Model year record

1990 Ford Aerostar recalls & problems

The 1990 Ford Aerostar has 7 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (61 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints195filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 57reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths20 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineAug 11, 1998

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 98V190000140,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA (10 SOUTHERN COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, SAN BERNADINO, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, VENTURA, SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, IMPERIAL, AND KERN), FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA (CLARK COUNTY), OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TEXAS, AND IN THE U.S. TERRITORIES COVERED BY THE FEDERAL STATUTES. THE UPPER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK CAN DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO VERY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. FUEL VAPOR OR LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AT THESE CRACKS.
Risk: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002. THIS COVERAGE WILL ONLY BE FOR STRUCTURAL CRACKS AT THE TOP OF THE TANK AND WILL NOT INCLUDE OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT OR ROAD DEBRIS.

Service brakes, airApr 8, 1998

Disc › Rotor

Recall 98E01000023,500 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
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.

Electrical systemApr 25, 1996

Ignition

Recall 96V0710007,900,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Power trainNov 4, 1991

Automatic transmission

Recall 91V189000792,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Risk: 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 VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.

Seat beltsSep 20, 1991

Front › Anchorage

Recall 91V1640004,842 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Risk: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
Fix: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.

SeatsAug 6, 1990

Front assembly › Recliner

Recall 90V14400014,300 vehicles

Problem: THE SECOND ROW RIGHT HAND SEAT ASSEMBLY HAS A TILT FORWARD FUNCTION. A LATCH RETAINS THE SEAT IN THE NORMAL RIDE POSTION, AND THIS LATCH MAY RELEASE UNDER SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT CONDITIONS, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO PIVOT FORWARD.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT COULD PIVOTFORWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Fix: REPLACE SEAT PAWL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED DESIGN ASSEMBLY.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 11, 1989

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 89V22300030,000 vehicles

Problem: INABILITY TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE IN THE SECONDARY SYSTEM OF THE MASTER CYLINDER (CONTROLS BRAKING OF REAR WHEELS) COULD INCREASE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND REDUCE BRAKE PERFORMANCE AT TEMPERATURES LESS THAN 40 DEGREES.
Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS ANDINCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR COLLISION.
Fix: INSTALL NEW DESIGN MASTER CYLINDER INCORPORATING A REDESIGNED SEAL.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Aerostar Van

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Aerostar Van

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Aerostar Van

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Aerostar Wagon

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Aerostar Wagon

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Aerostar Van AWD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Aerostar Wagon

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Aerostar Wagon AWD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	61	0	49	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch	37	8	1	4	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Master cylinder	35	8	0	5	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	29	1	8	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Fuel injection system	26	0	3	0	—
Vehicle speed controlLinkages; Accelerator pedal	17	13	0	14	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	8	0	2	0	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	8	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor	6	0	1	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut	4	0	1	0	—
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing; Front › Shock absorber	4	0	0	1	—
Tires	4	0	0	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed controlCrash
1990 FORD AEROSTAR. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN ACCELERATION NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO, THAT CAUSED OVER $1,000 IN DAMAGE. TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. *JB
Jun 13, 1991
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
1990 FORD AEROSTAR HAD CRACK IN FUEL TANK CAUSING CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE TANK. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN DEC 1998 REGARDING THE GAS TANK, HOWEVER AT THE TIME HE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER IS NOW REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE GAS TANK THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE. *JB
Oct 4, 2005 · 142,143 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
MY 1990 FORD AEROSTAR WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. THE FUMES WOULD OVERCOME YOU WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE VAN SAT FOR A SHORT TIME GAS WOULD BE ALL OVER THE GROUND FROM THE LEAK. I PAID A FORD DEALER TO REPLACE THE TANK NOT KNOWING THERE WAS A RECALL. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WAS IMPORTANT ENOUGH THAT I PAID THIS MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET. NOW FORD IS TELLING ME THAT MY VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. SO I AM NOT EVEN ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU CARING FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVERS. *NM THE ASSIGNED IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V-190000 FORD RECALL NO. 98M03. *TT THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CRACKED GAS TANK. FORD WILL NOT…
Nov 8, 2002
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
Oct 1, 2004
Unknown or other
CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION ON WHETHER OR NOT THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR VAN. *MR THE RECALLS ARE AS FOLLOWED: #96V071000, 98V190000, 91V189000, 91V164000, 90V144000, 98E010000, 98E010000 AND A RECALL ON THE TIRE TEMPORARY SPARE. *SC
Apr 1, 2005
Vehicle speed controlCrash3 injuries
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INDICATED THAT THE INCIDENT WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL 91V189000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *SC *JB
May 14, 2004 · 60,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmissionCrash
TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED IN PARK AND VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. THERE WAS NO NOTICES OF SUCH A RECALL OR ANY OTHER RECALLS, FOR THIS VEHICLE. 1990 FORD AEROSTAR. *JB
Jan 12, 2004
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES DESCRIBED IN THE MASTER CYLINDER PISTONS RECALL 89V223000. IN ADDITION, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO, THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 96V071000 BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Dec 5, 1998 · 12,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFTClosedLed to recall 99V094000
There is no summary currently available
EA99002 · opened Jan 7, 1999 · closed Nov 14, 2000
CRACKED FUEL TANKSClosedLed to recall 98V190000
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
EA96030 · opened Dec 20, 1996 · closed Aug 13, 1998
CRACKED FUEL TANKSClosed
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
PE96050 · opened Aug 6, 1996 · closed Dec 20, 1996
PARK PAWL BENDINGClosedLed to recall 91V189000
There is no summary currently available
PE91127 · opened Sep 16, 1991 · closed Nov 8, 1991
LIFTGATE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 91V136000
There is no summary currently available
EA91015 · opened Feb 1, 1991 · closed Sep 20, 1991