1990 Ford Aerostar
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 53 |
| 1987 | 114 |
| 1988 | 177 |
| 1989 | 260 |
| 1990 | 195 |
| 1991 | 223 |
| 1992 | 317 |
| 1993 | 374 |
| 1994 | 257 |
| 1995 | 157 |
| 1996 | 104 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040618
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 18 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040618
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 20031121
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: INSTALL NEW DESIGN MASTER CYLINDER INCORPORATING A REDESIGNED SEAL.
Campaign 89V223000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
Remedy: REPLACE SEAT PAWL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED DESIGN ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 90V144000 — check if this car was fixed
LIFTGATE FAILURE
PARK PAWL BENDING
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Campaign 91V189000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Campaign 91V164000 — check if this car was fixed
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
CRACKED FUEL TANKS
CRACKED FUEL TANKS
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.
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 F
Campaign 98E010000 — check if this car was fixed
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, SA
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
Campaign 98V190000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSFER CASES AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Ford Aerostar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V223000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V144000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V189000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V164000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V190000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Ford Aerostar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Aerostar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Aerostar?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Aerostar have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.