MotorDeets

1991 Ford Aerostar: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 Ford Aerostar: 3 recalls, 223 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
223owner complaints
23mention a crash
19best combined mpg
1991 Ford Aerostar
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V164000 · 1991 · 4,842 vehicles

What's wrong: Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.

Why it matters: Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.

The fix: Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #91V189000 · 1991 · 792,000 vehicles

What's wrong: When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.

Why it matters: Driver May believe the vehicle is safely engaged in parkwhen the gear is not truly engaged. This can lead to the vehicle jumping out ofgear unintentionally, vehicle rollaway when parked on a sloped surface, andinadvertent motion when the vehicle is started. All of these conditions canresult in a…

The fix: Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.

Electrical Vehicle recall #96V071000 · 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles

What's wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

Why it matters: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.

The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (air) Equipment recall #98E010000 · 1998 · 23,500 vehicles

What's wrong: Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain Ford and Mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.

Why it matters: Loss of braking can result.

The fix: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed for replacement.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 69 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Electrical67
Transmission & drivetrain49
Brakes (hydraulic)31
Speed control / throttle23
Equipment14
Engine & cooling13
Body & structure9
Steering7

What owners describe

The 1991 Ford Aerostar has 223 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 Aerostar model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 155). Complaints peaked in 1996 (59 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 127,705 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (195 complaints, 6 recalls), 1992 (317 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive172219Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Regular
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152117Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Ford Aerostar.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1991 Ford Aerostar manual

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FAQ

Does the 1991 Ford Aerostar have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Ford Aerostar, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1991 Ford Aerostar problems?

Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (67), transmission & drivetrain (49), brakes (hydraulic) (31).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Ford Aerostar get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1991 Ford Aerostar repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Aerostar years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000