1987 Ford Aerostar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 32%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Ford Aerostar, 32% of the 114 complaints for this model year. 32 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Had service done on vehicle & replaced the old battery. Was driving when smoke started under the hood. Pulled over & parked. Lifted hood & noticed fire under the hood. Fire department called & put flames out. Had indicated it was electrical wiring for the alternator. The insurance inspector checked vehicle out & indicated wires to alternator burned & totaled out vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #843448, filed 1999-07“We have had the control module replaced a minimum of 5 time (receipts on hand), each time the van stalls out while driving. This has caused many near crashes and much fustration only the alertness that the van stalls prevented any bodily harm. Several Ford dealerships deny any problem with the control module on this van and no recalls for this problem. The part has been replaced by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #732476, filed 2000-09“Parked vehicle funny odor and vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood. Consumer had driven vehicle approximately 1 mile and smelled an odor, she thought her brakes were hot, consumer then pulled to the curb, while consumer was calling for a tow truck the vehicle caught fire, consumer contacted manufacturer but they were unwilling to help.”
NHTSA complaint #986258, filed 1996-06“While driving smelled something burning. Pulled over and lifted up hood. Noticed flames coming from steering wheel wiring. Before fire was extinguished, entire engine compartment was in flames. Front of vehicle/ inside and outside was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #896109, filed 2001-09“Parked vehicle at home and smelled smoke, consumer stated that it was a fire under the hood. The radiator hose burst and put out the fire. The wires were damaged. Had vehcle towed to a mechanic, but it was too much damage for the mechanic to repair. Consumer has contacted the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #814524, filed 1997-07Related recalls
- 88V091000Jun 6, 1988Vehicles equipped with trailer tow package have a trailer taillight relay assembly that contains wires of smaller gauge than the fuse link which protects the…Covers: Ford Aerostar 1986–1988
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 13 | 21% |
| 1996 | 12 | 12% |
| 1995 | 37 | 24% |
| 1994 | 69 | 27% |
| 1993 | 99 | 26% |
| 1992 | 64 | 20% |
| 1991 | 67 | 30% |
| 1990 | 56 | 29% |
| 1989 | 91 | 35% |
| 1988 | 46 | 26% |
| 1987 | 36 | 32% |
| 1986 | 20 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1987 Ford Aerostar
23 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Ford Aerostar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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