FaultScore report
Owners have filed 254 complaints about the 1990 Ford Aerostar with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010. The largest single group is the electrical system.
254
Complaints
32
Crashes reported
65
Fires reported
16
Injuries reported
60,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
29%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 2 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT
CRACKED FUEL TANKS
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
CRACKED FUEL TANKS
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
PARK PAWL BENDING
LIFTGATE FAILURE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Other
Certain vehicles, from Ontario to Newfoundland, could experience a corrosion related failure of the spare tire winch cable. If the cable breaks while the vehicle is being driven, the spare tire could drop down, potentially creating a roadway obstacle. Correction: Owners are to inspect the cable, and if corrosion or broken wire strands are present the vehicle is to be taken to a dealer for replacement of the winch assembly. Program ends September 30, 2003.
Electrical
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.
Lights And Instruments
NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN RESULT IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT DIM, FLICKER OR GO OFF OR IN SOME INSTANCES MAY REMAIN ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CORRECTION: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Emissions
NOTE: TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3 LITRE ENGINE AND AEROSTAR WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY CAUSING AN INTERRUPTION OF THE SENSOR SIGNAL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. CORRECTION: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Powertrain
THE PARK MECHANISM OF THE A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET. THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY. CORRECTION: OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF CONDITION AND ADVISED TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE EACH TIME THEY PARK THEIR VEHICLE. OWNERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED WHEN DEALERS RECEIVE PARTS AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY FORD.
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH QUAD CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS. THE LATCH RETAINING THE SECOND ROW RIGHT HAND SEAT ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE UNDER SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT CONDITIONS. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO PIVOT FORWARD AND COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY. CORRECTION: LATCH PAWL ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE OF A REVISED DESIGN.
Brakes
AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE IN THE SECONDARY SYSTEM OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 4 DEGREES CELSIUS RESULTS IN INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND A REDUCTION OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: A NEW DESIGN LEVEL MASTER CYLINDER INCORPORATING A REDESIGNED SEAL WILL BE INSTALLED.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10323196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10078874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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
NHTSA complaint #10079452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10079452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10048473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10323196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10142129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10130883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
NHTSA complaint #10125484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
NHTSA complaint #10125484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
NHTSA complaint #10125484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
BRAKING SYSTEM -- MASTER CYLINDER
NHTSA complaint #10125484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10120413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10078874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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
NHTSA complaint #10079452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10079452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10076051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10076051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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?
NHTSA complaint #10071345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10048473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10029226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10004422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10001298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #8022736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #567087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #8017705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID AND STRIKE THE GUARDRAIL.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #562924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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).
NHTSA complaint #760015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. DRIVER TURNED IGNITION AND VEHICLE WAS IDLING WHEN IT STARTED TO REV, SUDDENLY TRANSMISSION JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND HIT A BUILDING.
NHTSA complaint #8004451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.