1989 Ford Aerostar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 8%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 173,186miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Ford Aerostar, 8% of the 260 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 173,186 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The consumer stated that back in 1998 she had a accident with her Ford Aerostar. She stated that when she pulled into a parking space and hit the brakes, the vehicle surged forward and hit a building. She said she had the vehicle towed to the dealer who stated that they thought the problem was a faulty idle air control. She said it was repaired and she took the part and sent it to the manufacturer. Now the problem has come up again and she was asked to be a witness, because someone was killed, when their vehicle did the same thing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10097085, filed 2004-11, 102,371 miles“The alternator failed short circuit. Massive amounts of current passed from the battery through the alternator, which burst into flames. The fault caused the engine to stall due to lack of ignition and it was extremely difficult to steer and stop the vehicle as a result of loss of power steering and power brakes. Smoke was pouring from the front of the vehicle. When I managed to stop and open the hood, the alternator, which was glowing red inside, burst into flames and set fire to cables and rubber hoses around it. I received burns to my hands trying to put the fire out. …”
NHTSA complaint #757273, filed 2002-01“The master cylinder failed on this vehicle while driving. It failed in a way that is extremly dangerous. The brakes applied themselves causing the car to stop immideatly on the road. If the failure would have occured on wet pavement there would have beeen an accident. I looked for any recalls and can't find one. The public must be informed of such a potentialy lethal situation. When I say the brakes applied themselves, I mean this Aerostar stopped rapidly and without any warning. Talking to another driver of the Aerostar it has done this on numerous occasions. …”
NHTSA complaint #719334, filed 2000-02“Had shifted into drive & took foot off brake,vehicle went full throttle in parking lot. Hit pillar. Had failed to stop when brakes were applied. Intermittent problem. Taking vehicle to dealer. The problem occured again but the dealer says the problem could not be duplicated.”
NHTSA complaint #844032, filed 1999-08“Brakes grabbing whenever the weather condition leaves moisture or wet weather . Dealer notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. Nhtsa recall # 98e- 010. Also consumer was told I vehicle did not fall under that recall.”
NHTSA complaint #828260, filed 1998-09Brakes: 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 1989 Ford Aerostar
91 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsSeat belts
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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