1990 Ford Aerostar problems
Owners have filed 254 complaints about the 1990 Ford Aerostar with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 24% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 14.6%.
Complaints254
Crashes32
Fires65
Injuries25
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 24.0% · 61
Power train 14.6% · 37
Service brakes, hydraulic 13.8% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 11.4% · 29
Fuel system, gasoline 10.2% · 26
Vehicle speed control 6.7% · 17
Visibility 3.1% · 8
Steering 3.1% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 32 describe a crash, 65 describe a fire and 25 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the Ford Aerostar in this data, 1990 draws comparatively few complaints; 1993 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving ignition switch experienced a short circuit, causing a fire under the hood. Owner will contact a dealer and or the manufacturer. *Akaccording to Ford motor co., The ignition switch was replaced in feburary of this year. So the fire was probably not caused by the ignition switch, but something else--perhaps the alternator. Electrical system
Consumer noticed a smoky smell in vehicle, child had noticed white smoke coming from vent, pulled to side of road, lifted hood & noticed a lot of smoke coming from alterantor, consumer has taken vehicle to dealership. *Ak consumer stated there were flames coming from under the hood, the vehicle was totalled. *Slc Electrical system
Electrical: driving approximately 55mph , was exiting off the interstate and began to smell smoke. Arrived at work and parked the van and saw smoke coming from the sides of the hood. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. Fire inspector said the fire was caused by the alternator. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…