. NO AIRBAG (PRESUMABLY), CRUISE CONTROL OR HORN FUNCTION. *TR | 42.5%ODI 542242VEHICLE BUCKING/STALLING DUE TO FAILURE OF THE TP SENSOR AND EXHAUST OXYGEN SENSOR. | 21.9%ODI 704000REQUIRES A SHIFT INTO 'NEUTRAL' TO DISENGAGE MAXIMUM THROTTLE DURING A PASSING MANUVER. SEEMS TO BE TORQUE RELATED. OCCURS INDEPENDENT OF 'CRUISE CONTROL' BEING ON OR OFF. APPLYING BRAKES OR TURNING CURISE TO OFF DOES NOT RELEASE THROTTLE. VEHICAL HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER WHO SOLD VEHICLE AND ACCESSORY AT LEAST TWICE. CRUISE CONTROL HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT PROBLEM RECURS. | 69.5%ODI 10350538 · 48,000 miNOTE: I WISH I HAD FOUND THIS SITE YEARS AGO. I COULD NOT GET PAST FORDS "BRICK WALL" TO SPEAK TO AN ENGINEER! 1. 1997 AEROSTAR - ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN QUICKLY TO PASS (2 LANE HIGHWAY). 2. NOW IN THE LEFT LANE, NOT FAR AHEAD OF PASSED THE CAR - I EXPERRIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER - HARD RIGHT OVER TO SOFT SHOULDER - AVOIDED AN ONCOMING HEAD ON COLLISION - L JUST MISSED THE CAR BEING PASSED BY INCHES AND STOPPED. THE CRIMPED END OF CABLE TO THE CARBURATOR HAD RELEASED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 3. I CLAMPED THE CABLE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 10172783THE MOTOR WOULD DIE AND THEN ACCELERATE SUDDENLY, SOMETIMES MAKING A CRANKING NOISE. THE SERVICE REPORT STATED THAT THERE NO PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WANTED TO CHANGE FROM PARKING TO DRIVE, IT WOULD BE STUCK, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION, USUALLY PRODUCING A LOUD CRANKING NOISE AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS TO EXPLODE. EVENTUALLY, IN FEBRUARY 2005 THE MOTOR BROKE DOWN AND BOTH THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER (BAYAMON FORD) REPLACED THE MOTOR IN MARCH 2005 AND WHEN THE TRA… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 10.9% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 31.2% | 147.2%ODI 10048473 · 190,000 miTHE REAR ANTI LOCK BRAKES HAVE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LOCK. AS A RESULT THE STEERING LOCK AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. NO REPORT OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM | 114.9% | 196.0%ODI 523850AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTIONED. IN ADDITION, NOISY ABS BRAKES/DEFECTIVE FRONT/REAR CV JOINTS/PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS/ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED/LOWER BALL JOINT NOISE/ RADIATOR HOSE FAILURE AND PREMATURE DISTRIBUTOR/CAP/ROTOR WEAR. *AK | 174.5%ODI 10048270WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL CONCERNING TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM. *AK | 124.7%ODI 518492REAR ABS BRAKES FAILED THREE TIMES, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK | 74.5%ODI 522672ABS BRAKE FAILURE. ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, RESULTING IN SCORING AND VIBRATION. *AK | 54.8%ODI 706692ON APRIL 19, 1999, QUALITY OF NAPA LOCATED AT 1823 SOSCOL AVE, NAPA, 94559, PERFORMED OUR 30,000 MILE SERVICE WHICH IN OUR FORD MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BOOK INCLUDES INSPECTION OF DISC BRAKE SYSTEM AND DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM. ON APRIL 19TH, OUR MILEAGE WAS 34,712.5 AND QUALITY SIGNED OFF ON THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR BOTH THE 30,000 & 35,000 MILE SERVICE. ON OR ABOUT MAY 17TH, 1999 OUR BRAKES FAILED AT 35,597 MILES, AND CAUSED US TO TAKE OUR VAN TO FORD FOR TROUBLESHOOTING. FORD CHARGED US OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. OUR COMPLAINT IS WITH QUA… | 34.8%ODI 818956CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE, PRESSED BRAKES, WENT TO REVERSE AND VEHICLE ACCELLERATED AT HIGH SPEED, RACING 100 FEET DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE ROAD, JUMPED A CURVE AND TORE DOWN APPPROX. 70 FT. OF CHAINLINK FENCE. THE PIPE FROM FENCE BROKE BACK WINDOW OF VEHICLE ,PERTRUDING THROUGH HITTING CONSUMER ON HEAD, THEN BROKEN WINDSHIELD EXTENDED ABOUT 40 FT. OUTSIDE OF WINDSHIELD. THROUGH ALL OF THIS, CONSUMER STILL HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTILL FENCE WAS CAUGHT UP UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER SUFFERS A SWOLLEN FOOT DUE TO PRES… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 917.0% | 1513.2% | 105.6% | 124.6% | 115.6% | 83.6%ODI 480446NOISY ENGINE/EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION/MAIN BEARING FAILURE. *TW | 82.5% | 102.7% | 51.9%ODI 558844TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN DRIVE, SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN, DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE SHIFTER CABLE. *SLC | 10.6%ODI 705043VERY DISAPPOINTING VEHICLE! NP SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK | 11.0%ODI 743038MOTOR PINGS UNDER LOAD IN OVERDRIVE WHEN USING A/C AT 40-45 MPH. REQUIRES TAKING OUT OF OVERDRIVE MANUALLY. DEALER REPORTS NO CODES UPON COMPUTER CHECK. ENGINE ALSO PINGS IN WINTER ON LOAD GOING UP GRADE AT 40-45 MPH IN OVERDRIVE. DEALER REPORTED ENGINE COMPUTER INDICATES VERY LEAN CONDITION WHEN FORST PURCHASED....NO CORRECTION AVAILABLE. MILEAGE EXCELLENT 20-21 AROUND TOWN AND 27-30 ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS A GREAT VAN EXCEPT FOR THE PINGING. HAVE TRIED MID RANGE AND PREMIUM FUEL AND PREMIUM WITH NO BETTER RESULTS. MY RESEARCH SHOW A … | 11.6%ODI 744550WHEN IT RAINS/UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR LOCK FROM PASSENGER SIDE; UNEXPLAINED STALL CHECK/ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON/STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 10.6% | 10.4% | 42.1% | 62.7% | 216.6%ODI 10038132 · 142,297 miTHE SHIFTING LEVER IN THE STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT. PART# 2F0DC-7215 53. *AK THIS WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND MAY BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE PROBLEM WAS THE TRANSMISSION/SHIFT ACTUATING TUBE. *SCC *JB | 205.3%ODI 523219VEHICLE MADE A LOT OF RACKET WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE VIBRATED. *AK | 145.4% | 74.5% | 32.9%ODI 534103CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE RECEIVING RECALL REPAIR WORK ON THE TRANSFER CASE BY DEALERSHIP. | 23.2%ODI 8016938VEHICLE WILL NOT RUN PROPERLY DUE TO THE TRANSFER CASE BEING DEFECTIVE. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER NOTED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *YH | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 713.2%ODI 549265POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM | 108.8% | 84.5%ODI 10046164 · 36,520 miTRUCK EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. AS A RESULT THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN TWO HOURS AFTER BEING PARKED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. ALL THE UNDER HOOD ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE MELTED. THE HEAT ALSO CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD.*AK | 83.1%ODI 10169816 · 155,000 miMY FORD AEROSTAR CAUGHT FIRE LAST NIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. MY DAUGHTER HAD RETURNED FROM SCHOOL AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY. APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS LATER, A NEIGHBOR RANG THE DOOR BELL AND FRANTICALLY SAID "YOUR VAN IS ON FIRE". WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE WITHIN 3 MINUTES TO PUT IT OUT. *JB | 42.1% | 125.4% | 72.2%ODI 704786THIS INCIDENT CAUSED ME $1623 OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. NO DEFECT MENTIONED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK | 41.1%ODI 704676TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN : I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE REPAIRED BY JACK DEMMER FORD AT A COST OF $3600.00 DUE TO MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALL HARNESSES WERE REPLACED. I HAVE THE OLD ONES WHICH I CAN MAKE AVAILABLE TO YOU . THE BURN MARKS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HARNESS AWAY FROM ANY CONNECTORS SUGGESTS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS LIKE THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM YOU JUST INVESTIGATED FORD ABOUT. *AK | 114.3%ODI 10132510 · 100,000 miDT: THE CONTACT STATED 1994, FORD VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE FREEWAY ON 8-8-05. SHE WAS NOT HAVING PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE SEEMED TO BE ELECTRICAL AND ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. *AK *JB UPDATED 2/7/2006 - THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 97V204000 ON NOV 13, 1997 FOR THE TRANSFER CASE/DRIVESHAFT BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. THIS FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM NHTSA ON TWO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. ONE WAS 99V028000 FOR THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE HOOD AND T… | 42.5%ODI 10206495 · 150,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE EXTREMELY HOT BEFORE THEY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED RIGHT HAND. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V028000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: FRONT UNDER HOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 11.6% | 125.0%ODI 827053DRIVING TRUCK AND STOPPED AT RED LIGHT LOST POWER. HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND BEGAN SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING. DROVE VEHICLE HOME AND PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, AND SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE ALTERNATOR HAD BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1999: 3 complaints · 2000: 2 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| 2000 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | Electrical System:Ignition | Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | — | 0 | 1ODI 549265POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 1ODI 549265POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Stalling or loss of power
1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ODI 826925
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING ENGINE STALLING UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP, THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN NORMALLY. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Matching rule
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\bSteering assistance concerns
1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ODI 802043
POWER STEERING GEAR SEAL FAILS CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN (4) REPLACEMENTS OF SAME PART. *AK
Matching rule
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b