1994 Ford Econoline
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Econoline › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Ford Econoline. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1994 Ford Econoline. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. the recall began on august 7, 2006. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)
The transformer used to power the neon center lightbeam can overheat and catch on fire.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The overheating and fires caused by the neon transformer can result in damage to the lightbeam assembly, the roof of the vehicle, and could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Mark III dealers will modify the assemblies to eliminate the neon lighting fixture in the vehicle and replace it with incandescent lights operating directly from the vehicle 12-volt battery.
These vehicles do not comply with fmvss 105, "hydraulic brake systems." the parking brake application force for a foot operated control system should not exceed 125 pounds to hold the vehicle on a 30% grade. Interference between the parking brake pedal and a wire harness may increase the needed pedal force to greater than 125 pounds to set the parking brake…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The interference between the foot pedal and the wireharness may not allow the parking brake to fully set. If this occurs when thevehicle IS parked on an incline, it may roll, causing a crash.
Remedy
Final stage manufacturers will be informed of this condition and provided with parts and instructions necessary to correct this situation.
Owner complaints
124 complaints9 involved a crash11 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Seat belts · Vehicle speed control
seat belt not pulling out e40d trans starts out going in 3ed gear
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
While pulling out of a parking space turn wheel to left hard at loud cracking sound as if something was breaking. Stopped got out and looked under and noticed a bolt pulled through and broke the frame where the bottom bolt was. Grabbed the other two and they pulled right out and we're snapped off.…
While pulling out of a parking space turn wheel to left hard at loud cracking sound as if something was breaking. Stopped got out and looked under and noticed a bolt pulled through and broke the frame where the bottom bolt was. Grabbed the other two and they pulled right out and we're snapped off. Had to get another gearbox put on with all three bolts and 4 days later while pulling out of parking lot hard loud pop and looked and top right bolt was snapped off completely. Steering was way looser and made it to my destination. Next morning tried to pull out of parking space and loud pop once again. This time the gearbox was hanging all the way off. Steering wheel just kept turning but wheels were not. Couldn't park it back out of street because others cars were close had to leave it halfway hanging out in street till people got off work and moved other cars away so I could get it back to curb. Now I'm at a lost how did this happen twice. Or even happen at all. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. The contact stated that the exterior lighting failed to illuminate. The dealer stated that the multi-function turn signal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000. updated 10/8/14*cn updated 3/24/2015 *js
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly veer to the right and the steering wheel wobbled. An independent mechanic stated that the steering box needed to…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly veer to the right and the steering wheel wobbled. An independent mechanic stated that the steering box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
- Unknown or other
You don't have the nineties! what's with that? I'D like to look to see if the car I have was ever recalled before I bought it
- Steering
Please reopen nhtsa ID number: 10254031. after this incident I posted a web site detailing the problem. since then, I have received dozen of inquiries from people who have had the identical issue. the latest one came today 12/31/2013, 5 years after my event. several have resulted in accidents.…
Please reopen nhtsa ID number: 10254031. after this incident I posted a web site detailing the problem. since then, I have received dozen of inquiries from people who have had the identical issue. the latest one came today 12/31/2013, 5 years after my event. several have resulted in accidents. there IS no doubt that people have died because of this failure, with the failure being incorrectly determined to have been caused by an accident, rather than being determined to have been the cause of the accident. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the bolts in the steering box fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Moving to north carolina in a ford econoline van, 1994. The van started smoking and when we pulled over on the side of the highway the smoke became so thick that we started to walk away to our second vehicle parked the van. when we turned around we saw an extreme amount of smoke and realized the…
Moving to north carolina in a ford econoline van, 1994. The van started smoking and when we pulled over on the side of the highway the smoke became so thick that we started to walk away to our second vehicle parked the van. when we turned around we saw an extreme amount of smoke and realized the van had caught fire. the fire department came to extinguish the flames but none of the contents within could be saved. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Bumpers
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. The contact stated that the bolts that hold the bumper in place have rusted and caused the front bumper to fall off. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the failure and because the vehicle was out of warranty the contact would be responsible for…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. The contact stated that the bolts that hold the bumper in place have rusted and caused the front bumper to fall off. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the failure and because the vehicle was out of warranty the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The contact stated that if he was driving the failure could have caused a crash. the failure mileage was 170,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline van. When attempting to start the vehicle, it exhibited a no-start condition. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were under 100,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Fire to vehicle caused by defective speed control deactivation switch. *Tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline van. the vehicle has cooper wintermaster tires, size 235/75/r15. while driving 55 mph, the contact heard a loud popping and grinding noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. he pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the rear…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline van. the vehicle has cooper wintermaster tires, size 235/75/r15. while driving 55 mph, the contact heard a loud popping and grinding noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. he pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side tire was blown. there was tread separation and a large portion of the steel belt was exposed. the contact IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 74,800.
- Vehicle speed control
Fire caused by a 1994 ford econoline 150 cruise control switch ignited. *Tr
- Equipment · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
The speed control deactivation switch caught on fire and burnt the brake fluid bottle and some scored paint under the hood and some wiring. when we contacted ford they said this vehicle didn't fall under this recall. now ford says it does and we had already repaired it at our expense. when we…
The speed control deactivation switch caught on fire and burnt the brake fluid bottle and some scored paint under the hood and some wiring. when we contacted ford they said this vehicle didn't fall under this recall. now ford says it does and we had already repaired it at our expense. when we looked this up on the net it said it was already done in 1996, but how could it when they said it didn;t fall into the recall since it was a E150. *tr
- Seat belts › Rear/other · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal sticks on high rpms when very cold/rear seat belts retractor will not feed out frequently. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1994 ford econoline van; my oil pan rusted out. This was found when the fuel pressure regulator failed,and the vehicle would not start. I had it towed for service, and told them I noticed a puddle of oil after the tow truck removed it. They found the oil pan had rusted out. This was a costly repair…
1994 ford econoline van; my oil pan rusted out. This was found when the fuel pressure regulator failed,and the vehicle would not start. I had it towed for service, and told them I noticed a puddle of oil after the tow truck removed it. They found the oil pan had rusted out. This was a costly repair as the engine had to be pulled forward to change the pan. While it was being serviced three of the people I know told me they had the same thing happen on their fords; one person used jb weld on his van, then sold it. As I am on ss/disability, I cannot afford to purchase a new vehicle, and I do like this one. I do think this IS a potential hazard as oil could start fire on a hot engine, and if the engine froze up on the interstate could potentially cause an accident. I was lucky to find the problem before my engine froze up. However, having to pull the engine forward to change the oil pan IS somewhat poor design and very costly. *tr
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
TL* - the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline 150. while turning the steering wheel there was a loud noise. the contact observed that the center bolt had come out of the steering wheel. The contact drove the vehicle home. the frame was split. *Ak updated 02/27/07. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control
TL*- the contact called about nhtsa campaign 06v286000. He states that the vehicle was parked in driveway and caught on fire, at the time of the fire vehicle was not running. the vehicle's the speed control de-activation switch was the source of the fire. at the time of the incident there wasn't…
TL*- the contact called about nhtsa campaign 06v286000. He states that the vehicle was parked in driveway and caught on fire, at the time of the fire vehicle was not running. the vehicle's the speed control de-activation switch was the source of the fire. at the time of the incident there wasn't a recall on the vehicle so the contact paid for the repair done on vehicle. the contact stated that once the recall was posted, he took the vehicle to the dealership and they verified that the repair on vehicle had been done previously. once the dealership confirmed that repair was done on vehicle, the contact called manufacturer so he could get reimbursed for repair. manufacturer reimbursed him for 50 percent of what he paid for, now contact IS looking to get reimbursed in full. the contact can provide a copy of invoice for repairs done by shop, letter that ford send him and also a copy of the check that ford sent him.
- Power train › Axle assembly · Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
1994 ford econoline rear axle began to smoke and caught on fire. *Kb *jb
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while parked outside a church. the fire department was contacted, and extinguished the fire. the fire department determined the fire originated from under the hood and was likely an electrical wiring problem. the vehicle was totaled and there…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while parked outside a church. the fire department was contacted, and extinguished the fire. the fire department determined the fire originated from under the hood and was likely an electrical wiring problem. the vehicle was totaled and there were no problems prior to the incident. the contact saw a recall nhtsa campaign ID # 06v86000 regarding the vehicle speed control, but the contact had not yet received a recall letter.
- Electrical system
1) no previous indication was given of any problem. 2) at 3 am on august 8TH, 2005, I was awaken by a neighbor, who having smelled smoke, looked out the window and saw my van on fire. the fire was in the engine compartment, in the area of the brake fluid reservoir, this item having burned, as…
1) no previous indication was given of any problem. 2) at 3 am on august 8TH, 2005, I was awaken by a neighbor, who having smelled smoke, looked out the window and saw my van on fire. the fire was in the engine compartment, in the area of the brake fluid reservoir, this item having burned, as well as the wire harnesses behind the reservoir, and also the battery cables. the van had been parked in the driveway with the engine off, and no accessories were on at the time. the van IS inoperative at this time. 3) I have not done nothing to correct the problem, since it IS an obvious manufacturer's defect of some component on the vehicle, this since the vehicle was manufactured, and I would like to have ford motor company assume the responsibility for the subsequent repair. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: the contact stated the gasoline hose cracked. the vehicle was leaking gasoline because of the crack in this line that was getting progressively worse. the hose was replaced. the manufacturer stated there were no recalls for this specific vehicle. the consumer examined several of these vehicles and they all had a similar crack in the hose were developing a crack. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling
The vehicle was parked on the side of the house. While all the residence were gone for the day, the vehicle mysteriously caught on fire. The fire department was notified. The fire destroyed the engine compartment. The owner contacted the dealer and the manufacturer, and was told that they were not liable for the defect. *ak *sc *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering › Column
Steering column: anti-lock brake light on all the time, airbag light blinks in a pattern, horn and cruise control quit working at the same time. Transmission: transmission shudders when shifting gears in the higher gears.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the motor would start to make a loud noise causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in…
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford IS also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation IS closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
- Separation of steering gear from frame
The bolts which secure the steering gear to vehicle structure may fail, allowing the steering gear to separate from the vehicle frame and cause inaccurate steering and/or loss of steering control.
- Trns oil cooler line fails
Ford has acknowledged a serious problem with the accessory drive belt system (serpentine belt) in the subject vehicles.several service bulletins have been issued to address concerns related to belt tracking or wear.ford maintains that the subject condition does not present an unreasonable risk to highway safety…
Ford has acknowledged a serious problem with the accessory drive belt system (serpentine belt) in the subject vehicles.several service bulletins have been issued to address concerns related to belt tracking or wear.ford maintains that the subject condition does not present an unreasonable risk to highway safety, arguing that the low incidence of failures alleging safety consequences (i.e., fires, fluid leaks, and/or accidents) IS strong evidence in support of this claim.ford has indicated receipt of 4,445 field reports and 46891 warranty claims concerning the subject condition. Ford maintains that the low number of reported hose ruptures and/or fires, relative to total belt failures, shows that the problem IS a durability concern that presents very little risk to motor vehicle safety.ford intends to address the problemin a service bulletin scheduled for publication the week of march 13, 1995.odi has received several claims alleging that incidents of belt failure are causing collateral damage to adjacent fluid systems (e.g., power steering hose, coolant hose, and automatic transmission oil cooler hose).release of these fluids within the engine compartment may result in a vehicle fire, if exposed to a sufficiently hot surface area.the autoignition temperature for transmission oil may be as low as 300 c (570 f), while power steering fluid and engine coolant are generally harder to ignite (closer to 500 degree c (900 degreef)).damage to battery cable insulation has also been alleged as a consequence of serpentine belt failure.odi has received four reports alleging failure of adjacent fluid system hoses from contact with a broken serpentine belt.one report involved an econoline rv cutaway chassis with a 7.3L V-8 navistar engine, used in the transport of disabled children.an engine compartment fire destroyed the vehicle in november 1994.the fire IS alleged to have been caused when the serpentine belt broke at highway speed and ruptured a transmission coller line. The report alleges finding belt fragments and traces of transmission fluid up the road from the fire scene, near where the driver had heard a pop just prior to the fire.the driver reportedly sustained minor burn injuries while evacuating passengers.owner reports also allege some loss of vehicle control occurs with the belt failures, due to the loss of power assist capability to the braking and steering systems.the serpentine belt drives the power steering pump and the vacuum pump for the brake booster in the subject vehicles.as stated in ford bulletin 93-23-27: some diesel powered vehicles are experiencing drive belt tracking concerns.this IS caused by front end accessory drive (fead) misalignment, which may result in the belt coming off the accessory drive pulleys.if this occurs, several warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle will lose alternator and a/c function and water pump circulation.in addition, steering efforts will increase and, after one or a few brake applications, brake efforts wil progressively increase. There are three odi complaints and five ford complaints, not included in the failure report summary of this resume, alleging that the reductionin vehicle control associated with acessory drive belt failure resulted in an accident.this investigation IS being upgraded to further analyze the potential safety consequences of serpentine belt failure in the subject vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10148820This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10007319Engine or fuel system concerns when using fuel with greater than 5% biodiesel concentration.
- 10004880Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0340, possible false code. Various models including 1994-1996 ford excursion.
- 10004835A hard start or no start condition in extreme cold weather.
- 10003835An oil leak at the turbocharger pedestal around the exhaust backpressure actuator.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 6092006Subject regarding tire balance hint.
- 6090143Subject regarding 4r100 transmission flexplate replacement for vehicles with 7.3L diesel engine.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3055200Unknown
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 613350Service tip information regarding the reverse clutch piston and piston seal usage.
- 613342Concerns with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) lamp remaining on after the vehicle IS started and six (6) ABS codes are stored in memory on some vehicles.
- 613288Some vehicles may exhibit a steering pull to the right or left.
- 613252Some vehicles that are loaded to the upper end of gvw, with the majority of the load between the axles, may exhibit inner edge tire wear due to incorrect alignment.
- 613145Vehicles may exhibit a steering pull to the right or left, due to incorrect front end alignment settings. *Mjs
- 613041Vehicles that are loaded to the upper end of fvw, with the majority of the load between the axles, may exhibit inner edge tire wear due to incorrect alignment. *Mjs
- 613022On some vehicles repeat repairs may be made to 4-wheel anti-lock braking systems (4wabs) due to misdiagnosis of 4wabs concerns which may result in replacement of functional components.
- 612965Customers may be concerned that vehicle looks like it dogtracks, due to a unique feature of the vehicle that combine to create an optical illusion of dogtracking, a condition which the rear axle IS not square to the chassis. *Mjs
- 612923Information on the 7.3L dit engines, rotunda tool has issued an injector performance analyzer that may now be pruchased as an effective aid in helping to resolve rough idle concerns. *Mjs
- 612343Vehicles may experience solid particle contaminants from prior transmission concerns or excess wear, may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system IS not properly flushed, fluid in-line filter kit. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 609737Transmission- e40d/4r100-1989-99-main controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart. Yd
- 609736Transmission-e40d-no 2-3 upshift. Some vehicles may exhibit a no 2-3 upshift condition.
- 608551Complaints of tire wear and loose feelings in the steering system.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 608417Subject regarding a high number of ball joints being replaced as the result of routine inspections or of complaints of tire wear and loose feelings in the steering system.
- 607657Concerns with a hard to turn ignition key and / or a hard to remove key from ignition cylinder.
- 606839Addressing tire balance hints.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606429Some vehicles may exhibit a "squeaking" or "moaning" noise from the steering column while turning.
- 606428Experiencing a delayed or no 2-3 upshift, primarily when the transmission IS cold on vehicles with ford qality remanufactured (fqr) 4r70w transmission exchange units with julian build between 062-97 and 040-99.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605721Some vehicles may develop "cavitation" erosion in the cylinder wall of the engine.
- 605599Some vehicles may exhibit a flashing transmission control indicator lamp (tcil) and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 62, 628, and / or 1728 may be stored in memory.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
Every Ford Econoline model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.