1986 Ford Aerostar problems & reliability
53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford Aerostar. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 20 | 38% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 11 | 21% |
| Power Train | 7 | 13% |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 8% |
| Steering | 3 | 6% |
| Equipment | 2 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 2% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The grommet in the fuel tank is leaking. Fuel is escaping from the tank and may cause a fire. There is a constant escape of fuel moving or stationary. Therefore this system will not pass smog because when pressurized, it will not hold air. This is a california requirement. It is also most dangerous. Ford motor co…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Apr 24, 2017
“Transmission was rebuilt 3 years ago at ford dealer, then, in oct 2000 while driving 55 mph transmission went out again. *ak”
Power Train · filed Mar 21, 2001
“When applying gas there is no power, as if vehicle is in neutral. Dealer says the vehicle has the wrong transmission in it. *ak”
Power Train · filed Oct 5, 1999
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- PARK PAWL BENDING
Preliminary Evaluation PE91127 · opened Sep 16, 1991 · closed Nov 8, 1991 · led to recall 91V189001
- LIFTGATE FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA91015 · opened Feb 1, 1991 · closed Sep 20, 1991 · led to recall 91V136000
- LIFTGATE FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE91005 · opened Oct 18, 1990 · closed Feb 1, 1991
- THROTTLE STICKING
Engineering Analysis EA90042 · opened Aug 31, 1990 · closed Dec 31, 1991
- SAFETY BELT FRAYING
Engineering Analysis EA89032 · opened Aug 3, 1989 · closed Apr 5, 1990 · led to recall 89V226000
- WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR
Engineering Analysis EA89021 · opened Mar 23, 1989 · closed May 4, 1990
- POWER STEERING LOCKING
Preliminary Evaluation PE89092 · opened Feb 23, 1989 · closed Jul 20, 1989
- SEAT BELT CUTTING
Preliminary Evaluation PE89021 · opened Dec 9, 1988 · closed Aug 3, 1989
Technical service bulletins
27 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford Aerostar. The 10 most recent:
Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *slc
01157 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc
01156 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
On 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. *tt
01124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2001
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems. *tt
99196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt
99183 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 6, 1999
Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999
Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc
9888 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 27, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1986 Ford Aerostar in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1986 Ford Aerostar?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.