1986 Ford Aerostar Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 300,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 1986 Ford Aerostar, 9% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 300,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. Will not correct this problem. The 9 recalls for this model is on your system.”
NHTSA complaint #10980287, filed 2017-04, 300,000 miles“Had filled vehicle with gasoline. Noticed that the tank had started to leak afterwards. Took vehicle to dealer & had it checked. The mechanic noticed the fuel was leaking from the top of the tank in & around the seam area.”
NHTSA complaint #833818, filed 1999-01“Fuel tank filler pipe failure, insufficient interference fit between fuel tank filler pipe and grommet could result in an inadequate seal allowing fuel to seep.”
NHTSA complaint #967310, filed 1995-06Related recalls
- 90V021000Feb 8, 1990Insufficient interference fit between fuel tank filler pipe and grommet could result in an inadequate seal which could allow fuel to seep from the joint.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1986
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
- 86V123000Sep 2, 1986Fuel tanks may have been scored or penetrated when floor pan mounting holes for the partitions were drilled. Consequence of defect: fuel leakage may occur and…Covers: Ford Aerostar 1986
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 6% |
| 1994 | 20 | 8% |
| 1993 | 11 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 3% |
| 1991 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 28 | 14% |
| 1989 | 54 | 21% |
| 1988 | 53 | 30% |
| 1987 | 7 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Aerostar
20 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Aerostar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology