25 of the 328 complaints about the 1989 Ford Aerostar are about the braking system — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 173,185 miles.
25
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINE NEXT TO GAS TANK FAILED ON HIGHWAY, BRAKING ABILITY WAS GREATLY REDUCED.
NHTSA complaint #10164625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT BACK IN 1998 SHE HAD A ACCIDENT WITH HER FORD AEROSTAR. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HIT THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND HIT A BUILDING. SHE SAID SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY IDLE AIR CONTROL. SHE SAID IT WAS REPAIRED AND SHE TOOK THE PART AND SENT IT TO THE MANUFACTURER. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS COME UP AGAIN AND SHE WAS ASKED TO BE A WITNESS, BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS KILLED, WHEN THEIR VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING. *JB IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE AIR BY PASS VALVE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ONE OF FORD'S PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10097085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
THE ALTERNATOR FAILED SHORT CIRCUIT. MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF CURRENT PASSED FROM THE BATTERY THROUGH THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FAULT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL DUE TO LACK OF IGNITION AND IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND STOP THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. SMOKE WAS POURING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I MANAGED TO STOP AND OPEN THE HOOD, THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH WAS GLOWING RED INSIDE, BURST INTO FLAMES AND SET FIRE TO CABLES AND RUBBER HOSES AROUND IT. I RECEIVED BURNS TO MY HANDS TRYING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. LUCKY FOR ME ANOTHER MOTORIST STOPPED AND HE HAD AN EXTINGUISHER. I HAVE NOW HAD TWO FIRES OF THIS TYPE, ONE ON EACH OF MY VEHICLES. YESTERDAY I WENT TO AN ALTERNATOR REMANUFACTURING COMPANY HERE IN MONTERREY, AND THE MANGER TOLD ME THAT HE HAS HAD FIVE ENGINE BAY FIRES IN AEROSTAR MINIVANS IN RECENT MONTHS. IN THE 'GOOD OLD DAYS' UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A FUSIBLE LINK BETWEEN THE ALTERNATOR CHARGING LINE AND THE BATTERY + TERMINAL. THERE SHOULD BE A FUSE IN THIS CIRCUIT BECAUSE IT IS CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE BATTERY!! NOT ONLY IS THE FIRE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK IN THE EVENT OF THIS FAULT, THAT THE OVERLOAD ON THE BATTERY WILL CAUSE IT TO BURST, SHOWERING EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE AROUND IT WITH HOT SULFURIC ACID. PLEASE NOTE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN THE USA I AM CURRENTLY LIVING IN MONTERREY, MEXICO. MY PHONE IS 01152-8-349-7152 AND EMAIL IS OLDVINYL@HOTMAIL.COM.
NHTSA complaint #757273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MASTERCYLINDER LEAKING, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE, THE DATE OF THIS AEROSTAR FALL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #9004862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
EXCELLERATED AT HIGH SPEED THROWING DRIVER BACKWARD IN BELTED SEAT, HAD TO STRUGGLE TO BRAKE
NHTSA complaint #9000950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. IT FAILED IN A WAY THAT IS EXTREMLY DANGEROUS. THE BRAKES APPLIED THEMSELVES CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IMMIDEATLY ON THE ROAD. IF THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURED ON WET PAVEMENT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEEN AN ACCIDENT. I LOOKED FOR ANY RECALLS AND CAN'T FIND ONE. THE PUBLIC MUST BE INFORMED OF SUCH A POTENTIALY LETHAL SITUATION. WHEN I SAY THE BRAKES APPLIED THEMSELVES, I MEAN THIS AEROSTAR STOPPED RAPIDLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. TALKING TO ANOTHER DRIVER OF THE AEROSTAR IT HAS DONE THIS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION I HAVE EVER HEARD OF. I HOPE THIS LETTER ISN'T THROWN AWAY BEFORE IT'S READ. I AM ALSO TRYING TO CONTACT FORD TO UNDERSTAND WHY DRIVERS AND OWNERS OF THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE HAVEN'T BEEN WARNED. THANKS RICHARD.
NHTSA complaint #719334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
HAD SHIFTED INTO DRIVE & TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE,VEHICLE WENT FULL THROTTLE IN PARKING LOT. HIT PILLAR. HAD FAILED TO STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK THE PROBLEM OCCURED AGAIN BUT THE DEALER SAYS THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED.
NHTSA complaint #844032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #543498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLS. ALSO, VEHICLE GETS STUCK WHEN CHANGING GEARS. BRAKES MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE ,AND THE CONSUMER HAD BRAKES REPLACED. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #833359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER REPORTING AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE ACCELERATION INTERMITTENTLY APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS/INSPECTION WAS MADE CONTINUALLY, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER RESOLVED. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CAN SMELL SOMETHING LIKE WIRES BURNING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RADIO, FAN BLOWER, AND DASH LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF, AT TIMES THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK AT ALL, BATTERY FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, LOW OIL SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL BRAKE PROBLEMS, BRAKES PULSATE, MASTER CYLINDER LEAK, PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAK, BRAKES GRAB, AND WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE WAS NOISY, OIL WAS LEAKING FROM BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE, THE THERMOSTAT, GASKET SEAL, MAIN SEAL, REAR MAIN SEAL, PAN GASKET, BELTS, AND OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE LEFT DOOR CORRODED AND RUSTED. FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED, EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, IAC AND THROTTLE BODY WERE REPLACED, CONSUMER STATES SHE WOULD HAVE TO CONSTANTLY KEEP FOOT ON BRAKE DUE TO HIGH RPMS AND LOUD WHINING, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE SUDDENLY IF FOOT WERE OFF THE BRAKE, THERE WERE TIMES WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING VEHICLE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE, FRONT BEARING NEEDED PACKED, RIGHT REAR AXLE WAS LOOSE. DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY WAS OUT, CAUSING A LOUD TICKING AND THUD NOISE. AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR, THE HEATER MODE SELECTOR IS SLOW TO RETURN FROM THE VENT WHEN CHANGED. OUTER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #832189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH TO 60 MPH THERE WAS LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WASN'T PRIOR WARNING AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR SERVICE, AND THE DEALER FIXED THE ROTORS/ BRAKE LINE AND PUT ON NEW PADS. HOWEVER, DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, CABLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED, AND VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #831521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH TO 60 MPH THERE WAS LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WASN'T PRIOR WARNING AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR SERVICE, AND THE DEALER FIXED THE ROTORS/ BRAKE LINE AND PUT ON NEW PADS. HOWEVER, DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, CABLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED, AND VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #831521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH TO 60 MPH THERE WAS LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WASN'T PRIOR WARNING AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR SERVICE, AND THE DEALER FIXED THE ROTORS/ BRAKE LINE AND PUT ON NEW PADS. HOWEVER, DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, CABLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED, AND VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #831521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKES GRABBING WHENEVER THE WEATHER CONDITION LEAVES MOISTURE OR WET WEATHER . DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. NHTSA RECALL # 98E- 010. ALSO CONSUMER WAS TOLD I VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THAT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #828260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE PADS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #516774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #516774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #516759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
OWNER HAS HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES 23 TIMES, AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #507798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
OWNER HAS HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES 23 TIMES, AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #507798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
REPLACED FRONT BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #504960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
POWER BRAKES OPERATE POORLY/FAIL TO LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #490752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILED, CAUSING VAN TO CRASH INTO AN OBJECT. TT
NHTSA complaint #972081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS BRAKE FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #481234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKS BRAKE FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #481234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MASTER/PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #481842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.