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.
The worst 1990 Ford Aerostar problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical56
- Transmission37
- Fuel system28
- Brakes27
- Acceleration16
- Engine16
- Steering8
- Visibility8
- Seat belts5
- Body4
- Tires4
- Locks3
- Seats3
- Suspension3
- Lights1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Aerostar
Recalls 6
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 98V190000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- 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.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 91V189000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
- Risk
- Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
- Remedy
- Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
Recall number 91V164000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 90V144000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 89V223000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 1990 Ford Aerostar
Defect investigations
Transfer cases and rear drive shaft
There is no summary currently available
EA99002
Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
EA96030
Cracked fuel tanks
Cracked fuel tanks are leaking fuel
PE96050
Park pawl bending
There is no summary currently available
PE91127
Liftgate failure
There is no summary currently available
EA91015
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Ford Aerostar 46
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the...
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil...
- Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the...
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses
- Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance...
- Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure
- Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting...
1990 Ford Aerostar fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-21 | 17-18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16-17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18 | 16 |
What 1990 Ford Aerostar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Braking system -- master cylinder
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
Compare the 1990 Ford Aerostar
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 Ford Aerostar
Is the 1990 Ford Aerostar reliable?
Owners have filed 195 complaints about the 1990 Ford Aerostar, 1.2 times a typical Aerostar model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford Aerostar?
Electrical system, with 56 complaints. Next is transmission (37).
How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Aerostar have?
6 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, electrical system and power train.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford Aerostar electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Aerostar have the most electrical problems?
The Ford Aerostar model years with the most electrical complaints are 1993 (99 complaints), 1994 (69 complaints) and 1991 (67 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Ford Aerostar get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Ford Aerostar range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 20-21 highway.
VIN decoder
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