1998 Ford Econoline

Routine

Owners filed 46 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Ford Econoline years to avoid. Which Ford Econoline years to avoid →

Most common 1998 Ford Econoline problems

7 of the 46 complaints (15%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes5
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000
Suspension › Front3
000
Tires › Tread/Belt2
000
Tires2
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap · fuel system2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Risk. AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Equipment › Other › Labels00V284000
Filed Sep 21, 20004,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 10, 2020VA

VAN IS LEAKING FUEL FROM A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME MEMBER. THIS VAN WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL BEGINNING APRIL 19, 2001. I DID NOT OWN THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME, BUT APPARENTLY VEHICLE WAS NOT LEAKING SO IT WAS NOT FIXED. I DO NOT HAVE THE RECALL NUMBER. I OBTAINED THIS INFORMATION FROM A VIN LOOK UP AT HTTPS://DRIVING-TESTS.ORG/VIN-DECODER/ VEHICLE ONLY LEAKS FUEL WHEN FILLING UP AT THE GAS STATION. ONCE I STOP FILLING UP, THE LEAKING WILL DRIP, DRIP, DRIP UNTIL IT STOPS AND I CAN DRIVE OFF. NEXT TIME I WILL TAKE A PICTURE OF LEAKING.

Wheels
Filed Jun 8, 201531,000 milesPA

WAS TRAVELING ON RT 80 NEAR EXIT 123 IN PENNSYLVANIA ON STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 65 MPH, TEMPERATURE OF 75 DEGREES, DRY, SUNNY DAY. WE HEARD A LOUD BOOM. THE INSIDE REAR TIRE (DRIVER SIDE) HAD BLOWN. IT APPEARED THAT THE SIDEWALL (FACING OUT) HAD FAILED. THE SIDEWALL SEPARATED ALONG A STRAIGHT LINE FROM THE WHEEL TO THE TREAD. ALSO, IN THAT AREA ABOUT 10 INCHES OF TREAD WAS STARTING TO SEPARATE ON THAT SIDE OF THE TIRE - THE TREAD SEPARATION WAS 'CENTERED' ON THAT SIDEWALL FAILURE. FORTUNATELY WE EXPERIENCED NO OTHER DAMAGE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 14, 201179,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 2/9/2012

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 17, 2011240,000 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT WAS REPLACING THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR WHEN HE NOTICED THE SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH WAS MELTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 302,302.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 22, 2008CA

1998 FORD ECONOLINE RECALL ON SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND DID NOT WANT HIM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS RESOLVED. HE STATES THAT NO ONE ANSWERED THE 800 NUMBER ON THE RECALL NOTICE. *KB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 25, 2008TX

FORD E150 WITH CRUISE CONTROL RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER STATED IN SEPTEMBER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. *KB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 26, 2008AR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL) IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THE PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 43,000. UPDATED 4/11/08 *CN

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 6, 2008AL

1998 FORD ECONOLINE RECALL ON SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER TOLD THEM THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. HE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE YEAR. *KB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 5, 2008AZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. SINCE RECEIVING THE NOTICE, SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER TWICE AND THE PART IS STILL UNAVAILABLE. COMPLAINT NUMBER 1400372637 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Nov 21, 2007MA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED. HE IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT WILL TAKE TO RECEIVE THE PARTS AND HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Nov 1, 2007TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALL NOTICES FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ON AUGUST 29, 2007 AND OCTOBER 9, 2007. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2007, HE CALLED THE DEALER FOR THE THIRD TIME AND WAS EITHER HUNG UP ON OR DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT HE COULD CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IF IT WERE GOING TO CATCH FIRE, IT WOULD HAVE BY NOW. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,495.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed May 20, 2006MI

DRIVING NORTH ON I 275 JUST SOUTH OF I 94 AND TIRE SEPARATED ON RIGHT REAR CALLED AAA BECAUSE RIM WAS ON THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS A FORD CONVERSION VAN. REPLACED WITH SPARE, AND STILL HAVE OLD TIRE. TIRE SIZE IS 30X9.50R 15 DISCOVERER AST. 8JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 14, 200480,000 milesMI

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEAK WAS THE RESULT OF A RUSTED HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 23, 2004CA

THE FUEL TANK CRACKED ON THE UPPER PORTION OF THE TANK IN THE AREA WHERE THE MIDDLE STRAP CROSSED THE TANK. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO., HOWEVER THERE WERE NO RECALLS, THEREFORE THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NEW FUEL TANK. *JB *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 2, 2003152,000 milesCA

1998 FORD ECONOLINE E-350 VAN. 5.4 L GAS MOTOR. SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF MOTOR. EHICLE HAS 152,000 MILES. REF CASE ODI ID NUMBER 10024670. REASON FOR MAKING COMPLAINT. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2003135,000 milesMD

THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPARK PLUG "BLEW" OUT IN THE MOTOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO BE DUMPED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE IS A 1998, FORD, E150, ECONOLINE VAN.*AK *TS *JB

Wheels › Rim
Filed May 14, 200369,800 milesSC

THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT, AND DISCOVERED THE RIM WAS BROKEN AND THE TIRE FELL OFF. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 31, 200345,000 milesKS

INTAKE VALVE GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT TO ENTER CYLINDER AND BEND PUSH ROD. MOTOR HAS ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT. VAN HAD BEEN DRIVEN UNDER 500 MILES IN LAST SIX MONTHS. *NLM

Tires
Filed Sep 24, 2002MA

NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 27, 2002IN

CONSTANT MISALIGNMENT CAUSES VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL IS STILL EXTREMELY LOOSE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. DEALER STATES THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2002IN

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ILLUMINATING, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN CYLINDER HEAD AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. MECHANIC AT FORD DEALER STATED THAT MANUFACTURER HAS NOT PRODUCED SENSOR FOR ECONOLINE TRUCK, RESULTING IN FALSE WARNING TO CHECK ENGINE ON VEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2002CD

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER STATED ROD AND ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2001NY

CYLINDER HEAD LEAKS COOLANT EXTERNALY FROM THERMOSTAT HOUSING (THREW SMALL PIN HOLES). *AK

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Oct 11, 2001MD

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT (HIGH AND LOW BEAM) HEADLIGHTS FAILED DUE TO A FAILED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. I CHECKED THE MULTIPLE FUSES (4 EACH) PER OWNERS MANUAL RELATING TO HEADLIGHTS AND NO MALFUNCTION OBSERVED. ONLY "FLASH TO PASS" HIGH BEAM WAS FUNCTIONAL. REPAIR COMPLETED BY KOONS FORD OF ANNAPOLIS ON INVOICE #C66934, 10/06/2001. I THINK THIS CIRCUIT FAILURE CONSTITUTES A VERY SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW WHEREBY FORD ALLOWS ALL HEADLIGHTS, WHICH ARE PROTECTED BY INDIVIDUAL FUSED CIRCUITS, TO GO OUT BY THE FAILURE OF A SINGLE SWITCH.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 20, 2001CO

WATER WOULD ENTER INSIDE OF TRUCK AND WOULD SHORT OUT ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS. WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Aug 15, 2001TX

GASOLINE COULD NOT BE PUT INTO VEHICLE BECAUSE OF A BROKEN HOSE THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE GASOLINE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AKFAULTY FILLER HOSE CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING FILLED. NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 5, 2001KY

HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 40 YEARS. HAVE NEVER HAD BRAKE PADS WEAR OUT THIS FAST. BELIVE THERE MUST BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM, BUT UNABLE TO GET FORD TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT FORD SENT OUT A LETTER TO ITS DEALERS ABOUT PREMATURE PAD FAILURE AT 12000 MILES BUT WOULD NOT GIVE ME A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. WHEN I CALLED FORD ALL THEY WOULD TELL ME IS THAT THE PADS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY . I DON'T SEEM TO BE ABLE TO GET ANY MORE INFO FROM FORDS ARE THE DEALER. KEEP GITTING THE RUN AROUND. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME.*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 3, 2001CA

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 35MPH ON A HIGHWAYAND HEARD A NOISE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, AND NOTICED THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. TIRE WAS FIRESTONE,#LT, 225-75R16 M/F. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Dec 21, 2000FL

PURCHASED VEHICLE AS USED FROM PAUL CLARK FORD. FROM THE FIRST DAY, STEERING PROBLEMS. WHILE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRENTY, THE DEALER DID REPLACE STEERING GEAR BOX. WENT BACK TO DEALER, STATING I WAS STILL HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS. DELAER STATED, VEHICLE NO LONGER UNDER WARRENTY. TOOK VEHICLE TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP, REMOVED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, SHAFT WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY. SHAFT HAS SLOT FOR BOLT TO FIT THRUOGH, THUS LOCKING SHAFT AND BOLT TOGETHER. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SHAFT(ROUNDED) WAS USED. IF THE SHAFT HAD LOSSENED, I WOULD HAVE LOST IMMEDIATE STEERING, WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS TO MY SELF OR OTHERS. THREE DISTINCT POSSIBILITIES:*AK

Tires
Filed Sep 30, 2000NV

WHILE GETTING MY VAN SERVICED AT MY LOCAL PEP BOYS THE TECH NOTICED MY REAR TIRES AND SAID THEY APPEARED TO BE SEPERATING. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER HERE AND ASK FOR A INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT SEPERATING . HE OFFERERD TO SELL ME 4 SHOCKS FOR 300.00 AND 2 NEW TIRES (BUT THE OLD ONES WERE NOT BAD SO HE SAYS) FOR 300.00 THE VAN ONLY HAS 19400 MILE ON IT ! WHERE CAN I GO TO GET THESE TIRE INSPECTED? I LIVE IN LAS VEGAS NV. *AK (TIRESIZE: 225/75R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/75R16 )

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 6, 2000PA

VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE BRAKES, ROTORS. HAS HAD PULSATIONS IN BRAKING SYSTEM SINCE NEW. HAS HAD NEW BRAKES, ROTORS WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF PROBLEM. USING BRAKES EVERY 8-10,000 MILES. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 24, 2000TX

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CONSUMER NOTICED VIBRATION COMING FROM FRONT END. ALSO, EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT TIRES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Apr 10, 2000NH

REPORTED VEHICLE LEAKING GASOLINE. FOUND FORD ECONOLINE WHEELCHAIR VAN ON LEVEL PARKING LOT WITH GASOLINE LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK FILL ASSEMBLY. FD REFUSED TO ALLOW USER (SON OF OWNER) TO DRIVE THE VAN DUE TO FIRE HAZARD. VAN TOWED TO LOCAL SERVICE GARAGE. FUEL FILL ASSEMBLY WAS AFTER MARKET INSTALATION, COMBINATION OF PIPES, FITTINGS, HOSES AND CLAMPS. WITH UNLOADED VEHICLE ON LEVEL PARKING LOT A PORTION OF THE FILL HOSE WAS APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES ABOVE THE REAR AXEL. HOSE SHOWED SIGNS OF CONTACT WITH AXEL. GASOLINE APPEARED TO BE LEAKING FROM THIS HOSE. FD TOOK PICTURES. FD SPOKE WITH OWNER, USER AND MR. MARK LORE, PRESIDENT OF RIDE-A-WAY VANS. THIS REPORT FILED BY TOM RICHARDSON, CAPTAIN, DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT, 52 COLLEGE RD, DURHAM, NH 03824, V 603-868-5531, F 603-862-1513, HOME 603-868-7382, [email protected] AND [email protected]. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Mar 30, 2000NY

ROTORS SHOWING DEEP SCORING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUDDER/SHAKE UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES. NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 2, 2000TX

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES, PADS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FELL OFF. *AK

Interior Lighting
Filed Feb 1, 2000NJ

CONSUMER'S 11/2- YEAR OLD CHILD BURNED HER RIGHT FINGER ON THE TOP COURTESY LIGHT. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 14, 1999MO

WINDSHIELD CRACKS CAUSED BY ROAD STRESS/VIBRATION. CRACK STARTS FROM ABOUT THE BASE OF ONE WIPER ARM, GOES UP MEANDERING THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE WINDSHIELD, AND THEN WILL FINALLY DROP BACK DOWN TO THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE VICINITY OF THE OTHER WIPER ARM. THIS CRACK DID NOT ORIGINATE FROM A FOREIGN MATERIAL SUCH AS A THROWN ROCK. RUNNING DEFROSTER PROPAGATES THE CRACK. I HAVE SEEN THIS TYPE OF CRACK (WIPER ARM TO WIPER ARM) IN NUMEROUS OTHER FORD VANS (REGULAR, CUTAWAY, AND CLASS C MOTORHOME). THIS TYPE OF CRACK SEEMS TO APPEAR TOO OFTEN AND THEREBY APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 23, 1999CA

PLASTIC "THUMB TACKS" ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT THAT HOLD THE SEAT CONTROL BUTTONS BROKE OFF. DEALER SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO TAKE MY VAN OUT TO THE CONVERSION COM. TO GET IT FIXED. WANTED ME TO DRIVE IT 55 MILES AWAY MYSELF AND GET IT FIXED. THIS WAS ALREADY BROKEN WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN FROM THE DEALER. ALTHOUGH I FOUND THAT MY KIDS LIKED TO USE IT AS A STEP-LADDER TO GET INTO DRIVER SEAT. THEY WOULD MOVE THE SEAT AROUND TO EASILY WITH THE SEAT BUTTONS STICKING OUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. I FOUND THIS DANGEROUS. (THIS WAS BEFORE IT BROKE OFF.) I HAVEN'T FIXED THIS MYSELF, I FOUND IT HARD TO SWALLOW THAT THE DEALER COULDN'T GET IT FIXED. THE RADIO/CD PLAYER HOOKED UP IN THE BACK CANNOT BE LISTENED TO BY MORE THEN ONE PERSON DUE TO SURGES FROM THE HEADPHONES PLUGGED INTO THEIR OWN STATIONS. THE DEALER SAID I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THAT TO THE CONVER. COM. TOO, TO GET FIXED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 25, 1999WI

VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE LEFT ALL THE TIME. SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR. WHENEVER BRAKING VEHICLE PULLED LEFT. TOOK TO DEALER 3 DIFFERENT TIMES & MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH WORK WAS PERFORMED ON VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Jul 22, 1999NJ

WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP AND BACK WHEELS KEPT GOING. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED, CAUSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM TO FAIL. DEALER CLAIMED THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE RADIO, WHICH WAS REMOVED. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. *AK *ML

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 24, 1999MI

REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTION, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSING FRONT WHEELS TO LOCK UP. ALSO, AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON, INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM WHICH MAY NOT DEPLOY IN EVENT OF A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Feb 1, 1999CA

HORN STOPPED WORKING ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. *YC

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Feb 1, 1999CA

REMOTE FOR KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FAILED. YH

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed Dec 17, 1998MD

THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ROOF. WHILE DRIVING ROOF TOP WAS STARTING TO COME OFF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Dec 4, 1998CA

AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATOR STAYS ON SO THE SENSOR HAD BEEN REPLACED, AND THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 14, 1998MI

THE ENGINE BLOCK FILLS UP WITH FUEL, NO WARNING, NO INDICATION THAT FUEL WILL GO OVER THE MOTOR. DRIPS ON PART OF THE ENGINE TORQUE. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

All 46 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20260100Routine
20191200Routine
20180200Routine
20173100Routine
20163100Routine
20150100Routine
20140100Routine
20130100Routine
20121100Routine
20110100Routine
20101100Routine
20091100Routine
20070200Routine
20060200Routine
20050200Routine
200322430Routine
200223430Routine
200128520Routine
200039540Routine
199984740Routine
1998 — this page46410Routine
199779422Fatalities reported
1996815121Fatalities reported
199573670Routine
19941246111Fatalities reported
199365560Routine
1992835111Fatalities reported
199124310Routine
199030440Routine

Compare every Econoline year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.