1989 Ford Aerostar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Ford Aerostar, 2% of the 260 complaints for this model year. 2 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.
“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“Consumer reporting an ongoing problem with engine acceleration intermittently approximately six months. Problem still occurring. Dealer was notified and repairs/inspection was made continually, but the problem was never resolved. Consumer states vehicle is experiencing electrical problems and can smell something like wires burning, consumer states that the radio, fan blower, and dash lights go on and off, at times the radio will not work at all, battery failed and was replaced, low oil sensor failed and was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #832189, filed 1998-12“Power steering fluid is leaking , transmission needed to be replaced and the blower for heat and air conditioner and the rack and pinion steering were bent .”
NHTSA complaint #806299, filed 1996-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 9% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 20 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 5% |
| 1992 | 14 | 4% |
| 1991 | 7 | 3% |
| 1990 | 8 | 4% |
| 1989 | 6 | 2% |
| 1988 | 5 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 3% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Aerostar
91 complaintsFuel system
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 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