1989 Ford Aerostar Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 21%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 167,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the fuel system of the 1989 Ford Aerostar, 21% of the 260 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 167,500 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nhtsa recall 98v190000 concerning fuel system storage tank assembly: consumer intermittently smelled a strong odor of gasoline on the outside of the vehicle. T consumer examined the gas tank and found that fuel was leaking from the top of the tank when it was full. Manufacturer claimed that this vehicle was not a part of the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10063044, filed 2004-03, 175,000 miles“I just had my fuel tank replaced because of cracks in top of fuel tank per a recall notice I received from Ford (98m03 kit bb). However, they replaced the previous metal tank with a plastic fuel tank. I have never heard of plastic fuel tanks being allowed on vehicles. I do not believe a plastic tank can be as safe as a metal tank. Is it legal to put a plastic fuel tank on a car/truck??”
NHTSA complaint #701475, filed 1998-12“When I went to fill up with gas, the attendant caught my attention as I was about to drive off. A river of gasoline was pouring from beneath my van. I took it to my mechanic who found the tank had split along the seam where the two halves of the plastic injection mouldings are joined together. Since this incident I have had an identical failure on my other vehicle of the same year and model. I think from this, that it's pretty clear there is likely to be a design or manufacturing fault in the gas tanks of Aerostar vans. …”
NHTSA complaint #757275, filed 2002-01“The gas tank was leaking fumes, then we noticed a puddle of gas under the vehicle after filling the tank. We contacted Ford after reading about the recall # 98mo3 regarding the same problem we were having. Initially they were going to let the dealer decide if we fell under the recall then decided that since we were registered in nj not in one of the states they listed that we were not eligible for the recall. Has anyone else reported the same problem outside of the states Ford lists? If so possibly their recall should have a wider area. …”
NHTSA complaint #725642, filed 2000-07“Dealer repaired vehicle and replaced gaskets and other parts. However, when driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Also, dealer replaced the gas tank, and gas was still overspilling from tank. Dealer had to fix the gas tank again. Vehicle is currently in repair shop for other repair problems, and dealer refuses to repair vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #834636, filed 1999-02Related recalls
- 98V190000Aug 11, 1998Vehicle description: mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alabama, arizona, arkansas, california (10 southern counties…Covers: Ford Aerostar 1988–1990
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 6% |
| 1994 | 20 | 8% |
| 1993 | 11 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 3% |
| 1991 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 28 | 14% |
| 1989 | 54 | 21% |
| 1988 | 53 | 30% |
| 1987 | 7 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Aerostar
91 complaintsSeat belts
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Aerostar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology