1990 Ford Aerostar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Ford Aerostar: 6 recalls, 195 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #89V223000 · 1989 · 30,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #90V144000 · 1990 · 14,300 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V164000 · 1991 · 4,842 vehicles
What's wrong: Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
Why it matters: Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
The fix: Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #91V189000 · 1991 · 792,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.
Electrical Vehicle recall #96V071000 · 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Why it matters: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #98V190000 · 1998 · 140,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (air) Equipment recall #98E010000 · 1998 · 23,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 57 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (56): the most common themes are fire / smoke (46), electrical failure (22).
- Transmission & drivetrain (37): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (8).
- Fuel system (26): the most common themes are leaks (17), fire / smoke (3).
The 1990 Ford Aerostar has 195 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 11 Aerostar model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 155). Complaints peaked in 1996 (49 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 142,143 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (223 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Ford Aerostar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Ford Aerostar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Ford Aerostar, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Ford Aerostar problems?
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (56), transmission & drivetrain (37), brakes (hydraulic) (27).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Ford Aerostar get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Ford Aerostar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.