1990 Ford Aerostar recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
7 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 1990 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: THIS WOULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS ANDINCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR COLLISION.
The fix: INSTALL NEW DESIGN MASTER CYLINDER INCORPORATING A REDESIGNED SEAL.
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 1990 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V223000.
- 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, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES, MASTER CYLINDER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK, VAN.
3. 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 1990 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.
4. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT COULD PIVOTFORWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
The fix: REPLACE SEAT PAWL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED DESIGN ASSEMBLY.
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 1990 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V144000.
- 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: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: SEAT ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK VANS EQUIPPED WITH QUAD CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS.
5. 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 1990 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).
6. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
What could happen: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
The fix: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
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 1990 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V164000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE; FMVSS 210.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS.NOTE: THIS RECALL IS BEING CONDUCTED BY SHERROD VANS, INC.
7. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
What could happen: 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 VE…
The fix: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
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 1990 AEROSTAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V189000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPEDWITH A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1990 Ford Aerostar owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (61), Transmission / drivetrain (38), Brakes (30), Hydraulic (30), Fuel system (28).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
04/12/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
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
10/25/2005 · Fuel system
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
08/18/2005 · Fuel system
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 T…
06/16/2005 · Brakes
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
04/29/2005 · 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
07/21/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
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…
06/27/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
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
06/10/2004 · Brakes
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