1990 Ford Aerostar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Aerostar › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Ford Aerostar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1990 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.
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 and remedy
Risk
This would cause reduced braking effectiveness andincreased stopping distance that could result in a crash or collision.
Remedy
Install new design master cylinder incorporating a redesigned seal.
Owner complaints
195 complaints25 involved a crash58 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
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
- 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
- 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…
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 refund the money and will not help. *sc
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Fuel system, other · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Braking system -- master cylinder
- 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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · 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
- Power train
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?
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The rear anti lock brakes have malfunctioned, causing the brakes to lock. As a result the steering lock and the vehicle lost control. No report of airbag deployment. Please provide additional information. *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle transmission failure. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer states the same problem as recall #98v190000 fuel tank cracks. Dealer will not repair because vin IS not included. Ts
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Nhtsa recall campaign 98v190000 fuel tank; the van was taken in as a service campaign by ford for the fuel tank back in 1999. after inspecting the fuel tank, the dealer told her the tank was fine and didn't replace it. now in 2002, the fuel tank has developed several cracks which the ford dealership will no longer honor the service campaign due to an "expiration date". please describe details
- Tires
While driving, the left front and left rear tires blewout, there was some damage to the vehicle, fut tur SE, p215/70r14, dot number vdhynma396. *slc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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
- Tires
Left rear tire blew out causing the vehicle to skid and strike the guardrail.(ohio traffic crash report) *yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
I purchased my van from monarch ford in exeter march of 1996, before buying the van I asked them to please give me the former owners phone number so that I could contact them inregards to any major problems they had before selling it back to ford. monarch ford refused and I guess that should have…
I purchased my van from monarch ford in exeter march of 1996, before buying the van I asked them to please give me the former owners phone number so that I could contact them inregards to any major problems they had before selling it back to ford. monarch ford refused and I guess that should have been a warning to me, I also asked if they had repainted the van because the ford and aerostar emblems were not on the back of the van. they said absotuly not that it was everything the same. it was only 10 months after I purchased my van that I noticed a gas smell and had it check with monarch in exeter. they assured me they could not find the source of the leak but that they could smell the gas. I have since had it to many other stations to have it check and I get they same answer. I have done some investigating myself and found that ford has a exsisting problem with their fuel tanks and leaks. I feel this IS what has happen in my case. I feel I have a leak in my gas tank and that it needs to be replaced. I feel this IS the manufactors reponseablity and that it why I am asking for your help. the gas leak IS getting worse and the smell IS really bad. I need this van fixed it IS a hazard to drive. everywhere I take it they tell me they can smell it and that I should not drive it but that they can not find the problem and have also been told it IS a factory problem? can you tell me what to do and how I can get this resolved as soon as possible. I know ford has this problem I just do not know how IS the best way to get it fixed. I would appreicate any help you can give me so that I can get my van safe for driving again. please can you help me. sincerely [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).
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Electrical system shutdown without prior warning. there IS a sign burning plastic. recall number 96g07100. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Master cylinder loses pressure and brake pedal goes to the floor, stops vehicle very little. consumer may try it next time and brakes will work fine. this problem IS intermittent. consumer contacted ford about recall on brakes. Ford stated that there were no recall on brakes. Ford file#9005975796. *Ak *yh
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Door latch on driver's side door has broken, causing door to fly open while driving.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle has been experiencing same problems as stated in recall 98v190000. upper portion of fuel tank developed cracks. Dealer has advised of defect, but said that this vehicle was not part of recall. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Heat shield bolts broke, having problems find to repair. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
There is no summary currently available
- Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
- Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
- Park pawl bending
There is no summary currently available
- Liftgate failure
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.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 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.
- 627752Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / onnecting rod bearing knock.
- 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.
- 613340Experiencing a rapping or clanging noise when the steering wheel IS turned rapidly or when turning on a bumpy road surface.
- 613023This bulletin contains service tips when servicing any brake related roughness / pull concerns.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608921Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 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.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 603717Concerns with front drive axle fluid may leak out of the vent under some driving modes on some vehicles.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 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.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 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.
- 45955Air conditioning-poor performance even though a/c system IS functioning properly service tips.
- 45953Door-replacement sliding - service tip.
Every Ford Aerostar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.