1988 Ford Aerostar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Aerostar › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Ford Aerostar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1988 Ford Aerostar. Newest first.
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)…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an ignition source IS present, a fire could result.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking can result.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Some liftgate gas cylinder-to-body attachment ball studs may fracture in either the open or closed position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a ball stud fractures, the liftgate will not remain inthe open position. Bodily injury could result if the liftgate drops whilesomeone IS under it.
Remedy
Replace the gas cylinder-to-body attachment ball studs.
Vehicles equipped with trailer tow package have a trailer taillight relay assembly that contains wires of smaller gauge than the fuse link which protects the circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should a short circuit occur in the wiring within therelay or if water intrusion occurs the smaller gauge wire in the relay willfunction as a fuse link and overheat. the possibility exists for a fire if thewires are exposed to combustible materials.
Remedy
Installation of a relay with wires of gauge adequate to protect the circuit.
Owner complaints
177 complaints7 involved a crash42 involved a fire11 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas tank was recalled 12/98 under 98mo3. gas tank did develop cracks and was replaced by ford in 8/01. replacement gas tank developed cracks in 9/03. the local ford dealership that performed original warranty work states the replacement gas tank has failed because of manufacturer's defect. but…
Gas tank was recalled 12/98 under 98mo3. gas tank did develop cracks and was replaced by ford in 8/01. replacement gas tank developed cracks in 9/03. the local ford dealership that performed original warranty work states the replacement gas tank has failed because of manufacturer's defect. but ford refuses to replace gas tank again, even knowing their local dealership states this IS a ford product defect. basically, ford realized it had a defective part (gas tank), offered a remedy to fix the defective part, but the remedy failed in the same way as the original defective part. ford says it IS no longer their responsibility.
- Steering · Suspension
I was told nothing was wrong with the truck and that I could get in it and drive to florida right now. Well it hasn't even been two weeks since I have had the truck and so far the shock mount IS busted (was broke before I even bought the truck) valve cover gaskets are leaking, power steering box…
I was told nothing was wrong with the truck and that I could get in it and drive to florida right now. Well it hasn't even been two weeks since I have had the truck and so far the shock mount IS busted (was broke before I even bought the truck) valve cover gaskets are leaking, power steering box blew out and the floor of the truck in the cab IS all rottted away. There IS a huge hole on the drivers side to where I could put both my legs through and he wouldn't give me my money back for the vehicle. I took photos of all this to prove my defects of the truck.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The consumer stated she never received the recall notice # 98v190000. the recall was in reference to the upper portion of the fuel tank cracking. The dealer stated this recall expired on march 31/02 and will now cost $700.00 to fix it. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The van was unable to pass state inspection due to a gas leak from the top of the fuel tank. there was a fuel tank crack recall, but the vehicle identification number was outside the remedy scope. *jb *mr *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Truck experienced electrical system failure. As a result the truck caught on fire within two hours after being parked. The fire originated under the hood. All the under hood electrical components were melted. The heat also cracked the windshield.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer IS still having problems with fuel tank leaking after recall 98v190000 repairs were done. consumer smells gas fumes inside vehicle . *ak *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Gas tank defect stated in recall 98v190000 occurred after the recall repairs were performed.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The electrical system failed and caused the ignition switch to be inoperative. the dealer was notified. *ak *scc *nlm
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
Nhtsa#8767-98-v-190-000 fuel tank cracks: consumer states can smell strong chemical fumes throughout out the vehicle. Mr herrera. Dealer will replace the fuel tank regardless of mileage through march 31, please provide further information. Ts
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The brake pedal went down when the brake was applied. Also the master cylinder reservoir had to be topped up constantly due to brake fluid dripping from a crack in the brake hose. the mechanic examined a similar ford aerostar 1990 and stated that the problem was the same like the 1988 ford aerostar.( written in by a proffessional mechanic)*yh
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Liftgate arm latch broke, door will not stay up when opened.*ak *yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
When I received my "recall" notice, about the possibility of cracks in the tank, I took the vehicle to bev smith ford. they informed me there was nothing wrong with my fuel tank, and dismissed my inquiry. since that time, I have not been able to fill my tank with more than $6.00 worth of gas, or…
When I received my "recall" notice, about the possibility of cracks in the tank, I took the vehicle to bev smith ford. they informed me there was nothing wrong with my fuel tank, and dismissed my inquiry. since that time, I have not been able to fill my tank with more than $6.00 worth of gas, or it leaks. I have no confidence in bev smith ford, and I'm moving to jacksonville, florida and would like to have it re-inspected. the manufacturer gave everyone until march 31, 2002 to have this problem addressed, however, due to the fact that bev smith ford did a lousy inspection, and I have been leaking fuel ever since, I would like some help resolving this matter once and for all. the van IS now leaking worse than it was before, and I have already complained, therefore, I would like to know what rights I have to have the fuel tank replaced, at the manufacturer's expense, since my initial complaint was ignored@! thank you for your assistance! barbara l. Gould. *Ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
2 fires at alternator last one totalled vehicle fire department called. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was parked in the garage, and had been backed into the garage, heading out. after starting vehicle, putting it into gear, and lightly touching the throttle, the vehicle's throttle was suddenly pulled all the way to the floorboard. the vehicle screamed out of the garage uncontrollably and crashed into another car in the driveway.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Upper portion of fuel tank developed small cracks. There IS recall 98v190000 on vehicle's make/model; but, this vehicle IS not included in recall due to vin. please provide further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle caught on fire 6 hours after being parked. State fire marshall determined that ignition switch caused fire. Home and vehicle were totaly lost. 3 children had to jump through window to escape the fire, one sliced tendons on wrist. Ignition switch was replaced under recall 96v071000 on 30 sep 1997. Information provided by sherrie hansen, attorney.*ak
- Seats · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Body rust&broken front drivers seat.gas pedal sticking.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Vehicle would not start due to failure of the ignition module. *mjs
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt conector on drivers side . Putton release IS frozen . Will not lock belt on .*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Replacement tires on a 1988, ford, astro van. firestone, triumph radial sr, p21570r14, dot vdhytha035. right rear tire detached all in one piece, all the way around, causing consumer to lose control and flip several times.*ak the tire failure caused 1 death and 7 injuries. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
No summary
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle was overheating, dealer recommended to replace motor, after motor was replaced, consumer took vehicle to another dealer who said the replacement motor was no good, they would not put a better motor in and consumer wants reimbursed. *slc
- Tires
Had three failures over 6 months. at highway speeds the tread seperated from the tire. the tire remained inflated. all three occurred on the rear wheels so control was not affected adversely. in lite of the simular failures of other firestone models I became concerned if the problem might not…
Had three failures over 6 months. at highway speeds the tread seperated from the tire. the tire remained inflated. all three occurred on the rear wheels so control was not affected adversely. in lite of the simular failures of other firestone models I became concerned if the problem might not be more wide spread within firestone. the failure occurred on trips so the tires were changed and disguarded. I was told by a tire competitor that that was a common occurance with those tires.( dot number: tire size: 215r14 )
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Contacted ford at 800-392-3673 initially was told no recall, quoted recall number then told vin not a good number, put on hold then disconnected. Called back, different person said the vin wasn't complete, no record of vehicle in system. Told to call local dealer. Called and set appointment for…
Contacted ford at 800-392-3673 initially was told no recall, quoted recall number then told vin not a good number, put on hold then disconnected. Called back, different person said the vin wasn't complete, no record of vehicle in system. Told to call local dealer. Called and set appointment for next monday. Hey. I just bought this(private party) filled the tank first time and it leaks like crazy. What IS going on with these ford people?? Am I going to have this same bull at the dealer? IS this a mandated recall for an extreme safty issue and if so why the runaround???*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Recall 98v190000/fuel tank crack: fuel and fume leakages coming from the filler neck when refueling. dealer/manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover under recall due to vin. please provide any further details. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
- Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Park pawl bending
There is no summary currently available
- Liftgate failure
There is no summary currently available
- Liftgate failure
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Windshield wiper motor
===
- Power steering locking
Summary:the complaints allege that power steering was stiff orsteering locked.ford has issued two service bulletins:one on leakingseals and one on complaints of stiff steering.===
- Seat belt cutting
There is no summary currently available
- Windshield wiper motor
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 615140Owner notification program involving the fuel tank on affected vehicles which can develop cracks at the upper portion of the tank as a result of extended exposure to very high ambient temperatures.
- 613023This bulletin contains service tips when servicing any brake related roughness / pull concerns.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 51002Brakes - brake service - service tips.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 45953Door-replacement sliding - service tip.
- 45947Sheet metal-roof panel and drip rail replacement- seam sealer application procedure.*sd
- 45756High altitude transmission available.
- 37761Front door glass tipping and binding during downward travel.
Every Ford Aerostar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.