1988 Ford Aerostar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%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 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 Ford Aerostar, 7% of the 177 complaints for this model year. 4 a fire, 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.
“Ongoing problem with various parts: 1.) heater core failed to put out proper heat in rear of vehicle, and air caused the rear window to fog up. 2.) engine has an acceleration problem within seconds while running before it picks up speed, and 3.) windshield wipers fail to operate. Dealer notified and refused to correct problem unless cost goes to consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #852043, filed 1999-10“Vehicle was overheating, dealer recommended to replace motor, after motor was replaced, consumer took vehicle to another dealer who said the replacement motor was no good, they would not put a better motor in and consumer wants reimbursed.”
NHTSA complaint #555304, filed 2000-10“While van was parked it caught on fire and burned. The fire burned the engine compartment and the front interior. The fire was put out by the fire department. The van was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #836754, filed 1999-05Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
| 1999 | 2 | 29% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 7% |
| 1994 | 22 | 9% |
| 1993 | 27 | 7% |
| 1992 | 26 | 8% |
| 1991 | 13 | 6% |
| 1990 | 16 | 8% |
| 1989 | 23 | 9% |
| 1988 | 13 | 7% |
| 1987 | 23 | 20% |
| 1986 | 11 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Aerostar
53 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsSeat belts
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBrakes
9 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 29, 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