MYRModel Year Report

1987 Ford Aerostar

▲ Better than typical
1987 Ford Aerostar
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:29.606Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Aerostar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 highlighted. 1986: 53 complaints 1986 1987: 114 complaints 1987 1988: 178 complaints 1988 1989: 261 complaints 1990: 197 complaints 1990 1991: 223 complaints 1992: 318 complaints 1992 1993: 374 complaints 1994: 258 complaints 1994 1995: 157 complaints 1996: 104 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 4 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 2000: 6 complaints 2000
1987: 114 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
198653
1987114
1988178
1989261
1990197
1991223
1992318
1993374
1994258
1995157
1996104
199763
19984
19997
20006

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN ALTERNATOR RESULTED IN A FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950721

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RIGHT AFTER BEING TURNED OFF AND PARKED. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950515

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20%

20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

UNDER BODY OF VEHICLE MUFFLER BLOWUP CAUSED A FIRE INSIDE OF VEHICLE, MELTING THE SENDING UNIT IN THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSING LEAK IN FUEL TANK. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950718

SEAT BELTS 16%

16% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THREE TRANSMISSION. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20031002

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19870909 — PE (closed 19880304)

REAR BRAKE LOCKUP

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19871130 — PE (closed 19880419)

FIRES

I 19880209 — PE (closed 19880427)

CRNKSHFT PULLEY BOLT FAILR

I 19880323 — EA (closed 19890731)

DOOR FALLS OFF

I 19880419 — EA (closed 19880713)

ELECTRICAL FIRES

I 19880419 — PE (closed 19880915)

FUEL LEAKAGE

I 19880511 — EA (closed 19890123)

UNDER SEAT FIRES

R 19880701 — electrical system

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.

Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.

Campaign 88V091000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880915 — EA (closed 19900511)

FILLER PIPE SEAL

I 19881101 — PE (closed 19890323)

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

I 19881209 — PE (closed 19890803)

SEAT BELT CUTTING

I 19890223 — PE (closed 19890720)

POWER STEERING LOCKING

I 19890323 — EA (closed 19900504)

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

I 19890803 — EA (closed 19900405)

SAFETY BELT FRAYING

R 19900126 — seat belts

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 HIN

Remedy: INSTALL PLASTIC PIVOT COVER; REPLACE BELTS AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 89V226000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19900409 — PE (closed 19900619)

LOWER CNTRL ARM FRACTURE

I 19900831 — EA (closed 19911231)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19901018 — PE (closed 19910201)

LIFTGATE FAILURE

I 19910201 — EA (closed 19910920)

LIFTGATE FAILURE

I 19910916 — PE (closed 19911108)

PARK PAWL BENDING

R 19911015 — structure

SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.

Remedy: REPLACE THE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS.

Campaign 91V136000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19940304 — PE (closed 19940719)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

I 19940719 — EA (closed 19970930)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19980415 — service brakes, air

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.

Remedy: AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED F

Campaign 98E010000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V091000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V226000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V136000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1997 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1989

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1987 Ford Aerostar reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Aerostar is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Aerostar?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Aerostar have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.