1996 Ford Aerostar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Aerostar, 9% of the 104 complaints for this model year.
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 metal portion of power steering fluid return hose and one of the metal lines to the power steering gear box/actuator are mounted in such a manner that they rub together and over time rub away at the metal and develop leaks that cause the power steering fluid to leak out causing a catastrophic failure of the power steering. The only indication of this failure is whining coming from the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #740741, filed 2001-02“While drving van at any speed a grinding noise comes from the right front wheel. When the van was checked by a mechanic the bearing was gone from the spindle. Please list VIN, mileage and dates for other vans.”
NHTSA complaint #842489, filed 1999-07“While backing vehicle out of parking lot, steering wheel broke in driver's hands & fell into driver's lap. Had no control of vehicle. Turned vehicle off & towed to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #845709, filed 1999-08“Driving about 35 MPH when felt a pull to the right. The right spindl/ brake caliper andbrake line broke. Lost control of steering & the brakes. Took to the dealer. Looking at vehicle to determine cause.”
NHTSA complaint #815981, filed 1997-08“The spindle snapped, causing the right front wheel to fly off while driving 65mph. Champion Ford could not duplicate or give a reason why this would happen.”
NHTSA complaint #815835, filed 1997-08Steering: 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 1996 Ford Aerostar
23 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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