Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Ford Aerostar electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford Aerostar has 104 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 32% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
104
Electrical System complaints
32%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, LIKE ELECTRICAL WIRING. VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE ON WAY HOME. AFTER PARKING VEHICLE, LIFTED HOOD & NOTICED SPARKS & THEN FLAMES. EXTINGUISHER DIDN'T PUT FLAMES OUT. UNHOOKED BATTERY CABLES AT PRIVATE MECHANIC & INFORMED WAS ALTERNATOR & WRONG WIRES USED. ALTERNATOR &…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford Aerostar have?
NHTSA has 104 complaints about the 1989 Ford Aerostar electrical system — 32% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford Aerostar electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.