1990 Ford Aerostar Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 29%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford Aerostar, 29% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 45 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10076051, filed 2004-06, 12,000 miles“Van just died out. Then all of a sudden the van started to fill with smoke and fire and bursted into flames. Fire believed to have started in the engine. The fire was put out by the fire department. Van had over $5,000.00 dollars worth of damage. The van has been totalled. Fire department stated that fire was caused by electrical problem. Manufacturer was contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #827569, filed 1998-08“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.”
NHTSA complaint #816094, filed 1997-09“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. Consumer stated there were flames coming from under the hood, the vehicle was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #829014, filed 1998-10“Had parked vehicle. Heard horn blasting. Looked out & cheched vehicle. Saw vehicle engulfed in flames. Called fire department, they arrived & put flames out. Informed owner fire originated in steering column caused by an electrical short. Recall (#96v071000), ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #823435, filed 1998-05Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 13 | 21% |
| 1996 | 12 | 12% |
| 1995 | 37 | 24% |
| 1994 | 69 | 27% |
| 1993 | 99 | 26% |
| 1992 | 64 | 20% |
| 1991 | 67 | 30% |
| 1990 | 56 | 29% |
| 1989 | 91 | 35% |
| 1988 | 46 | 26% |
| 1987 | 36 | 32% |
| 1986 | 20 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Aerostar
37 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford Aerostar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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