How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Aerostar have?

The 1988 Ford Aerostar has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1988 Ford Aerostar has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1988 Ford Aerostar?

Of 230 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline.

1988 Ford Aerostar Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1988 Ford Aerostar has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,212,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 98V190000 1998-08-11 140,000 affected

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA (10 SOUTHERN COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, SAN BERNADINO, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, VENTURA, SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, IMPERIAL, AND KERN), FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA,…

Consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 96V071000 1996-04-25 7,900,000 affected

Defect

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

STRUCTURE 91V136000 1991-08-19 112,000 affected

Defect

SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.

Consequence

IF A BALL STUD FRACTURES, THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT REMAIN INTHE OPEN POSITION. BODILY INJURY COULD RESULT IF THE LIFTGATE DROPS WHILESOMEONE IS UNDER IT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 88V091000 1988-06-06 60,000 affected

Defect

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGE HAVE A TRAILER TAILLIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS WIRES OF SMALLER GAUGE THAN THE FUSE LINK WHICH PROTECTS THE CIRCUIT.

Consequence

SHOULD A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THE WIRING WITHIN THERELAY OR IF WATER INTRUSION OCCURS THE SMALLER GAUGE WIRE IN THE RELAY WILLFUNCTION AS A FUSE LINK AND OVERHEAT. THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR A FIRE IF THEWIRES ARE EXPOSED TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

Remedy

INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.

Complaints by component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

141

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Total complaints230

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The consumer stated she never received the recall notice # 98v190000. The recall was in reference to the upper portion of the fuel tank cracking. The dealer stated this recall expired on march 31/02 and will now cost $700.00 to fix it. *nlm”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · reported 2003-11-25

“Gas tank was recalled 12/98 under 98mo3. Gas tank did develop cracks and was replaced by ford in 8/01. Replacement gas tank developed cracks in 9/03. The local ford dealership that performed original warranty work states the replacement gas tank has failed because of manufacturer's defect. But…”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2003-10-15

“Consumer is still having problems with fuel tank leaking after recall 98v190000 repairs were done. Consumer smells gas fumes inside vehicle . *ak *nm”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · reported 2003-10-13

“The electrical system failed and caused the ignition switch to be inoperative. The dealer was notified. *ak *scc *nlm”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · reported 2003-08-09

“I was told nothing was wrong with the truck and that I could get in it and drive to florida right now. Well it hasn't even been two weeks since I have had the truck and so far the shock mount is busted (was broke before I even bought the truck) valve cover gaskets are leaking, power steering box…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2003-07-15

“I was told nothing was wrong with the truck and that I could get in it and drive to florida right now. Well it hasn't even been two weeks since I have had the truck and so far the shock mount is busted (was broke before I even bought the truck) valve cover gaskets are leaking, power steering box…”

STEERING · reported 2003-07-15

“Nhtsa#8767-98-v-190-000 fuel tank cracks: consumer states can smell strong chemical fumes throughout out the vehicle. Mr herrera. Dealer will replace the fuel tank regardless of mileage through march 31, please provide further information. Ts”

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · reported 2002-12-12

“Liftgate arm latch broke, door will not stay up when opened.*ak *yh”

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · reported 2002-04-30

Defect investigations

Investigation EA89021 Opened 1989-03-23 · closed 1990-05-04