1988 Ford Aerostar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 177 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1988 Ford Aerostar, 5% of the 177 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 brake pedal went down when the brake was applied. Also the master cylinder reservoir had to be topped up constantly due to brake fluid dripping from a crack in the brake hose. The mechanic examined a similar Ford Aerostar 1990 and stated that the problem was the same like the 1988 Ford Aerostar.( written in by a proffessional mechanic)”
NHTSA complaint #567440, filed 2002-09“The brakes on our 1988 Ford Aerostar could be deadly. The assembely fails about every 12k-15k miles, and has resulted in one accident, and many skids. In adition, the hydrolic cylinder that holds the rear hatchgate up failed after being lowered. To use the hatchgate, a piece of wood must be utilized.”
NHTSA complaint #710376, filed 1999-08“Emergency brake cable causes brake light to come on due to being out of ajustment, also cable stuck on right rear brake, causing damage to drum/shoes.”
NHTSA complaint #502982, filed 1996-03Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 7 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 17% |
| 1995 | 16 | 10% |
| 1994 | 25 | 10% |
| 1993 | 59 | 16% |
| 1992 | 58 | 18% |
| 1991 | 34 | 15% |
| 1990 | 27 | 14% |
| 1989 | 20 | 8% |
| 1988 | 9 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Aerostar
53 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsSeat belts
28 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 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