1988 Ford Aerostar
1FMCA11U1JZB18651
Vehicle record for the 1988 Ford Aerostar (VIN 1FMCA11U1JZB18651). Blue, wagon / suv, diesel. Registered in Zaporizhzhia. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1988 Ford Aerostar · Blue on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 5 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report fuel system trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1FMCA11U1JZB18651, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 5 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1988 Ford Aerostar data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1988 Ford Aerostar.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1988 Ford Aerostar costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1988 Ford Aerostar — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 12
CRACKED FUEL TANKS Closed
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
NHTSA #EA96030 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Dec 1996 · closed Aug 1998CRACKED FUEL TANKS Closed
CRACKED FUEL TANKS ARE LEAKING FUEL
NHTSA #PE96050 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1996 · closed Dec 1996SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA94025 · Seat Belts · opened Jul 1994 · closed Sep 1997SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE94021 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1994 · closed Jul 1994PARK PAWL BENDING Closed
NHTSA #PE91127 · Power Train · opened Sep 1991 · closed Nov 1991LIFTGATE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA91015 · Structure · opened Feb 1991 · closed Sep 1991LIFTGATE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE91005 · Structure · opened Oct 1990 · closed Feb 1991THROTTLE STICKING Closed
NHTSA #EA90042 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1990 · closed Dec 1991WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR Closed
===
NHTSA #EA89021 · Visibility · opened Mar 1989 · closed May 1990POWER STEERING LOCKING Closed
SUMMARY: THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT POWER STEERING WAS STIFF ORSTEERING LOCKED. FORD HAS ISSUED TWO SERVICE BULLETINS: ONE ON LEAKINGSEALS AND ONE ON COMPLAINTS OF STIFF STEERING.===
NHTSA #PE89092 · Steering · opened Feb 1989 · closed Jul 1989SEAT BELT CUTTING Closed
NHTSA #PE89021 · Seat Belts · opened Dec 1988 · closed Aug 1989WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR Closed
NHTSA #PE89010 · Visibility · opened Nov 1988 · closed Mar 1989An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 31
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 31.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
Bulletin 01156 · Visibility · Aug 2001INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT
Bulletin 01124 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
Bulletin 002310 · Power Train · Nov 2000INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
Bulletin 99222 · Electrical System · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT
Bulletin 99183 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1999INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
Bulletin 99152 · Power Train · Jul 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
Bulletin 98246 · Electrical System · Dec 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the AEROSTAR. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford Aerostar. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.
Transport Canada #1995212 · Nov 1995Structure
THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE. IF A BALL STUD FRACTURES, THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT REMAIN IN THE OPEN POSITION. BODILY INJURY COULD RESULT IF THE LIFTGATE DROPS WHILE SOMEONE IS UNDER IT. CORRECTION: BALL STUDS BUILT WITH HIGHER STRENGTH MATERIAL WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1991119 · Aug 1991Electrical
THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL TRAILER TOW PACKAGE. THE TAILLIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WIRES THAT ARE OF A SMALLER GAUGE THAN THE FUSE LINK WHICH IS PROTECTING THE CIRCUIT. A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE TRAILER WIRING OR WATER INTRUSION INTO THE RELAY ASSEMBLY COULD CAUSE THE SMALLER GAUGE WIRES TO ACT AS A FUSE LINK AND OVERHEAT, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR FI…
Transport Canada #1988088 · Jun 1988Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the Chrysler minivans. Introduced shortly before the Ford Taurus, the Aerostar derived its name from its slope-nosed "one-box" exterior.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA (CLARK COUNTY), OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TEXAS, AND IN THE…
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.
NHTSA Campaign #98V190000 · manufacturer #98M03 · 11/08/1998SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.
Remedy: AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA Campaign #98E010000 · 08/04/1998ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA Campaign #96V071000 · 25/04/1996STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
SOME LIFTGATE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS MAY FRACTURE IN EITHER THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE GAS CYLINDER-TO-BODY ATTACHMENT BALL STUDS.
NHTSA Campaign #91V136000 · 19/08/1991ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.
NHTSA Campaign #88V091000 · 06/06/1988Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 21 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 224 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Ford Aerostar, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 7 involved a crash 🔥 45 involved a fire 🚑 11 reported injuries
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 224
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1988 Ford Aerostar.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK LEAKING AFTER RECALL 98V190000 REPAIRS WERE DONE. CONSUMER SMELLS GAS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE . *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10046079FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE VAN WAS UNABLE TO PASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A GAS LEAK FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE WAS A FUEL TANK CRACK RECALL, BUT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB *MR *NM
NHTSA ODI #10048534STEERING,SUSPENSION
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 BLEW OUT AND THE FLOOR OF THE TRUCK IN THE CAB IS ALL ROTTTED A…
NHTSA ODI #10070532FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE GAS TANK AGAIN, EVEN KNOWING THEIR LO…
NHTSA ODI #10071097FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA ODI #10048663ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRUCK EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. AS A RESULT THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN TWO HOURS AFTER BEING PARKED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. ALL THE UNDER HOOD ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE MELTED. THE HEAT ALSO CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD.*AK
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10046164FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
GAS TANK DEFECT STATED IN RECALL 98V190000 OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10044531ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *SCC *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10033973+ 216 more complaints on record.
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