1997 Ford Aerostar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Aerostar › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Aerostar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1997 Ford Aerostar. Newest first.
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 brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
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 1-800-323-0354.
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with 3.0L engines. an accelerator cable was kinked during installation, causing the core wires to eventually fray.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could increase the friction in the cable, causing the throttle to be slow to return to idle. this condition could result in a stuck throttle.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new accelerator cable.
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 (battery), A2 (accessory), and P1 (proof) circuits can occur, creating a short circuit, allowing current to flow through the ground wire.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can cause over heating and the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all A2 accessories through the relay.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking can result.
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 for replacement.
Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger minivans. these vehicles can develop powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft bushing displacement. the powertrain bending resonance or the output shaft bushing displacement can result in structural failure of the transmission and/or transfer case. fluid explusion, driveshaft separation or…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, and, if the expelled fluid contacts the exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.
Owner complaints
63 complaints5 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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. I call [xxx] 10/5/2020 at the same number and she said about the same thing. Then I called 10/8/2020 and…
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. I call [xxx] 10/5/2020 at the same number and she said about the same thing. Then I called 10/8/2020 and another service advisor printed out the issue with my phone number [xxx] and said [xxx] would call me after lunch. No response. I tried calling the ford customer service 800 392-3673 and after pressing '#' for two commercials, the recorder hung up. The vehicle has been running fine, but these are two recalls that are concerns. (00S56 & 99s02). Thank you very much. [xxx]augusta, ga information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine · Wheels
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. another problem I've been having IS that the left front tire wears out more…
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. another problem I've been having IS that the left front tire wears out more quickly than the other three. we've had it balanced several times but we still have that problem even with new tires. since I am handicapped and use an electric wheelchair if a tire blows out I may not be able to get out using the ramp lift that was installed and the same applies to the engine. how do I know if the engine has something wrong with it if the light IS on all the time? *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
Note: I wish I had found this site years ago. I could not get past fords "brick wall" to speak to an engineer! 1. 1997 aerostar - accelerator pedal was pressed down quickly to pass (2 lane highway). 2. Now in the left lane, not far ahead of passed the car - I experrienced a complete loss of…
Note: I wish I had found this site years ago. I could not get past fords "brick wall" to speak to an engineer! 1. 1997 aerostar - accelerator pedal was pressed down quickly to pass (2 lane highway). 2. Now in the left lane, not far ahead of passed the car - I experrienced a complete loss of power - hard right over to soft shoulder - avoided an oncoming head on collision - l just missed the car being passed by inches and stopped. The crimped end of cable to the carburator had released from the accelerator pedal. 3. I clamped the cable back onto the pedal with vice grips. (Drove to dealer). Ford replaced the cable. That problem has not happened again. (I do not press down hard either!) *tr
- Wheels
Observed full crack on aluminum wheel rim spoke. this IS standard aluminum wheel from manufacturer. serious safety issue. this problem same as http://www.motorbeat.com/complaint/438440/. *Tr this IS the second rim that this problem has occurred. another rim failed in the same manner one year ago. replaced.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Power train
Need to know were to start to get all the problems on my van taken care of all the recalls, of power train the electrical and whatever else was reported to me on my report of the recalls on this 1997 areostar van thank you maryjean. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
1997 aerostar rear hatch: 1 of 2 anchor studs which support the tail hatch pneumatic spring (vehicle body end) broke, allowing the hatch to immediately fall on to operator. Although there are 2 pneumatic supports, 1 IS insuffcient to support the weight of the hatch. Similar experience with 1994 model.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
My 1997 ford aero star van produced a puff of smoke from the steering column near the ignition switch. I took it to my mechanic whom checked the recall notices and found one resulting in an electrical overload short circuit and overheating in the steering column electrical components. When the key…
My 1997 ford aero star van produced a puff of smoke from the steering column near the ignition switch. I took it to my mechanic whom checked the recall notices and found one resulting in an electrical overload short circuit and overheating in the steering column electrical components. When the key was turned off it subsides. Since this occurrence the instrument panel has not worked and blew all fuses, the fuel pump does not turn on with the key after multiple attempts it engages some times. The ford dealer did the recall work but did not fix or examine the steering column or the components that burned or over heated as a result of the overload. [Xxx] updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Wheels › Rim
Consumer's husband discovered that one of the rims had cracked in three places. *la another rim was found with cracks in three places as well. *sc *jb
- Power train · Unknown or other
My transmission developed a bad leak in the front seal. I paid to have the transaxle removed and the seal replaced. The fluid was changed as well as the filter and then shortly afterwards the cars overdrive stopped working. It will shift into overdrive but it will shift right back out when I step…
My transmission developed a bad leak in the front seal. I paid to have the transaxle removed and the seal replaced. The fluid was changed as well as the filter and then shortly afterwards the cars overdrive stopped working. It will shift into overdrive but it will shift right back out when I step on the gas even the least little bit. I could not afford to have it fixed so I put it in drive and drove it for about 3 weeks and yesterday I was doing about 60 and the car shifted into second gear for no reason and then right back into thrid. Then about a half mile later it began shifting from third to second and back over and over. Talk about getting jerked around! It was like someone stepping on the brakes! Now I am on foot and I am on foot and due to our great economy I am out of work for the time being. they should offer a manual transmission on all their cars.
- Wheels › Rim
Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that two front rims cracked. *Ak consumer called ford motor company and said that they won't address the problem because it's not on warranty or recall. however, consumer replaced both rims. *la
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When accelerating consumer had to depress the gas pedal several times to get the vehicle to move. when the vehicle moved the throttle got stuck, and revved very high. dealer informed the consumer that the throttle linkage had a sticking problem. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
While traveling on the highway at approximately 70 mph, the tread on the rear driver's side tire separated rapidly, which resulted in complete destruction of the tire. *ak the wheel well and bumper were damaged as a result of the tire failure. the tire was replaced and it failed again while traveling on the highway. The wheel well and bumper was again damaged. *ph *jb
- Wheels › Rim
Consumer noticed that rear driver's side rim spokes are cracked. vehicle did not hit anything. *ak four spokes were cracked completely threw. Any more and consumer faced loss of wheel from the vehicle. Consumer had the spare put on and rim replaced. Consumer learned a particular dealership…
Consumer noticed that rear driver's side rim spokes are cracked. vehicle did not hit anything. *ak four spokes were cracked completely threw. Any more and consumer faced loss of wheel from the vehicle. Consumer had the spare put on and rim replaced. Consumer learned a particular dealership sells one or more to other customers with the same problem. One particular customer went to the dealership with three defective rims. *ph
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Rear windows do not roll down. Dealer notified.*ak
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
The vehicle experienced the problem as stated in recall # 97 v 204 000, however the vehicle identification was not included in the recall. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Vehicle will not run properly due to the transfer case being defective. There IS a loud noise when driving. Contacted dealer, and the dealer noted that vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Ak *yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Suspension › Front
Right front spindle and knuckle assembly malfunctioned. dealer has been notified. *Ak right front spindle/knuckle assembly was replaced. Right front rotor, inner and outer wheel bearings and seal were all replaced. *tt
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was in a head-on collision and neither of the air bags deployed. Please provide more information.*ak
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft · Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Ford recommends incorrect adjustment of rear brakes, which causes overheating of drums and eventual failure of axle seals, axle bearings, and tire on the rim attached to the brake drum. ford stipulates that brake shoes are to be touching drum when brakes are adjusted. this results in frictional…
Ford recommends incorrect adjustment of rear brakes, which causes overheating of drums and eventual failure of axle seals, axle bearings, and tire on the rim attached to the brake drum. ford stipulates that brake shoes are to be touching drum when brakes are adjusted. this results in frictional heat build-up, and IS likely to be a contributor to tire failures reported with the ford explorer. the ford explorer, aerostar, and ranger all share power train and drive train components. this practice has cost me $000S on my 4 ford aerostars (1989, 1992, 1994, and 1997 model years)
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was slowing down going 35-45mph in the right slow lane. When brakes were applied, vehicle picked up more speed, causing consumer to lose control. Vehicle ran into one of the beams under underpass of the highway. upon impact, front driver's air bag didn't deploy. Consumer's face hit…
Vehicle was slowing down going 35-45mph in the right slow lane. When brakes were applied, vehicle picked up more speed, causing consumer to lose control. Vehicle ran into one of the beams under underpass of the highway. upon impact, front driver's air bag didn't deploy. Consumer's face hit steering. consumer had 16 stiches in bottom lip. consumer had a case, and was not allowed to contact dealer at this time.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When it rains/unable to open door lock from passenger side; unexplained stall check/engine light came on/started with no problem
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump usually does not come on until repeatedly turning ignition on and off, vehicle died twice while driving and would not restart until fuel pump came on, smells like vehicle overheating when it should not be, same problems as described in ford press release regarding recall 99 s 02, taken to (different) dealership for repair, denies problem IS recall related
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer IS able to turn igintion and start vehicle without key in it, causing a saftey hazard.*ak
- Interior lighting · Structure › Body › Door
When sliding door too close it will not connect and lock, light stays on because door IS not shut all the way. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Consumer took vehicle into dealer have recall 00v425000/ accelerator cable repaired. dealer told her they were not aware of this recall notice and refused to perform work.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
There is no summary currently available
- Transfer cases and rear driveshaft
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090136During extreme cold ambient temperatures and under certain driving conditions, moisture in the crankcase may enter the pcv system, freeze and cause presure in the engine crankcase. The pcv fitting in the upper intake manifold may freeze or the fresh air line may become blocked. It IS also possible, but less likely, that ice may build up on the throttle plate or the throttle body and cause throttle sticking.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637922Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2ND gear, no 3RD gear, no engine braking in manual 1ST and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements.
- 637755Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio).
- 635998Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 627752Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / onnecting rod bearing knock.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 613621Information regarding pump alignment tools. **Mr
- 613023This bulletin contains service tips when servicing any brake related roughness / pull concerns.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608921Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607372Information regarding transfer case rear housing and driveshaft replacement.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606461Ford motor company has released a private labeled material to be used for iron particle / acid rain service repairs.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 606419Subject regarding door trim panel replacement - service tip.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 605190Information on servicing oil pan gasket leaks.
- 604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms).
Every Ford Aerostar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.