Model year record

1987 Ford Aerostar

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 140 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 91V136000

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
112,000
Reported to NHTSA
1991-08-19
Owners notified
1991-10-15

Defect description

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

Safety risk

IF A BALL STUD FRACTURES, THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT REMAIN INTHE OPEN POSITION. BODILY INJURY COULD RESULT IF THE LIFTGATE DROPS WHILESOMEONE IS UNDER IT.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Recall campaignNHTSA 89V226000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component
Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
118,787
Reported to NHTSA
1989-12-18
Owners notified
1990-01-26

Defect description

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 HINGE.

Safety risk

DAMAGE TO BELT WEBBING COULD WEAKEN BELTS TO POINT OFFAILURE INCREASING RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT OR A SUDDEN STOP.

Manufacturer remedy

INSTALL PLASTIC PIVOT COVER; REPLACE BELTS AS NECESSARY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 88V091000

Electrical system: wiring

Component
Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
60,000
Reported to NHTSA
1988-06-06
Owners notified
1988-07-01

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

SHOULD A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THE WIRING WITHIN THERELAY OR IF WATER INTRUSION OCCURS THE SMALLER GAUGE WIRE IN THE RELAY WILLFUNCTION AS A FUSE LINK AND OVERHEAT. THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR A FIRE IF THEWIRES ARE EXPOSED TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Recall campaignNHTSA 87V139000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA
1987-09-04
Owners notified
1987-10-12

Defect description

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Safety risk

COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline16
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly15
Power train: automatic transmission14
Electrical system: ignition: switch13
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood11
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator6
Vehicle speed control5
Electrical system: wiring4
Electrical system: ignition: module3
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash3
Seats3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components3
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut3
Electrical system: ignition2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system2
Engine and engine cooling: engine2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock2
Seat belts2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Power train: axle assembly1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1
Steering1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1

The 1986 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1988 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.