Ford Aerostar Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Ford Aerostar model year (1986–1997) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Ford Aerostar Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 91 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Problem score: 112
3 recalls · 52 complaints
16 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Problem score: 98
5 recalls · 63 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Problem score: 92
Best Ford Aerostar Years to Buy
4 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 12
4 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Problem score: 18
5 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Problem score: 30
Found the right year? Verify that specific Aerostar with a free VIN report.
Ford Aerostar — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 12 | Good |
| 1996 | 4 | 4 | 1 | — | 18 | Good |
| 1995 | 5 | 13 | 1 | — | 30 | Good |
| 1994 | 4 | 35 | 11 | — | 69 | Caution |
| 1993 | 3 | 91 | 6 | — | 112 | Avoid |
| 1992 | 3 | 52 | 16 | 1 | 98 | Avoid |
| 1991 | 4 | 59 | 3 | — | 77 | Avoid |
| 1990 | 5 | 63 | 7 | — | 92 | Avoid |
| 1989 | 4 | 60 | 5 | — | 82 | Avoid |
| 1988 | 3 | 48 | — | — | 57 | Caution |
| 1987 | 5 | 36 | — | — | 51 | Caution |
| 1986 | 9 | 17 | — | — | 44 | Caution |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Ford Aerostar Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Aerostar models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Aerostar should I avoid?+
Avoid the 1993 Ford Aerostar if possible. It has 3 recalls, 91 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 112 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Aerostar to buy?+
The 1997 Ford Aerostar is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 12. It has only 4 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Aerostar has the fewest problems?+
The 1997, 1996, 1995 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Ford Aerostar Research
Check a Specific Ford Aerostar VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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