Most common 1997 Ford Aerostar problems
Share of the 63 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Aerostar complaints by model year
Best Aerostar years: 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Ford Aerostar recalls (3)
Vehicle speed control › Cables
Vehicle description: minivans equipped with 3.0l engines. An accelerator cable was kinked during installation, causing the core wires to eventually fray.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new accelerator cable.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all a2 accessories through the relay.
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new transfer case rear output shaft bushing and an aluminum driveshaft will be installed.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 Ford Aerostar:
Transfer cases and rear driveshaft
There is no summary currently available
Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
There is no summary currently available
What 1997 Ford Aerostar owners say
Electrical system
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. [redacted] updated 07/19/2012
I found two incomplete recalls. I called the dealer 9/28/2020 at [redacted] and spoke to [redacted]. She put the VIN in her system, saw the two recalls and said the parts would be ordered. No response. I call [redacted] 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 [redacted] and said [redacted] would call me after lunch. No response. I tried calling the Ford customer service [phone] 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. [redacted]augusta, ga
Wheels & tires
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?
Consumer noticed that rear driver's side rim spokes are cracked. Vehicle did not hit anything. Four spokes were cracked completely threw. Any more and consumer faced loss of wheel from the vehicle. Consumer had the spare put on and rim replaced. Consumer learned a particular dealership sells one or more to other customers with the same problem. One particular customer went to the dealership with three defective rims.
Speed control & acceleration
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!)
Consumer started vehicle, pressed brakes, went to reverse and vehicle accellerated at high speed, racing 100 feet down the driveway, across the road, jumped a curve and tore down appprox. 70 ft. Of chainlink fence. The pipe from fence broke back window of vehicle ,pertruding through hitting consumer on head, then broken windshield extended about 40 ft. Outside of windshield. Through all of this, consumer still had foot on the brakes, the vehicle did not stop untill fence was caught up under vehicle. Consumer suffers a swollen foot due to pressure applied to brakes.
1997 Ford Aerostar engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Aerostar a good car?
Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Aerostar rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Aerostar at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Aerostar?
The electrical system — 13 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the wheels & tires (10) and speed control & acceleration (9).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Aerostar have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Ford Aerostar, the most recent from December 26, 2000 (cables). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Aerostar?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1996. See the full Ford Aerostar years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Aerostar problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 99,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.