U.S. public vehicle records

1993 Ford AEROSTAR problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

374 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

145,335 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1993 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch is the most frequently named component, appearing in 46 of 374 complaints (12.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	68	18.2%
Steering behavior	35	9.4%
Electrical and battery issues	28	7.5%
Transmission and shifting	26	7.0%
Engine operation	8	2.1%
Fuel system concerns	7	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.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner

Air Bags:Frontal

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift

Vehicle Speed Control

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Air Bags

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	46
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	22
Air Bags:Frontal	21
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift	20
Vehicle Speed Control	18
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	17
Air Bags	15

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 46; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 22; Air Bags:Frontal: 21; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift: 20; Vehicle Speed Control: 18; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 17; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 17; Air Bags: 15

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 7

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 356 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.

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2010

2014

2015

1995: 43; 1996: 58; 1997: 39; 1998: 33; 1999: 97; 2000: 35; 2001: 18; 2002: 18; 2003: 11; 2004: 9; 2005: 4; 2006: 3; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2010: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 68 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 35 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 28 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 10033247 · 2003-08-21 (August 21, 2003)

CANCELLATION OF GENERAL RECALL TSB94B38 WHICH HAD TO DO WITH ABS GENERAL RECALL WHICH FORD SAYS IS NOW EXPIRED. MY REAR BRAKES LOCKUP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, AND SOMETIMES DURING THE DAY, SOMETIMES I GET A ABS LIGHT.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 108,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033247 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10048270 · 2003-11-19 (November 19, 2003)

WHILE 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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10048270 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043007 · 2003-10-16 (October 16, 2003)

DEAR NHTSA; BELOW IS CORRESPONDENCE WITH GOODYEAR TIRE COMPANY. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DUNLOP ROVER TOURING GT TIRE NUMBER PN P22570514 AS DETALED BELOW. I DO NOT HAVE FURTHER TIRE INFORMATION SINCE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE UNITED STATES BUT I CAN OBTAIN IT AS NECESSARY. THANK YOU, MARK DEVRIES *LA 3 OCTOBER 2003 DEAR SIR: ON 6-22-01 I PURCHASED 4 DUNLOP ROVER TOURING LT TIRES FOR MY 1992 AEROSTAR VAN, MILAGE 108,098 AT SEARS EAGLE RIDGE MALL, LAKE WALES FL. ON 8-6-03, THE VEHICLE (138,690 MILES) WAS RETURNED TO SEARS EAGLE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10043007 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10098011 · 2004-10-30 (October 30, 2004)

WHILE TURNING LEFT IN AN INTERSECTION THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP ON MY AEROSTAR FORD '93 THAT CAUSED ME TO TURN OVER TO THE LEFT AND HIT THE OPPOSITE LANE AND HIT A CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE WHEEL AS IT LOCKS UP. AFTER IT WAS RESTARTED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FINE AND 2 MECHANICS THAT I BROUGHT IT TO CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 91,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10098011 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10056983 · 2004-02-11 (February 11, 2004)

HEADLIGHT SWITCH RUNS SO HOT IT MELTS THE PLASTIC PLUG BODY INTO WHICH THE WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS ARE INSERTED. I WILL BE PURCHASING THE SECOND REPLACEMENT SWITCH TODAY (3 TOTAL SWITCHES SINCE NEW). WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM REMOVED AND 1/2 HR DRIVING WITH HEADLIGHTS ON THE SWITCH IS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. THE CONTACT THAT PROVIDES POWER TO THE TAIL LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND RADIO NIGHT LIGHT SEEMS TO BE THE SOURCE OF HEAT AS THAT TERMINAL SHOWS THE GREATEST DAMAGE DUE TO HEATING.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10056983 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10069342 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

THE SWITCH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TAKE THE KEY OUT SWITCH IS STILL ON. HAS TO BE JIGGLED ABOUT TO BE SURE IT IS TURNED OFF. HAS BEEN ON AND LIGHTS INSIDE HAVE RUN BATTERY DOWN. ALSO WHEN DRIVING THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON OR THE CHECK OIL LIGHT STAYS ON AND YOU CAN HEAR NOISES IN DASH. THEY SOUND LIKE CLICKING NOISES. WANT TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON MY VAN. I PURCASED IT USED AND LOVE IT EXCEPT FOR THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU NOVEEN MCGEE

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10069342 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10032088 · 2003-08-05 (August 5, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING TRANSMISSION WILL LOCK UP. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10032088 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10787003 · 2015-10-29 (October 29, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD AEROSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE WAS FRACTURED AND FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10787003 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10109761 · 2005-03-02 (March 2, 2005)

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DO SO. WHILE OPENING THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V029000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EDGE OF THE HOOD. AFTER HE OPENED THE HOOD HE SAW A SMALL FIRE AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. *TC

Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10109761 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 560979 · 2001-04-30 (April 30, 2001)

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VERY HARD STEERING AND BRAKES WITH NO POWER, VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND CONSUMER WAS ADVISED VEHICLE WAS FIXED, BUT IT WAS NOT FIXED AND VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON THE FREEWAY, VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT ALTERNATOR WAS CAUSING VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING, EVEN THOUGH DEALERSHIP ADVISED CONSUMER IT WAS FIXED AND ALSO CHARGED HER OVER $1000.00 FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 560979 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 564167 · 2001-01-25 (January 25, 2001)

CONSUMER 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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 564167 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 802268 · 1996-09-11 (September 11, 1996)

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WAS EXPERIENCED DUE TO THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD MELTED OR BURNT DOWN.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 802268 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

374 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

4.8%Usable mileage18 / 374 records

76.5%Valid incident date286 / 374 records

100.0%Valid filing date374 / 374 records

76.5%Ordered incident and filing dates286 / 374 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	713.2% ODI 504169 IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. *SD Look up ODI 504169 at NHTSA ↗	119.6% ODI 503169 IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING WIRING TO MELT. *DH Look up ODI 503169 at NHTSA ↗	158.5% ODI 10033973 · 386,118 mi THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. AK SCC *NLM Look up ODI 10033973 at NHTSA ↗	3814.6% ODI 10140845 · 208,000 mi DT: 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 Look up ODI 10140845 at NHTSA ↗	2110.8% ODI 10076051 · 12,000 mi THE 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 Look up ODI 10076051 at NHTSA ↗	2913.0% ODI 10120979 I 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 Look up ODI 10120979 at NHTSA ↗	3310.4% ODI 504420 IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RETURN TO RUN POSITION AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, CAUSING FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS/BLOWER MOTOR. *SD Look up ODI 504420 at NHTSA ↗	4612.3% ODI 10087331 · 130,000 mi WHILE 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 Look up ODI 10087331 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 10008035 THE 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 Look up ODI 10008035 at NHTSA ↗	1811.5% ODI 10071645 · 151,000 mi CONSUMER 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 Look up ODI 10071645 at NHTSA ↗	43.8% ODI 10175900 · 115,000 mi DT: 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 Look up ODI 10175900 at NHTSA ↗	711.1% ODI 10129732 MY 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… Look up ODI 10129732 at NHTSA ↗	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% ODI 484729 TRANSMISSION FAILED. *DH Look up ODI 484729 at NHTSA ↗	1412.3% ODI 10038500 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THREE TRANSMISSION. *NLM Look up ODI 10038500 at NHTSA ↗	84.5% ODI 482463 HEATER CORE FAILED. Look up ODI 482463 at NHTSA ↗	145.4% ODI 481635 VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS TWICE WHILE IN PARK GEAR, ONCE CAUSING INJURIES. *AW Look up ODI 481635 at NHTSA ↗	189.2% ODI 10029226 VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 10029226 at NHTSA ↗	219.4% ODI 10073700 WHILE 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 Look up ODI 10073700 at NHTSA ↗	278.5% ODI 483932 SHIFT CABLE RESTING ON MUFFLER, MELTING PLASTIC COVERING, ALLOWING CABLE TO RUST. *TW Look up ODI 483932 at NHTSA ↗	174.5% ODI 10000660 · 243,150 mi THEY 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. Look up ODI 10000660 at NHTSA ↗	155.8% ODI 10017023 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE - TRANSMISSION FALLS OUT OF GEAR. *JB Look up ODI 10017023 at NHTSA ↗	85.1% ODI 705043 VERY DISAPPOINTING VEHICLE! NP SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK Look up ODI 705043 at NHTSA ↗	32.9% ODI 602648 DRIVESHAFT DEFECTIVE. Look up ODI 602648 at NHTSA ↗	23.2% ODI 609433 TRANSMISSION. Look up ODI 609433 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10172783 THE 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… Look up ODI 10172783 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 898114 THIS 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 Look up ODI 898114 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly	11.9% ODI 833818 HAD 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 Look up ODI 833818 at NHTSA ↗	21.8% ODI 809503 CANNOT FILL GAS TANK MORE THAN HALF-WAY FULL WITHOUT LEAKING. *AK Look up ODI 809503 at NHTSA ↗	3821.5% ODI 10044531 · 117,814 mi GAS TANK DEFECT STATED IN RECALL 98V190000 OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*AK Look up ODI 10044531 at NHTSA ↗	4617.7% ODI 10046209 · 160,000 mi THE MANUFACTURER WAS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL 98V190000 FOR FUEL TANK CRACKS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED. *AK Look up ODI 10046209 at NHTSA ↗	189.2% ODI 10004422 NHTSARECALL 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 Look up ODI 10004422 at NHTSA ↗	10.4% ODI 528331 DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK CAUSING LEAKAGE OF FUEL. Look up ODI 528331 at NHTSA ↗	10.3% ODI 547856 FUEL TANK AROUND STRAPS DEVELOPED HAIRLINE CRACKS FROM CHAFFING CAUSING SEAPAGES. MJS Look up ODI 547856 at NHTSA ↗	30.8% ODI 564167 CONSUMER 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 Look up ODI 564167 at NHTSA ↗	41.6% ODI 488852 ENGINE LIGHT LUMINATES. *SD Look up ODI 488852 at NHTSA ↗	21.3% ODI 8016902 PLASTIC 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 Look up ODI 8016902 at NHTSA ↗	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% ODI 510720 SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 510720 at NHTSA ↗	54.4% ODI 731103 SEPTEMBER 11, 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONE DIN SUMMARY. *AK Look up ODI 731103 at NHTSA ↗	52.8% ODI 753198 VEHICLE 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 Look up ODI 753198 at NHTSA ↗	114.2% ODI 10097085 · 102,371 mi THE 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 … Look up ODI 10097085 at NHTSA ↗	147.2% ODI 10079452 · 60,000 mi UPON 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 Look up ODI 10079452 at NHTSA ↗	188.1% ODI 500755 BRAKE CALIPERS STICK. *SD Look up ODI 500755 at NHTSA ↗	82.5% ODI 544561 CRUISE CONTROL REMAINED ACTIVE DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO DISABLE IT WITH CONTROL SWITCH, VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY TURNING VEHICLE OFF. Look up ODI 544561 at NHTSA ↗	184.8% ODI 490876 INADEQUATE LUBE ON POWER WINDOWS. *SD Look up ODI 490876 at NHTSA ↗	93.5% ODI 10233257 · 120,000 mi ALL ELECTRONICS ON STEERING COLUMN DON'T WORK. AIR BAG SYSTEM FLASHES 3-2. NO AIRBAG (PRESUMABLY), CRUISE CONTROL OR HORN FUNCTION. *TR Look up ODI 10233257 at NHTSA ↗	42.5% ODI 542242 VEHICLE BUCKING/STALLING DUE TO FAILURE OF THE TP SENSOR AND EXHAUST OXYGEN SENSOR. Look up ODI 542242 at NHTSA ↗	21.9% ODI 704000 REQUIRES 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. Look up ODI 704000 at NHTSA ↗	69.5% ODI 10350538 · 48,000 mi NOTE: 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… Look up ODI 10350538 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10172783 THE 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… Look up ODI 10172783 at NHTSA ↗	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% ODI 533946 ABS BRAKE FAILURE. Look up ODI 533946 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	31.2% ODI 543498 ABS SYSTEM FAILED. Look up ODI 543498 at NHTSA ↗	147.2% ODI 10048473 · 190,000 mi THE 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 Look up ODI 10048473 at NHTSA ↗	114.9% ODI 506542 ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCKING UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. *DH Look up ODI 506542 at NHTSA ↗	196.0% ODI 523850 AIR 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 Look up ODI 523850 at NHTSA ↗	174.5% ODI 10048270 WHILE 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 Look up ODI 10048270 at NHTSA ↗	124.7% ODI 518492 REAR ABS BRAKES FAILED THREE TIMES, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK Look up ODI 518492 at NHTSA ↗	74.5% ODI 522672 ABS BRAKE FAILURE. ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, RESULTING IN SCORING AND VIBRATION. *AK Look up ODI 522672 at NHTSA ↗	54.8% ODI 706692 ON 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… Look up ODI 706692 at NHTSA ↗	34.8% ODI 818956 CONSUMER 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… Look up ODI 818956 at NHTSA ↗	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% ODI 503618 VEHICLE FIRE. *DH Look up ODI 503618 at NHTSA ↗	1513.2% ODI 504821 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD Look up ODI 504821 at NHTSA ↗	105.6% ODI 482463 HEATER CORE FAILED. Look up ODI 482463 at NHTSA ↗	124.6% ODI 484796 VEHICLE FIRE. *AW Look up ODI 484796 at NHTSA ↗	115.6% ODI 504603 REPLACED WATER PUMP. Look up ODI 504603 at NHTSA ↗	83.6% ODI 480446 NOISY ENGINE/EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION/MAIN BEARING FAILURE. *TW Look up ODI 480446 at NHTSA ↗	82.5% ODI 511441 VEHICLE FIRE. Look up ODI 511441 at NHTSA ↗	102.7% ODI 512549 IGNITION KEY GETS HOT. Look up ODI 512549 at NHTSA ↗	51.9% ODI 558844 TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN DRIVE, SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION PAN, DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE SHIFTER CABLE. *SLC Look up ODI 558844 at NHTSA ↗	10.6% ODI 705043 VERY DISAPPOINTING VEHICLE! NP SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK Look up ODI 705043 at NHTSA ↗	11.0% ODI 743038 MOTOR 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 … Look up ODI 743038 at NHTSA ↗	11.6% ODI 744550 WHEN IT RAINS/UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR LOCK FROM PASSENGER SIDE; UNEXPLAINED STALL CHECK/ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON/STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM Look up ODI 744550 at NHTSA ↗	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% ODI 500038 ENGINE MISSES. *DSH Look up ODI 500038 at NHTSA ↗	10.4% ODI 543498 ABS SYSTEM FAILED. Look up ODI 543498 at NHTSA ↗	42.1% ODI 510728 TRANSFER CASE FIRE. Look up ODI 510728 at NHTSA ↗	62.7% ODI 505127 TRANSFER CASE BROKE. Look up ODI 505127 at NHTSA ↗	216.6% ODI 10038132 · 142,297 mi THE 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 Look up ODI 10038132 at NHTSA ↗	205.3% ODI 523219 VEHICLE MADE A LOT OF RACKET WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE VIBRATED. *AK Look up ODI 523219 at NHTSA ↗	145.4% ODI 506930 EXTENSION HOUSING WERE BUSTED. Look up ODI 506930 at NHTSA ↗	74.5% ODI 52309 TRANSFER CASE FAILED DUE TO DRIVESHAFT VIBRATION. *AK Look up ODI 52309 at NHTSA ↗	32.9% ODI 534103 CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE RECEIVING RECALL REPAIR WORK ON THE TRANSFER CASE BY DEALERSHIP. Look up ODI 534103 at NHTSA ↗	23.2% ODI 8016938 VEHICLE 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 Look up ODI 8016938 at NHTSA ↗	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 549265 POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM Look up ODI 549265 at NHTSA ↗	108.8% ODI 741072 VAN CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK Look up ODI 741072 at NHTSA ↗	84.5% ODI 10046164 · 36,520 mi TRUCK 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 Look up ODI 10046164 at NHTSA ↗	83.1% ODI 10169816 · 155,000 mi MY 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 Look up ODI 10169816 at NHTSA ↗	42.1% ODI 711623 PARKED FOR 12 HOURS PRIOR TO FIRE AT 3:50 AM. Look up ODI 711623 at NHTSA ↗	125.4% ODI 511270 ELECTRICAL SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING FIRE. Look up ODI 511270 at NHTSA ↗	72.2% ODI 704786 THIS INCIDENT CAUSED ME $1623 OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. NO DEFECT MENTIONED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK Look up ODI 704786 at NHTSA ↗	41.1% ODI 704676 TO 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 Look up ODI 704676 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10132510 · 100,000 mi DT: 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… Look up ODI 10132510 at NHTSA ↗	42.5% ODI 10206495 · 150,000 mi TL*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. Look up ODI 10206495 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.6% ODI 543351 SPARK PLUGS FAILED TWO TIMES. Look up ODI 543351 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 827053 DRIVING 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 Look up ODI 827053 at NHTSA ↗	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 failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Too few reports for a range	137,335 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10087331 · 130,000 mi WHILE 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 Look up ODI 10087331 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10298475 · 144,670 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD AEROSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND AND HE COULD FEEL A PULSATION IN THE DASHBOARD; THERE WERE ALSO ELECTRICAL SHORTAGES. HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT RECALL 99V029000 AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HE ALSO CONSULTED THE MANUFACTURER AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,705. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 144,670. UPDATED 02/22/… Look up ODI 10298475 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10042868 · 120,000 mi THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER AND LOST CONTROL.. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNFASTENED AT THAT POINT. VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, AND SUSTAINED A BROKEN COLLAR BONE AND THREE BROKEN RIBS. ALSO PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT SUSTAINED INTERNAL HEAD AND BACK INJURIES. *AK Look up ODI 10042868 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	243,150 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10000660 · 243,150 mi THEY 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. Look up ODI 10000660 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	189,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10120664 · 189,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING CONSTANTLY, THEN HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. NOISE IN COLUMN SOUNDS LIKE LOOSE WIRES FLOPPING. Look up ODI 10120664 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

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

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

1999: 3 complaints · 2000: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
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

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
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 co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	Air Bags:Frontal	Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift	Vehicle Speed Control	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Air Bags
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. *AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. *AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 490876 INADEQUATE LUBE ON POWER WINDOWS. *SD Look up ODI 490876 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 705135 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 705135 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 732279 ADD: RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM CONTACTING BACK PLATE ON INNER LIP. BRAKE SHOE PAD CONTACTING INNER BRAKEDRUM RADIUS 10/95 Look up ODI 732279 at NHTSA ↗	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	—	0	2 ODI 504530 BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. AK Look up ODI 504530 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 815681 THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE SRS LIGHT TO INTERMITTENTLY TO COME ON AND OFF. CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE WHICH CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT AND NO USE OF THE HORN. DEALER SAID IT NEEDS A CLOCK SPRING. AK Look up ODI 815681 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 843402 TRAVELING 45MPH DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT FAILED TO SIGNAL. HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES & VEHICLE STARTED TO HYDROPLANE & REARENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. AK ML Look up ODI 843402 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	1 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. *AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 490876 INADEQUATE LUBE ON POWER WINDOWS. *SD Look up ODI 490876 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 504530 BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. AK Look up ODI 504530 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 815681 THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE SRS LIGHT TO INTERMITTENTLY TO COME ON AND OFF. CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN IS INOPERATIVE WHICH CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT AND NO USE OF THE HORN. DEALER SAID IT NEEDS A CLOCK SPRING. AK Look up ODI 815681 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	1 ODI 963284 ABS BRAKES FAILED. TT Look up ODI 963284 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8016547 THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN STEERING COLUMN. WIRE RIBBON RING THAT'S INSIDE OF STEERING COLUMN, WHICH GIVES POWER TO AIR BAG/ CRUISE CONTROL, AND HORN HAS CRACKED AS A RESULT OF RIBBON BEING TOO SHORT AND FOLDED OVER, VEHICLE HAD NO HORN/NO CRUISE CONTROL OR AIR BAG.DEALER CONTACTED.AK Look up ODI 8016547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 849951 HORN STOPPED WORKING/CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 849951 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	2 ODI 705135 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 705135 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 732279 ADD: RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM CONTACTING BACK PLATE ON INNER LIP. BRAKE SHOE PAD CONTACTING INNER BRAKEDRUM RADIUS 10/95 Look up ODI 732279 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 843402 TRAVELING 45MPH DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT FAILED TO SIGNAL. HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES & VEHICLE STARTED TO HYDROPLANE & REARENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. AK ML Look up ODI 843402 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 963284 ABS BRAKES FAILED. TT Look up ODI 963284 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0
Air Bags	1 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. *AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	4 ODI 707305 CRUISE CONTROL/HORN QUIT WORKING/AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES, AND SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN AT IGNITION SWITCH. AK Look up ODI 707305 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8016547 THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN STEERING COLUMN. WIRE RIBBON RING THAT'S INSIDE OF STEERING COLUMN, WHICH GIVES POWER TO AIR BAG/ CRUISE CONTROL, AND HORN HAS CRACKED AS A RESULT OF RIBBON BEING TOO SHORT AND FOLDED OVER, VEHICLE HAD NO HORN/NO CRUISE CONTROL OR AIR BAG.DEALER CONTACTED.AK Look up ODI 8016547 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 849951 HORN STOPPED WORKING/CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 849951 at NHTSA ↗	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.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

16 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 504530

BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 504530 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 523948

ABS BRAKE FAILURE. *AK

Look up ODI 523948 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 554661

BRAKE FAILURE. *SLC

Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

9 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 91,400 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10098011 · 91,400 mi

Look up ODI 10098011 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 488270

VIBRATION/LOW PITCHED HUM FROM POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON LOW SPEED TURNS. *DH

Look up ODI 488270 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 503833

AIR CONDITIONER HOSE RESTING ON POWER STEERING RACK, CAUSING LEAK. *DSH

Look up ODI 503833 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

8 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 150,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10109761 · 150,000 mi

Look up ODI 10109761 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 560979

Look up ODI 560979 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 709544

THE VAN IDLES VERY ROUGH OF STALLS. WHILE STOPPED (IN GEAR) IT WILL SURGE FORWARD EVEN WITH THE BRAKES ON. WHILE ACCELLERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION IT WILL GO THEN SPUTTER AND JERK. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, IT WILL SUDDENLY JERK AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. EACH TIME WE HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM, FORD HAS COVERED IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. WE ARE OUT OF WARRANTY NOW BUT FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT THAT FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF. THEY FIRST TOLD ME THEY COULD DO NOTHING. MY FATHER-IN-LAW SAW A PROGRAM ABOUT AEROSTAR VANS HAVING A PROBLE…

Look up ODI 709544 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 558202

CONSUMER BELIEVES ALL THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (WARNING CHIME, DELAY WIPERS, SPEED CONTROL,BRAKE LIGHTS, ABS WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH) STEM FROM RECALLL 99V-029 CONCERNING HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED ELECTRICAL LOAD, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

Look up ODI 558202 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 836700

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 99V029000 IN MAIL & CONTACTED DEALER. HAD REPAIRS DONE. HAD TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK AT LEAST 5 TIMES. MECHANIC HAD UNHOOKED WIRES DUE TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. STARTED HAVING OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED (HEAD LAMP, DASHBOARD, DOME LIGHT & WINDOWS). *AK

Look up ODI 836700 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 849951

HORN STOPPED WORKING/CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 849951 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 709544

Look up ODI 709544 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 833347

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 TO 30 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO STALL, AND THE GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Look up ODI 833347 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 888159

RECALL 97-V-2041-000; WHENEVER MAKING A LEFT TURN VEHICLE WILL JERK TO ONE SIDE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Look up ODI 888159 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 9005097

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CABLE CONSISTS OF INNER CABLE INSIDE METAL, RUBBER COVERING WITH ASBESTO COVERING (BURNED THRU) TO PROTECT AGAINST HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND MANIFOLD.

Look up ODI 9005097 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule