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1997 Ford Aerostar problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Ford Aerostar is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Aerostar model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
62
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
107
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
15-17mpg

The worst 1997 Ford Aerostar problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    13
  • Acceleration
    9
  • Transmission
    9
  • Brakes
    7
  • Wheels
    7

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    13
  • Acceleration
    9
  • Transmission
    9
  • Brakes
    7
  • Wheels
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Locks
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 3

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported December 26, 2000 · 36,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with 3.0l engines. An accelerator cable was kinked during installation, causing the core wires to eventually fray.
Risk
This could increase the friction in the cable, causing the throttle to be slow to return to idle. This condition could result in a stuck throttle.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new accelerator cable.

Recall number 00V425000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported February 9, 1999 · 762,201 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles were produced with a higher than specified electrical load through the accessory power feed circuit. The potential for contact between the b2 (battery), a2 (accessory), and p1 (proof) circuits can occur, creating a short circuit, allowing current to flow through the ground wire.
Risk
This can cause over heating and the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all a2 accessories through the relay.

Recall number 99V029000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported November 13, 1997 · 75,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: all wheel drive passenger minivans. These vehicles can develop powertrain bending resonance or transfer case output shaft bushing displacement. The powertrain bending resonance or the output shaft bushing displacement can result in structural failure of the transmission and/or transfer case. Fluid explusion, driveshaft separation or loss of vehicle drive can result.
Risk
This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, and, if the expelled fluid contacts the exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.

Recall number 97V204000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1997 Ford Aerostar

Defect investigations

Transfer cases and rear drive shaftOpened January 7, 1999, closed November 14, 2000

There is no summary currently available

EA99002

Transfer cases and rear driveshaftOpened July 31, 1998, closed January 7, 1999

There is no summary currently available

RQ98012

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Ford Aerostar 107

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 107 bulletins for the 1997 Ford Aerostar

1997 Ford Aerostar fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD1521-2217
4.0L 6‑cylRWD152017
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD131715

What 1997 Ford Aerostar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 9, 2020 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · GA

I found two incomplete recalls. I called the dealer 9/28/2020 at [xxx] and spoke to [xxx]. She put the VIN in her system, saw the two recalls and said the parts would be ordered. No response. I call [xxx] 10/5/2020 at the same number and she said about the same thing. Then I called 10/8/2020 and another service advisor printed out the issue with my phone number [xxx] and said [xxx] would call me after lunch. No response. I tried calling the ford customer service 800 392-3673 and after pressing '#' for two commercials, the recorder hung up. The vehicle has been running fine, but these are two recalls that are concerns. (00s56 & 99s02). Thank you very much. [xxx]augusta, ga information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Engine, Wheels · 100,000 miles · FL

I was given this van with a handicapped lift as a present from some people at our church. Ever since I got it the engine light has been on. I've had it checked several times but no one seems to know how to fix it. Another problem I've been having is that the left front tire wears out more quickly than the other three. We've had it balanced several times but we still have that problem even with new tires. Since I am handicapped and use an electric wheelchair if a tire blows out I may not be able to get out using the ramp lift that was installed and the same applies to the engine. How do I know if the engine has something wrong with it if the light is on all the time?

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 48,000 miles · 00

Note: I wish I had found this site years ago. I could not get past fords "brick wall" to speak to an engineer! 1. 1997 aerostar - accelerator pedal was pressed down quickly to pass (2 lane highway). 2. Now in the left lane, not far ahead of passed the car - I experrienced a complete loss of power - hard right over to soft shoulder - avoided an oncoming head on collision - l just missed the car being passed by inches and stopped. The crimped end of cable to the carburator had released from the accelerator pedal. 3. I clamped the cable back onto the pedal with vice grips. (drove to dealer). Ford replaced the cable. That problem has not happened again. (I do not press down hard either!)

Filed Jun 26, 2009 · Wheels · 180,000 miles · CA

Observed full crack on aluminum wheel rim spoke. This is standard aluminum wheel from manufacturer. Serious safety issue. This problem same as http://www.motorbeat.com/complaint/438440/. *tr this is the second rim that this problem has occurred. Another rim failed in the same manner one year ago. Replaced.

Filed Mar 27, 2008 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

Need to know were to start to get all the problems on my van taken care of all the recalls, of power train the electrical and whatever else was reported to me on my report of the recalls on this 1997 areostar van thank you maryjean.

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Locks · 99,000 miles · MA · 1 injury

1997 aerostar rear hatch: 1 of 2 anchor studs which support the tail hatch pneumatic spring (vehicle body end) broke, allowing the hatch to immediately fall on to operator. Although there are 2 pneumatic supports, 1 is insuffcient to support the weight of the hatch. Similar experience with 1994 model.

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA · fire

My 1997 ford aero star van produced a puff of smoke from the steering column near the ignition switch. I took it to my mechanic whom checked the recall notices and found one resulting in an electrical overload short circuit and overheating in the steering column electrical components. When the key was turned off it subsides. Since this occurrence the instrument panel has not worked and blew all fuses, the fuel pump does not turn on with the key after multiple attempts it engages some times. The ford dealer did the recall work but did not fix or examine the steering column or the components that burned or over heated as a result of the overload. [xxx] updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed May 21, 2004 · Wheels · SC

Consumer's husband discovered that one of the rims had cracked in three places. *la another rim was found with cracks in three places as well. *sc

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Wheels · 74,000 miles · WI

Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that two front rims cracked. *ak consumer called ford motor company and said that they won't address the problem because it's not on warranty or recall. However, consumer replaced both rims.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 132,000 miles · LA

My transmission developed a bad leak in the front seal. I paid to have the transaxle removed and the seal replaced. The fluid was changed as well as the filter and then shortly afterwards the cars overdrive stopped working. It will shift into overdrive but it will shift right back out when I step on the gas even the least little bit. I could not afford to have it fixed so I put it in drive and drove it for about 3 weeks and yesterday I was doing about 60 and the car shifted into second gear for no reason and then right back into thrid. Then about a half mile later it began shifting from third to second and back over and over. Talk about getting jerked around! It was like someone stepping on the brakes! Now I am on foot and I am on foot and due to our great economy I am out of work for the time being. They should offer a manual transmission on all their cars.

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Questions about the 1997 Ford Aerostar

Is the 1997 Ford Aerostar reliable?

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 1997 Ford Aerostar, fewer than a typical Aerostar model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Aerostar?

Electrical system, with 13 complaints. Next is acceleration (9).

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Aerostar have?

3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, electrical system and power train.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Aerostar electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V029000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Aerostar have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Aerostar model years with the most electrical complaints are 1993 (99 complaints), 1994 (69 complaints) and 1991 (67 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Aerostar get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Ford Aerostar range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 21-22 highway.

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