1997 Ford Aerostar
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.
- Complaints
- 63
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 63 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 53 |
| 1987 | 114 |
| 1988 | 178 |
| 1989 | 261 |
| 1990 | 197 |
| 1991 | 223 |
| 1992 | 318 |
| 1993 | 374 |
| 1994 | 258 |
| 1995 | 157 |
| 1996 | 104 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
27% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
My 1997 Ford aero star van produced a puff of smoke from the steering column near the ignition switch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-07-22
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
I found two incomplete recalls. I called the dealer 9/28/2020 at [xxx] and spoke to [xxx]. She put the VIN in her system, saw the two recalls and said the parts would be ordered. No response.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-09
Power train
17% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing axle shaft and column shift.
Vehicle speed control
16% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-13
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Wheels
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
I was given this van with a handicapped lift as a present from some people at our church. Ever since I got it the engine light has been on. I've had it checked several times but no one seems to know how to fix it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-19
Also filed under Engine
Service brakes
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998-02-16Power train97V204000 Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger minivans. These vehicles can develop powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft bushing displacement. The powertrain bending…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.
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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…
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I
1998-07-31Recall queryClosed 1999-01-07 Transfer cases and rear driveshaft
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1999-01-07Engineering analysisClosed 2000-11-14 Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
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1999-03-19Electrical system99V029000 Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles were produced with a higher than specified electrical load through the accessory power feed circuit. The potential for contact between the B2…
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all A2 accessories through the relay.
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2001-02-23Vehicle speed control00V425000 Vehicle description: minivans equipped with 3.0L engines. An accelerator cable was kinked during installation, causing the core wires to eventually fray.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new accelerator cable.
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2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the…
Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V204000 · Power train
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 99V029000 · Electrical system
- Recall 00V425000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Ford Aerostar reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Aerostar is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Aerostar?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Aerostar have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.