RoadVitals

1992 Ford Aerostar Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
317
Latest Sep 6, 2008
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
59

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Ford Aerostar, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

62
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY ONLY OPERATES IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT PREVIOUSLY AND WAS REPLACED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC.

NHTSA ID 10153208 · filed Mar 20, 2006

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

NHTSA ID 10038132 · filed Oct 16, 2003
All 62 reports naming transmission

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

62
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OWNER WAS GOING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. OWNER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. OWNER SAYS THAT THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE HOSE LINE POPPED RIGHT OFF. CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL BRAKE PRESSURE PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10108595 · filed Jan 21, 2005

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER NOTICED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER . VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME WHEN CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BRAKE HOSE WAS BROKEN.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSE HAS A HEAVY RUBBER BOOT COVERING THE UPPER SWAGGED FITTING, THIS BOOT ENTRAPS SALT AND WATER CAUSING THE FITTING TO CORRODE SEVERELY AND IS HIDDEN UNDER THE BOOT, CONSUMER REPLACED THE OPPOSITE LINE BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTED ON THE SAME FITTING. *SLC

NHTSA ID 891916 · filed Jul 3, 2001
All 62 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

61
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND THE FUMES WOULD EXIT OUT OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE HOLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SEALED THE HOLES AND THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE MIDAS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DEALER NEVER SEALED THE HOLES ON THE MUFFLER AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUMES COULD IN FACT GET INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER CONSTRUCTED THEIR OWN HORN TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10239623 · filed Aug 25, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GROUND WIRES ARE SHORTING OUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND OTHER WIRES UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. HE ALSO STATED THAT HIS WINDOWS ARE NOT WORKING. FORD STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN BURNED BY THE FAILED WIRES. THE RECALL # WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 171,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID 10196275 · filed Jul 13, 2007
All 61 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND FLASHES BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING THAT CAN AFFECT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG PER LARRY PHILPUTT, TOM WOOD FORD, 3130 E. 96TH ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IN. *AK

NHTSA ID 756075 · filed Dec 27, 2001

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD, GIVING WARNING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG SYSTEM. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT MEANT THE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY, CONSUMER REPAIRED PROBLEM AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ID 873803 · filed Oct 25, 2000
All 31 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND THE FUMES WOULD EXIT OUT OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE HOLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SEALED THE HOLES AND THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE MIDAS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DEALER NEVER SEALED THE HOLES ON THE MUFFLER AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUMES COULD IN FACT GET INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER CONSTRUCTED THEIR OWN HORN TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10239623 · filed Aug 25, 2008

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING EHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER, AND IT WILL BE HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK STARTED.DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10032086 · filed Aug 5, 2003
All 26 reports naming engine

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING 60-65 MPH, WITH TWO ADULTS AND ONE CHILD IN A FORD AEROSTAR 1992 VAN. THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT, INSTALLED AT 136,671 MILES, TIRE SIZE P215/70R14, DOT# DBHYC2423000. *AK *NM

NHTSA ID 10091966 · filed Oct 15, 2004

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HIS SPARE TIRE FELL OUT OF UNDER THE VEHICLE. *MR SPARE TIRE MOUNTING FELL WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH. THE MOUNTING BOLT WAS RUSTED. *LA

NHTSA ID 8020522 · filed Mar 11, 2004
All 19 reports naming tires & wheels

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS FRACTURED ON 07/04/06. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 07/05/06 WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE TENSION SPRING THAT ASSISTS IN THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS WELL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 8/1/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10162864 · filed Jul 19, 2006

THE HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED AND THEN WENT OUT, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10015607 · filed Apr 10, 2003
All 18 reports naming exterior lighting

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. ALSO, AIRBAG/CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE IS IN REPAIR SHOP. *AK

NHTSA ID 846243 · filed Sep 23, 1999

WHILE TRAVELING HIT HORN NOTHING HAPPENED, CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT OPERATE, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER CONTACTED, AND COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEMS. ALSO, STEERING COLUMN GEAR SHAFT BROKE AND REPLACED IT WITH USED PARTS/ CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE. PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. *AK

NHTSA ID 836668 · filed May 3, 1999
All 14 reports naming steering

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND THE FUMES WOULD EXIT OUT OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE HOLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SEALED THE HOLES AND THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE MIDAS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DEALER NEVER SEALED THE HOLES ON THE MUFFLER AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUMES COULD IN FACT GET INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER CONSTRUCTED THEIR OWN HORN TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10239623 · filed Aug 25, 2008

SEAT BACK BOLTS SHEARED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. BOUGHT USED. BUT, NO REPORTED OF PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS. WE HAD NOTICED SOME 'LOOSENESS' IN THE SEAT BACK. BUT, ATTRIBUTED IT TO WEAR IN THE LATCH POSITIONING DEVICE. WHEN THE LAST BOLT SHEARED THE SEAT BACK GAVE WAY DROPPING THE DRIVER TO A RECLINING POSITION. *AK

NHTSA ID 10073014 · filed May 23, 2004
All 14 reports naming interior & seats

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED WHILE STARTING TO MOVE AND PUTTING VEHICLE INTO GEAR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE ANYWHERE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO CHECK PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE IGNITION HAD BEEN LOOSE FOR 2 YEARS, AIR CONDITION HAS FAILED AND STILL NOT WORKING AND ALSO THE REAR WHEELS AND THE TIRE WERE WORN UNEVENLY.*YD

NHTSA ID 899149 · filed Nov 15, 2001

BRAKES CORRODED DUE TO FREQUENT CONTAMINATION BY LEAKAGE FROM THE AIR-CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR COIL SYSTEM. FAILURE OF THE EVAPORATOR COIL SYSTEM RESULTED IN TWO VEHICLE COLLISON, WHEN BRAKES FAILED FROM CORROSION. *YC

NHTSA ID 545137 · filed Apr 22, 1999
All 14 reports naming heating & air conditioning

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROLS SHUTS ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, HE WITNESSED BILLOWS OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE SPEED AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,681.

NHTSA ID 10199391 · filed Aug 13, 2007

SPEED CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 888116 · filed May 14, 2001
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WINDSHIELD HAD A CHIP AND A CRACK INSIDE . ALSO, PASSENGER'S SEATBELT IN REAR WILL NOT HOLD WHEN CLICKING THEM TOGETHER. BELT WILL RETRACT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 891734 · filed Jun 29, 2001

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING RUST AT WINDSHIELD PINCHWELD, RUST WAS CAUSED BY SCRATCHES CREATED DURING A PREVIOUS INSTALLATION. NLM

NHTSA ID 554022 · filed Aug 28, 2000
All 12 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD AEROSTAR. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND THE FUMES WOULD EXIT OUT OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE HOLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SEALED THE HOLES AND THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE MIDAS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DEALER NEVER SEALED THE HOLES ON THE MUFFLER AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUMES COULD IN FACT GET INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER CONSTRUCTED THEIR OWN HORN TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10239623 · filed Aug 25, 2008

CONSUMER WAS REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE REAR CARGO AREA AND LIFTGATE CAME SLAMMING DOWN ON CONSUMER'S HEAD. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID SHOCKS NEED TO BE REPLACED.*AK DUE TO INCIDENT, CERVICAL DISCS IN CONSUMER'S NECK WERE HERNIATED, BOTH DISCS HAD TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER HAS PERMANENT AND LIMITED CAPACITY. *SLC

NHTSA ID 873500 · filed Oct 20, 2000
All 11 reports naming body & structure

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING COULD SMELL BURNING, AND WHEN STOPPED TOOK VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER. DEALER FOUND OUT THAT FUEL PUMP HAD MELTED, AND CONNECTORS HAD BURNED AND SMOKED, JUST LIKE RECALL 99 V 028. *AK

NHTSA ID 870977 · filed Sep 19, 2000

THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LINE CRACKED, LETTING OUT GAS AND CAUSING FIRE. YH

NHTSA ID 551552 · filed Mar 27, 2000
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN CHANGING GEARS VEHICLE WILL SHAKE. WHEN TRAVELING AT 55 MPH THERE IS A BAD JERK IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8004898 · filed Mar 4, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH REAR SUSPENSION AIR SPRINGS BROKE, VEHICLE DROPPED IN REAR. *AK

NHTSA ID 880624 · filed Feb 15, 2001
All 8 reports naming suspension

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEATBELT DONT WORK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10241147 · filed Sep 6, 2008

SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *AK

NHTSA ID 894546 · filed Aug 16, 2001
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL. *PH RECALL IS IN REGARDS ON POWER TRAIN MODIFICATION. *LA

NHTSA ID 10066979 · filed Apr 8, 2004

INDICATOR DISPLAY IN DASH LOOKS MELTED. AIRBAG INDICATOR FLASHING AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ARE DIFICULT TO SEE. ODOMETER JUMPED FROM 80K TO OVER 130K; THERE IS NO METRIC/ENGLISH SWITCH.

NHTSA ID 726060 · filed Jul 26, 2000
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED WHILE STARTING TO MOVE AND PUTTING VEHICLE INTO GEAR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE ANYWHERE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO CHECK PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE IGNITION HAD BEEN LOOSE FOR 2 YEARS, AIR CONDITION HAS FAILED AND STILL NOT WORKING AND ALSO THE REAR WHEELS AND THE TIRE WERE WORN UNEVENLY.*YD

NHTSA ID 899149 · filed Nov 15, 2001

WHILE THE DRIVER WAS GOING AT 65 MPH, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE FRONT BRAKE ASSEMBLY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) YH

NHTSA ID 552214 · filed Apr 20, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .