1988 Ford Aerostar recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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 C…
What could happen: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V190000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 9, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V071000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V091000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI PURPOSE VEHICLE VAN, EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILERTOW PACKAGE.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98E010000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE ROTORS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AIMCO AT 815-759-7935. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
5. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: REPLACE THE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V136000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Summary: SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR LIFTGATE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS BUILT AT THE ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1988 Ford Aerostar owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (55), Gasoline (54), Electrical system (48), Seat belts (29), Transmission / drivetrain (20).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/19/2004 · Fuel system
CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK LEAKING AFTER RECALL 98V190000 REPAIRS WERE DONE. CONSUMER SMELLS GAS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE . *AK *NM
01/16/2004 · Fuel system
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
01/15/2004 · Steering
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…
01/15/2004 · Fuel system
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 L…
11/25/2003 · Fuel system
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
11/03/2003 · Electrical system · fire
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
10/22/2003 · Fuel system
GAS TANK DEFECT STATED IN RECALL 98V190000 OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*AK
10/12/2003 · Electrical system
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *SCC *NLM