1997 Ford Aerostar problems & reliability
63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Aerostar, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. 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.
3 complaints report injuries (8 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 13 | 21% |
| Power Train | 9 | 14% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | 14% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 11% |
| Wheels | 7 | 11% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 6% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 6% |
| Suspension | 4 | 6% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 5% |
| Tires | 3 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Oct 9, 2020
“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…”
Wheels · filed Nov 19, 2014
“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…”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Aug 19, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT
Engineering Analysis EA99002 · opened Jan 7, 1999 · closed Nov 14, 2000 · led to recall 99V094000
- TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVESHAFT
Recall Query RQ98012 · opened Jul 31, 1998 · closed Jan 7, 1999 · led to recall 97V204000
Technical service bulletins
107 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Aerostar. The 10 most recent:
General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 13, 2004
Low 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. *tt
02138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 10, 2003
New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
03148 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2003
Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj
02221 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 11, 2002
Incorrectly 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. *tt
870197 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 22, 2002
Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj
02176 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 2, 2002
Some 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). *tt
15887 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2002
Some 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. *tt
0282 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 29, 2002
Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt
01246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 10, 2001
Some 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. *tt
01197 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2001
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
The 1997 Ford Aerostar has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
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 1997 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.