Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 98 of 114 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
43 complaint records38 fire reports
"VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH FIRE SPREADING TO THE DASHBOARD. *AK *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
24 complaint records12 fire reports
"WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE OR PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE STALLS. THE TFI MODULE WAS REPLACED LAST ON 9/5/97.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Seat belts
19 complaint records1 crash report
"OWNER STATES THAT THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ELT IN MIDDLE OF THE REAR BENCH SEAT DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TENSION TO HOLD HER CHILD IN PLACE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seat belts parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA94025 opened Jul 1994 | closed Sep 1997 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| PE94021 opened Mar 1994 | closed Jul 1994 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| PE91127 opened Sep 1991 | closed Nov 1991 | Power Train | PARK PAWL BENDING - led to recall 91V189001 There is no summary currently available |
| EA91015 opened Feb 1991 | closed Sep 1991 | Structure | LIFTGATE FAILURE - led to recall 91V136000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE91005 opened Oct 1990 | closed Feb 1991 | Structure | LIFTGATE FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
Show 15 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA90042 opened Aug 1990 | closed Dec 1991 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE STICKING There is no summary currently available |
| PE90072 opened Apr 1990 | closed Jun 1990 | Suspension | LOWER CNTRL ARM FRACTURE There is no summary currently available |
| EA89032 opened Aug 1989 | closed Apr 1990 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT FRAYING - led to recall 89V226000 SUMMARY:COMPLAINTS OF CUTTING AND FRAYING OF SEAT BELT ON SHARP METALEDGE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.EDGE IS UNPROTECTED ON 86'S COVEREDON LATER MODELS.ALL COMPLAINTS ON 86'S AND 87'S (1 COMPLAINT ON 87MODEL).UPGRADE ON 1986 AND 1987 MODELS.=== |
| EA89021 opened Mar 1989 | closed May 1990 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR === |
| PE89092 opened Feb 1989 | closed Jul 1989 | Steering | POWER STEERING LOCKING SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT POWER STEERING WAS STIFF ORSTEERING LOCKED.FORD HAS ISSUED TWO SERVICE BULLETINS:ONE ON LEAKINGSEALS AND ONE ON COMPLAINTS OF STIFF STEERING.=== |
| PE89021 opened Dec 1988 | closed Aug 1989 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT CUTTING There is no summary currently available |
| PE89010 opened Nov 1988 | closed Mar 1989 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR There is no summary currently available |
| EA88041 opened Sep 1988 | closed May 1990 | Vehicle Speed Control | FILLER PIPE SEAL - led to recall 90V021000 === |
| EA88033 opened May 1988 | closed Jan 1989 | Electrical System | UNDER SEAT FIRES - led to recall 88V145000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE88048 opened Apr 1988 | closed Sep 1988 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL LEAKAGE BRIEFING: I. WHAT IS THE DEFECT? II. SOURCE/ORIGIN OF THE DEFECT?III. DATA ANALYSIS. IV. FORD'S POSITION.V. DESIGN CHANGES? VI. RECOMMENDATIONS.=== |
| EA88030 opened Apr 1988 | closed Jul 1988 | Electrical System | ELECTRICAL FIRES - led to recall 88V091000 There is no summary currently available |
| EA88028 opened Mar 1988 | closed Jul 1989 | Structure | DOOR FALLS OFF There is no summary currently available |
| PE88026 opened Feb 1988 | closed Apr 1988 | Vehicle Speed Control | CRNKSHFT PULLEY BOLT FAILR There is no summary currently available |
| PE88006 opened Nov 1987 | closed Apr 1988 | Vehicle Speed Control | FIRES SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INFORMATION PROVIDED BY FORDDISCLOSED 8 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS OF 10 FIRES IN THE LEFT D-PILLAR AREAOF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NO COLLISION ACCIDENTS WERE REPORTED, BUT EACHINCIDENT INVOLVED PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO... |
| PE87052 opened Sep 1987 | closed Mar 1988 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | REAR BRAKE LOCKUP ANALYSIS:THE SIX REPORTS ALLEGE THAT WHILE ENGAGING IN NORMAL DRIVING ONDRY PAVEMENT, BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONALSTABILITY AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.FOUR INJURY ACCIDENTS HAVE RESULTED,WITH THREE OCCURRENCES OF VEHICLE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91V136000 | Structure | SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION. | Normally free |
| 89V226000 | Seat Belts | 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. | Normally free |
| 88V091000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 87V139000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991119 1991-08-27 | Structure | 13,298 | THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE. IF A BALL STUD FRACTURES, THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT REMAIN IN THE OPEN POSITION. BODILY INJURY COULD RESULT IF THE LIFTGATE DROPS WHILE SOMEONE IS UNDER IT. |
| 1989174 1989-12-13 | Seats And Restraints | 9,107 | THE WEBBING OF THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELTS MAY BECOME ABRADED OR CUT DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE OUTBOARD SEAT BACK PIVOT HINGE. CORRECTION: A PLASTIC COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE PIVOT HINGE TO PREVENT ABRASION. |
| 1988088 1988-06-23 | Electrical | 3,626 | THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL TRAILER TOW PACKAGE. THE TAILLIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WIRES THAT ARE OF A SMALLER GAUGE THAN THE FUSE LINK WHICH IS PROTECTING THE CIRCUIT. |
| 1987098 1987-09-09 | Fuel System | 295,731 | ON VEHICLES WITH EFI OR CFI, THE SPRING-LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING USED TO CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES TO THE EFI FUEL RAILS OR TO THE CFI THROTTLE BODIES AS WELL AS OTHER FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS NEAR THE DASH PANELS ON SOME... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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 | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS |
Show 23 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A52 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS SERVICE TIPS WHEN SERVICING ANY BRAKE RELATED ROUGHNESS / PULL CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 9832 Feb 1998 | Structure | FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS MADE OF XENOY PLASTIC HAVE HAD THE CONDUCTIVE PRIMER REMOVED FROM SERVICE PARTS. *YC | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9747 Feb 1997 | Structure | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 962617 Dec 1996 | Service Brakes | BRAKES - BRAKE SERVICE - SERVICE TIPS. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| 95161 Aug 1995 | Structure | SHEET METAL-ROOF PANEL AND DRIP RAIL REPLACEMENT- SEAM SEALER APPLICATION PROCEDURE.*SD | |
| 951612 Aug 1995 | Structure | DOOR-REPLACEMENT SLIDING - SERVICE TIP. *SD | |
| 94249 Nov 1994 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR GLASS TIPPING AND BINDING DURING DOWNWARD TRAVEL. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Aerostar →