1990 Ford Aerostar Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 19%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Ford Aerostar, 19% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“I just got my transmission fixed but the problem was I didn't know that the Ford Aerostar has been recalled... Until now I have the same problem sometimes no shifting, reverse always have a problem and late shifting (forward).. I'm just wondering if my vehicle has already been fixed? Can Ford dealer fix my van without any cost?”
NHTSA complaint #10071345, filed 2004-01, 170,000 miles“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. The insurance company indicated that the incident was inconclusive. There was a transmission recall 91v189000, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10079452, filed 2004-07, 60,000 miles“Transmission was placed in park and vehicle rolled away. There was no notices of such a recall or any other recalls, for this vehicle. 1990 Ford Aerostar.”
NHTSA complaint #10078874, filed 2004-06“Plastic snap retainer bushing holding the clutch push rod no longer holds push rod. Push rod fell off of the stud making the clutch inoperable. The clutch disconnecting in traffic makes the vehicle hard to conterol.”
NHTSA complaint #871104, filed 2000-09“When starting car it won't start, vehicle has power, but won't turn over. When shifting into drive then back into park, vehicle will start. Consumer felt shift lever was not locking properly and car may roll.”
NHTSA complaint #862300, filed 2000-05Related recalls
- 91V189000Nov 4, 1991When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.Covers: Ford Aerostar 1989–1991, Ranger 1990–1991, Explorer 1991 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 33% |
| 1999 | 3 | 43% |
| 1997 | 9 | 14% |
| 1996 | 12 | 12% |
| 1995 | 22 | 14% |
| 1994 | 42 | 16% |
| 1993 | 68 | 18% |
| 1992 | 75 | 24% |
| 1991 | 49 | 22% |
| 1990 | 37 | 19% |
| 1989 | 31 | 12% |
| 1988 | 13 | 7% |
| 1987 | 15 | 13% |
| 1986 | 7 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Aerostar
56 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 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