1991 Ford Aerostar

◆ Worse than typical
1991 Ford Aerostar
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Aerostar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1991 highlighted. 1986: 53 complaints 1986 1987: 114 complaints 1988: 178 complaints 1988 1989: 261 complaints 1990: 197 complaints 1990 1991: 223 complaints 1991 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
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%

31% of complaints: electrical system — 69 distinct reports on file, 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, 20050516

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SWITCH IN STEERING COLUMN. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950308

HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950302

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20040517

SERVICE BRAKES 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10%

10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASH INJURY
EQUIPMENT 6%

6% of complaints: equipment — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner and carrier/rack.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

1991 — complaint volume: 223
R 19920302 — power train

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.

Campaign 91V189000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19920604 — seat belts

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.

Campaign 91V164000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19971029 — RQ (closed 19990401)

PARKING PAWL

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

I 19990107 — EA (closed 20001114)

TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (69 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (54 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (36 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 91V189000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V164000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1997 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1989

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.