1989 Ford Aerostar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Aerostar › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Aerostar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1989 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.
Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
Remedy
Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
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 and remedy
Risk
In the event of vehicle accident, the seat could pivotforward, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
Replace seat pawl assembly with a revised design assembly.
Owner complaints
260 complaints24 involved a crash80 involved a fire24 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
My ford aerostar caught fire last night for no apparent reason. My daughter had returned from school and parked it in the driveway. Approximately 2 hours later, a neighbor rang the door bell and frantically said "your van IS on fire". We called 911 and the fire department was there within 3 minutes to put it out. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake line next to gas tank failed on highway, braking ability was greatly reduced. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dt: the contact received nhtsa recall 96v071000 concerning the ignition switch. when he contacted ford, they could not find the vin. this started a couple of months ago. the switch started to come apart, causing the vehicle not to start. he repaired it himself, and it IS currently working.*ak updated 12/27/2005. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
The consumer stated that back in 1998 she had a accident with her ford aerostar. she stated that when she pulled into a parking space and hit the brakes, the vehicle surged forward and hit a building. she said she had the vehicle towed to the dealer who stated that they thought the problem was a…
The consumer stated that back in 1998 she had a accident with her ford aerostar. she stated that when she pulled into a parking space and hit the brakes, the vehicle surged forward and hit a building. she said she had the vehicle towed to the dealer who stated that they thought the problem was a faulty idle air control. she said it was repaired and she took the part and sent it to the manufacturer. now the problem has come up again and she was asked to be a witness, because someone was killed, when their vehicle did the same thing. *jb it was determined that the throttle air by pass valve assembly was not one of ford's parts.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Nhtsa recall 98v190000 concerning fuel system storage tank assembly: consumer intermittently smelled a strong odor of gasoline on the outside of the vehicle. t consumer examined the gas tank and found that fuel was leaking from the top of the tank when it was full. manufacturer claimed that this vehicle was not a part of the recall.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The manufacturer was refusing to honor recall 98v190000 for fuel tank cracks because the warranty period ended. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
We owe a 1989 ford aerostar mini-van the long edition. We have had it a little over year. We have been having a serious problem with this vechicle stalling when driving on the highway to and from work. It happens a lot more often when it IS cold as opposed to when it IS warmer. *Jb
- Tires
On july 2, 2002 the tread came off the tire while on the freeway. the tire had 49,000 miles on it and it was warrantied for 80,000. it caused $2,700 in damage. bridgestone claims the tire was operated w/ low air pressure, this IS not true! the front tires were replaced by pep boys 6 months…
On july 2, 2002 the tread came off the tire while on the freeway. the tire had 49,000 miles on it and it was warrantied for 80,000. it caused $2,700 in damage. bridgestone claims the tire was operated w/ low air pressure, this IS not true! the front tires were replaced by pep boys 6 months prior due to tread separation. I am having bridgestone send me the tire back. I do have photos of the tire and van damage. ts
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer states that there IS a crack in the fuel tank which IS not allowing the consumer to fill up a full tank of gas. contacted dealer and the dealer stated that the warrenty period for the recall has expired. mr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer noticed gas leak in tank.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer states engine was on and in the park position, consumer pressed brake to put vehicle into reverse and vehicle took off in reverse. consumer states vehicle hit two parked cars and was totalled. please provide any further information.*jb
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Today my wife was driving our 1989 aerostar and she had the accelerator go down under her foot by it's self for no percieved reason. So I started to look on internet to see if anyone else had this problem. Dealer claims never heard of it! It seems like I remembered watching 20/20 or that canadian…
Today my wife was driving our 1989 aerostar and she had the accelerator go down under her foot by it's self for no percieved reason. So I started to look on internet to see if anyone else had this problem. Dealer claims never heard of it! It seems like I remembered watching 20/20 or that canadian program and they reporting about ford cruise controls having power on at all time and that moister present at wire harness plug that connects though fire wall could cause cruise control to sudden accellerate. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
The vehicle was parked for approximately 30 minutes. it had been running perfectly well. I noticed a minor triple click noise when I turned off the ignition but didn't think much of anything of it. after sitting off for 30-45 minutes, the vehicle was in flames having started from somewhere in…
The vehicle was parked for approximately 30 minutes. it had been running perfectly well. I noticed a minor triple click noise when I turned off the ignition but didn't think much of anything of it. after sitting off for 30-45 minutes, the vehicle was in flames having started from somewhere in the front of the vehicle. this appears to be consistent with reports of the ignition switch issue. we were not aware of the recall prior to looking for it after our vehicle was destroyed. firemen indicate that the fire started in the front part of the vehicle, but they could not determine why due to the extent of the damage. best way to contact me IS via cellphone at 706-399-7825.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Recal 96 v 071 000/ electrical ignition system: after starting vehicle, engine races and vehicle overheats and smokes. However, this vehicle was not included in recall. *Ak the motor continue to run after the ignition was turned off and the key was removed. *Yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
When I went to fill up with gas, the attendant caught my attention as I was about to drive off. A river of gasoline was pouring from beneath my van. I took it to my mechanic who found the tank had split along the seam where the two halves of the plastic injection mouldings are joined together.…
When I went to fill up with gas, the attendant caught my attention as I was about to drive off. A river of gasoline was pouring from beneath my van. I took it to my mechanic who found the tank had split along the seam where the two halves of the plastic injection mouldings are joined together. since this incident I have had an identical failure on my other vehicle of the same year and model. I think from this, that it's pretty clear there IS likely to be a design or manufacturing fault in the gas tanks of aerostar vans. Note, the tank on one vehicle IS the 16 gallon version, the other one IS the larger 20 gallon type. Same type of split occurred on each. I regard this as a serious, life-threatening fault. please note my address details are for mexico, my phone number IS [xxx] and my email IS [xxx]. *Ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
The alternator failed short circuit. Massive amounts of current passed from the battery through the alternator, which burst into flames. the fault caused the engine to stall due to lack of ignition and it was extremely difficult to steer and stop the vehicle as a result of loss of power steering…
The alternator failed short circuit. Massive amounts of current passed from the battery through the alternator, which burst into flames. the fault caused the engine to stall due to lack of ignition and it was extremely difficult to steer and stop the vehicle as a result of loss of power steering and power brakes. Smoke was pouring from the front of the vehicle. When I managed to stop and open the hood, the alternator, which was glowing red inside, burst into flames and set fire to cables and rubber hoses around it. I received burns to my hands trying to put the fire out. Lucky for me another motorist stopped and he had an extinguisher. I have now had two fires of this type, one on each of my vehicles. Yesterday I went to an alternator remanufacturing company here in monterrey, and the manger told me that he has had five engine bay fires in aerostar minivans in recent months. In the 'good old days' understand there was a fusible link between the alternator charging line and the battery + terminal. There should be a fuse in this circuit because it IS connected directly to the battery!! Not only IS the fire a very serious problem, but there IS a serious risk in the event of this fault, that the overload on the battery will cause it to burst, showering everything and everyone around it with hot sulfuric acid. Please note although the vehicle was purchased in the USA I am currently living in monterrey, mexico. My phone IS 01152-8-349-7152 and email IS oldvinyl@hotmail.com. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Mastercylinder leaking, resulting in brake failure, the date of this aerostar fall right in the middle of the recall.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Alternator connectors caught on fire. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The front of the hood was on fire and inside of the dashboard was on fire too.
- Electrical system › Ignition
When you turnthe key on. The ignition IS stuck on. the only way to get it to go off, IS to get under the hood and dis ingage the battery terminal. this car IS a 5 speed transmission. Have contacted other owner and they have stated that theirs have too. have incouraged them to contact you too. And the dealer.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Right rear tread separation on interstate causing loss of control of minivan. aerostar rolls over and ejects third seat passenger causing serious injuries. *Ak (dot number: u9t9b6h018 tiresize: 205/70r14)
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
I would like my 5 year old son to be safe in the back of my van. The only problem IS I only have lap belts in the back. I need shoulder harness belts for him to be safe in his booster seat. I contacted a ford dealership about having it installed. They wanted an outrageous amount of money to put one in. Can anybody help me whith this?*ak
- Structure
Structure problems
- Structure
Another vehicle hit the consumer's vehicle on the driver's side at about 30 mph causing the vehicle to roll onto it's right side and slide about a foot or two. nlm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
When driving long distances the engine cuts off completely due to faulty ignition module. nlm
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
- 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.===
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.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 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.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 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.
- 45748Vehicle may exhibit a moan when turning - to correct this condition, replace the high pressure hose with a tuned hose.
- 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.