1990 Ford Aerostar: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 195 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2005
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2005
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“Nhtsarecall 98-v-190-000 concerning upper portion of fuel tank that can develop small cracks due to extended exposure to very high ambient temperatures. Fuel vapor or leakage could occur at these cracks. Consumer hadthe recall letter, but manufacturer didn't honor it. Please provide further information.ts. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2003
“Consumer states the same problem as recall #98v190000 fuel tank cracks. Dealer will not repair because VIN is not included. Ts”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Nov 2002
“I just got my transmission fixed but the problem was I didn't know that the ford aerostar has been recalled... Until now I have the same problem sometimes no shifting, reverse always have a problem and late shifting (forward).. I'm just wondering if my vehicle has already been fixed? Can ford dealer fix my van without any cost?”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2002
“Fuel is leaking from the filler neck when refueling. Dealer contacted. *ak the consumer states that the fuel runs out of the top of the fuel tank. *scc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2002
“While driving and without warning there was a strong burning rubber smell due to a fire in alternator system. This was the second aerostar star vehicle that had this problem.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2002
“Vehicle was parked. Driver turned ignition and vehicle was idling when it started to rev, suddenly transmission jumped into reverse and hit a building.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
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.
Remedy: INSTALL NEW DESIGN MASTER CYLINDER INCORPORATING A REDESIGNED SEAL.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE SEAT PAWL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED DESIGN ASSEMBLY.
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.
Remedy: 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.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aerostar by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Aerostar reliable?
NHTSA has 195 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Aerostar. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Aerostar problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 142,143 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford Aerostar have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.