1991 Ford Aerostar Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 22%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Ford Aerostar, 22% of the 223 complaints for this model year. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 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.
“While driving 65 MPH another motorist yelled at the consumer that the van was on fire. The fire appeared to be coming form the middle to the rear. Consumer pulled over, and noticed transmission fluid on the underside of the van. Consumer shut the engine off, and fire went out. A technician examined the van and stated that the transfer case needed to be replaced. Nhtsa recall campaign 99v094000 was issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10073700, filed 2004-05“Consumer was traveling about 75mph on highway when driveshaft bent, causing the failure of the transfer case and transmission. Vehicle was vibrating and there was transmission fluid leaking from underneath vehicle. There were no prior warning. He took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic told him that his vehicle wasn't on recall.”
NHTSA complaint #868915, filed 2000-08“Consumer parked vehicle in the garage, got out and took the key out of the ignition. Accidently, left the gear in reverse. Consumer then leaned against the vehicle and it began rolling backwards. The vehicle hit the side of the carport and stopped. Consumer contacted the dealer and was told that's how the vehicle was designed.”
NHTSA complaint #814621, filed 1997-07“The snap rings in the automatic transmission broke, causing the parts in the transmission to break and may cause an unexpected loss of vehicle control replaced transmission twice. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834135, filed 1999-01“In damp or wet conditions rear brakes will lock up. Taken to dealer numerous times, insisted that this was normal for this vehicle. The transmission will not shift correctly. Up or down shifts between first and second gears is very rough and sloppy. Also, when the weather is cold the transmission refuses to shift into reverse or forward at times. The consumer stated that the transmission was rebuilt at 68,000 by the dealer and within a few months the same problems started up again.”
NHTSA complaint #899966, filed 2001-12Related recalls
- 91V189000Nov 4, 1991When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1989–1991, Ranger 1990–1991, Explorer 1991 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 33% |
| 1999 | 3 | 43% |
| 1997 | 9 | 14% |
| 1996 | 12 | 12% |
| 1995 | 22 | 14% |
| 1994 | 42 | 16% |
| 1993 | 68 | 18% |
| 1992 | 75 | 24% |
| 1991 | 49 | 22% |
| 1990 | 37 | 19% |
| 1989 | 31 | 12% |
| 1988 | 13 | 7% |
| 1987 | 15 | 13% |
| 1986 | 7 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Aerostar
67 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsEquipment
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Ford Aerostar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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