1997 Ford Aerostar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Aerostar, 11% of the 63 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“Ford recommends incorrect adjustment of rear brakes, which causes overheating of drums and eventual failure of axle seals, axle bearings, and tire on the rim attached to the brake drum. Ford stipulates that brake shoes are to be touching drum when brakes are adjusted. This results in frictional heat build-up, and is likely to be a contributor to tire failures reported with the Ford explorer. The Ford explorer, Aerostar, and ranger all share power train and drive train components. This practice has cost me $000s on my 4 Ford aerostars (1989, 1992, 1994, and 1997 model years)”
NHTSA complaint #754709, filed 2001-11“Consumer experiencing intermittent brake failure. When consumer applied brakes, the pedal would go to the floor without indication or brake pedal would go to the floor. Abs senor light would come on would come on while consumer continued pumping the brakes for vehicle to stop. Dealer notified and unable to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #828006, filed 1998-09“While driving my vehicle the right front wheel bearing experienced a catastrophic failure. This failure resulted in a sudden loss in almost all braking power and loss of front right wheel nearly coming off vehicle. The entire front spindle assembly, brake rotor,and caliperand ball joints were detroyed . Due to the nature of the repair the left front brake rotor, caliper and shoes had to be replaced in order for the vehicle to operate efficiently. …”
NHTSA complaint #740683, filed 2001-02“Right front spindle and knuckle assembly malfunctioned. Dealer has been notified. Right front spindle/knuckle assembly was replaced. Right front rotor, inner and outer wheel bearings and seal were all replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8005538, filed 2002-03“Consumer experiencing excessive wear of the front brake pads and shoes/ rotors due a malfunction within the rear brake adjusters. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further information on other complaints.”
NHTSA complaint #827610, 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 1997 Ford Aerostar
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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