1989 Ford Aerostar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 91about this part
- Share
- 35%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 181,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 91 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Aerostar, 35% of the 260 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 181,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 65 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.
“My Ford Aerostar caught fire last night for no apparent reason. My daughter had returned from school and parked it in the driveway. Approximately 2 hours later, a neighbor rang the door bell and frantically said your van is on fire . We called 911 and the fire department was there within 3 minutes to put it out.”
NHTSA complaint #10169816, filed 2006-10, 155,000 miles“Dt: the contact received NHTSA recall 96v071000 concerning the ignition switch. When he contacted Ford, they could not find the VIN. This started a couple of months ago. The switch started to come apart, causing the vehicle not to start. He repaired it himself, and it is currently working. Updated 12/27/2005.”
NHTSA complaint #10140845, filed 2005-10, 208,000 miles“The vehicle was driven home from work (aprox 10 min drive) and parked for about 10 minutes when my son noticed the van was on fire, flames were coming out the front thru the radiator opening, by the time the fire dept arrived, the entire front of the van was engulfed in flames. The front of the van is now unrecognizable and a total loss. In additon, we lost several hundred dollars in personal effects.”
NHTSA complaint #719862, filed 2000-03“The vehicle was parked for approximately 30 minutes. It had been running perfectly well. I noticed a minor triple click noise when I turned off the ignition but didn't think much of anything of it. After sitting off for 30-45 minutes, the vehicle was in flames having started from somewhere in the front of the vehicle. This appears to be consistent with reports of the ignition switch issue. We were not aware of the recall prior to looking for it after our vehicle was destroyed. …”
NHTSA complaint #761574, filed 2002-05“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 2002-01Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
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 1989 Ford Aerostar
54 complaintsSeat belts
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsBrakes
20 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 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