MYRModel Year Report

1991 Ford Aerostar

◆ Worse than typical
1991 Ford Aerostar
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
223
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 53 complaints 1986 1987: 114 complaints 1988: 178 complaints 1988 1989: 261 complaints 1990: 197 complaints 1991: 223 complaints 1991 223 1992: 318 complaints 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
1986: 53 complaints 1986 1987: 114 complaints 1987 1988: 178 complaints 1988 1989: 261 complaints 1989 1990: 197 complaints 1990 1991: 223 complaints 1991 223 1992: 318 complaints 1992 1993: 374 complaints 1993 1994: 258 complaints 1994 1995: 157 complaints 1995 1996: 104 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 4 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2000
1986: 53 complaints 1986 1987: 114 complaints 1987 1988: 178 complaints 1988 1989: 261 complaints 1989 1990: 197 complaints 1990 1991: 223 complaints 1991 223 1992: 318 complaints 1992 1993: 374 complaints 1993 1994: 258 complaints 1994 1995: 157 complaints 1995 1996: 104 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 4 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2000

1991: 223 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

31% · 69 reports

Most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-16

Vehicle caught on fire due to a faulty electrical switch in steering column. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-08

Headlight switch wiring shorted out, causing a fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-02

Power train

24% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-17

Service brakes

16% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

10% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASHINJURY

Equipment

6% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing air conditioner and carrier/rack.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1991Complaint volume 223 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1992-03-02Power train91V189000 When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.

    Remedy: Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1992-06-04Seat belts91V164000 Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by FMVSS 210.

    Remedy: Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1997-10-29Recall queryClosed 1999-04-01 Parking pawl
  6. R
    1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    1999-01-07Engineering analysisClosed 2000-11-14 Transfer cases and rear drive shaft

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 69 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 54 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 36 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 91V189000 · Power train
  • Recall 91V164000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Ford Aerostar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Aerostar is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Aerostar?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Aerostar have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.