1996 Ford Econoline
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1996 Ford Econoline. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1996 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 parking brake systems may not hold the vehicles on a 20% grade with foot pedal efforts of 125 pounds or less. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle may roll after being parked increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will adjust the parking brake system on the affected vehicles.
Owner complaints
81 complaints6 involved a crash12 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. The contact stated the door latch would not release open in order to gain access or exit the vehicle due to the faulty door cable. The failure involved both side doors and rear door. The contact purchased the door cable kit and performed the repair…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. The contact stated the door latch would not release open in order to gain access or exit the vehicle due to the faulty door cable. The failure involved both side doors and rear door. The contact purchased the door cable kit and performed the repair himself. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 01/20/12*lj the consumer stated there was a flaw in the mechanics that operates the doors that can become inoperable without warning. The cables operating the latches can and do fail because they are made of vinyl and in time fail. updated 01/20/12
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owned a 1996 ford econoline. the contact stated that the vehicle caught fire on january 14, 2008 while parked in the driveway. smoke appeared from the engine and front passenger seat. the fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. the vehicle was destroyed. the…
Tl*the contact owned a 1996 ford econoline. the contact stated that the vehicle caught fire on january 14, 2008 while parked in the driveway. smoke appeared from the engine and front passenger seat. the fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact received ford recall notice number 05s28 the first week in may of 2008. the current and failure mileages were 122,000.
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. the contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal in february of 2008. since that time, he has called the dealer five times and was informed to call back the following week. on april 2, 2008, he was informed to…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. the contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal in february of 2008. since that time, he has called the dealer five times and was informed to call back the following week. on april 2, 2008, he was informed to call back in august. there had been no failure to date. the purchase date, powertrain, and recall number were unknown. the current mileage was 124,000. updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08 *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1996 ford econoline with fused jumper harness recall. Consumer states that the dealer keeps telling him that the parts are not available. Consumer IS very upset with the unsatisfactory way this recall IS being taken care of. *kb
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the dealer replaced the switch a few months ago; however, ford IS currently sending the contact another letter stating that the part they replaced was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the dealer replaced the switch a few months ago; however, ford IS currently sending the contact another letter stating that the part they replaced was still defective, and he needs to make another appointment. the letter requests that he leave the vehicle at the dealer while it IS being repaired. the contact has been driving the vehicle for years and was not aware that it could catch fire. he IS scared to drive the vehicle. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 88,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. while parked, the vehicle began smoking and then caught fire. the fire originated from the cruise control and destroyed all of the switches, buttons, and mirror on the driver side door. the contact has pictures. updated 5/20/08 *cn
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. after the vehicle had been parked for 24 hours, it burst into flames. there were no prior warnings. the fire was extinguished by the fire department. the insurance investigator stated that the fire was caused by something electrical in the engine…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford econoline. after the vehicle had been parked for 24 hours, it burst into flames. there were no prior warnings. the fire was extinguished by the fire department. the insurance investigator stated that the fire was caused by something electrical in the engine compartment. the vehicle was destroyed and towed. personal items that were in the yard were burned and damaged. the vehicle was repaired last november for nhtsa campaign ID number 06v286000 (vehicle speed control). the cruise control never worked properly after the repair was made. the current and failure mileages were 157,000. updated 02-19-08 *bf
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The morning of 23 dec 2006 around 5:00 am, my 1196 ford econoline conversion van caught on fire in the engine compartment for no apparent reason. Due to the intense heat my home suffered fire damage as well. There were no known mechanical or electrical problems with the van. It was running like a champ until this incident.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1996 ford econoline electrical system repeatedly caused the van to break down. *Kb the air conditioning compressor seized and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The ignition module was replaced. the tie rods needed to be replaced which failed while the consumer was driving. The cruise control stopped working and the ABS, air bag and engine lights illuminated. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1996 club wagon chateau theft alarm came on/off causing vehicle not to start the next morning. *ts the alarm once again sounded and was turned off. a few hours later the vehicle was on fire. the vehicle's cruise control deactivation switch had failed prior to the consumer receiving the recall notice. another vehicle was damaged in the fire. the consumer's vehicle was a total loss. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Driving down expressway, stopped to drop newphew off van smelled hot/burning opened hood fire present. Cruise control part on recall for other fords started fire. Put fire out. Ford refuses to pay for part even though exact part on recall, because it IS on a van not a truck. It IS still the same…
Driving down expressway, stopped to drop newphew off van smelled hot/burning opened hood fire present. Cruise control part on recall for other fords started fire. Put fire out. Ford refuses to pay for part even though exact part on recall, because it IS on a van not a truck. It IS still the same faulty part as the trucks. Has burned cruise control, brake fluid chamber electrical wires under it and shorted out alternator. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Dt: the contact stated cruise control stopped working. the local repair shop replaced a 15 amp circuit breaker. after the vehicle was parked for approximately five hours it caught on fire. the fire department was called. the insurance investigator could not determine the cause of the fire. *ak the consumer believed the fire was related to the cruise control. Updated 12/07/05. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
On sunday morning at about 6 am the alarm of our van went off. it woke us up. The engine of the van was on fire. we called the 911 and the fire department came. my husband tried to use the fire extinguisher but he could not open the hood. the fire department put out the fire.the last time I…
On sunday morning at about 6 am the alarm of our van went off. it woke us up. The engine of the van was on fire. we called the 911 and the fire department came. my husband tried to use the fire extinguisher but he could not open the hood. the fire department put out the fire.the last time I drove the van was about 8:30 pm on saturday night. it was fine then while it was burning it sounded like it was trying to start. one fireman said that sound was from the wires burning or something like that. It IS a 1996 ford [xxx] ford e 350 limited regency the mileage was about79362. A sticker on the windshield says built with pride econoline by loraind ohio assembly uaw 425 2000. We are very thankful for the car alarm. we were not due to wake up until an hour later. We think it IS totaled because the whole front side IS burned and the windshield broke. all the seats are still in good shape. The police came to the scene but when we went to get the report we found that the police man did not make a report. he didn't even speak to us. later we learned that shift change happens that time of morning. (a police man who goes to our church told us about the shift change) he didn't know why a report was not taken. *nm updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Tires › Sidewall
Dt: the contact bought 4 new tires around june-2002. 3 failed. The first one failed in 6-04, the second one blew out in 3-05, and the third one failed on 8-15-05. noticed the bubbles before the other two blew out. The dealership replaced them at no cost; but was worried about other people who…
Dt: the contact bought 4 new tires around june-2002. 3 failed. The first one failed in 6-04, the second one blew out in 3-05, and the third one failed on 8-15-05. noticed the bubbles before the other two blew out. The dealership replaced them at no cost; but was worried about other people who may have the same tire. The tire brand name IS big o. The dot numbers are b4kv3800; utrk-266e r-44448 k-9184 1914. The tire line IS: lt235/75r15. *ak *jb
- Unknown or other
1996 ford econoline van was parked on my property. it started on fire which spread so quickly that the whole van was burnt before the fire department arrived. the fire department believes the fire started on the driver's side towards the front of the vehicle but can not determine what started it…
1996 ford econoline van was parked on my property. it started on fire which spread so quickly that the whole van was burnt before the fire department arrived. the fire department believes the fire started on the driver's side towards the front of the vehicle but can not determine what started it although we are still waiting for their report. this van was not parked near anything flammable nor was there anything flammable in the van. the fire was so hot the windshield melted. we now have no van and no explanation of why it would start on fire. The sheriff's department said they would not take a report unless the fire department suspects arson.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
On june 25TH I changed the battery on my 1996 ford E150 because the battery was dead. About a half an hour later I heard the alarm going off. When I went outside there was white smoke coming out from under the hood. I raised the hood and the sending unit on the master cylinder for the cruise…
On june 25TH I changed the battery on my 1996 ford E150 because the battery was dead. About a half an hour later I heard the alarm going off. When I went outside there was white smoke coming out from under the hood. I raised the hood and the sending unit on the master cylinder for the cruise control was smoking and the white smoke was increasing by the second. I pulled the wires that were leading to it and the smoked started to disapate. The vehicle was not running and the ignition was turned off. On june 29, I was watching the jane pauly show on cnn. They were reporting about a problem with this same part on the ford F150 pickups. I believe that if my alarm had not sounded my vehicle would have caught on fire like the pickup trucks in the report. As of yet I still have not repaired the vehicle and all parts are as they were on the day of the incedent. If you would like I will leave the vehicle this way so you can inspect the problem if you would like. Please contact me asap so I know how to proceed.
- Electrical system
The consumer stated the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. the fire department made the assumption of it being an electrical fire.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS will not engage when braking during a emergency situation or a sudden stop. The vehicle has been to a repair shop on two separate occasions. The mechanic replaced the front pads and both front rotors and the problem continued. *Jb
- Structure
The roof on my 1996 ford econoline with mounted rack has paint that has peeled off and beginning rust, especially around the rack and edges of roof. it IS a blue metallic paint and IS separating from the primer, which I understand IS a defect known as delamination caused by defective primer and…
The roof on my 1996 ford econoline with mounted rack has paint that has peeled off and beginning rust, especially around the rack and edges of roof. it IS a blue metallic paint and IS separating from the primer, which I understand IS a defect known as delamination caused by defective primer and normal environment condition of ultraviolet exposure, a defect that was latent from the date it was painted and has now become very apparent. estimate to repair roof IS $1220.80 mileage IS 55,834.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Without any warning the vehicle stalled on the highway while driving 60 mph. the incident occurred four times since the consumer has owned the vehicle. vehicle has been towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the injector driver module was the problem. this module was positioned in…
Without any warning the vehicle stalled on the highway while driving 60 mph. the incident occurred four times since the consumer has owned the vehicle. vehicle has been towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the injector driver module was the problem. this module was positioned in a way that moisture could seep in, causing the ipm module to fail. *Ak response from dealer and manufacturer was poor. *ph
- Structure › Frame and members
Consumer was having a problem keeping the vehicle aligned because the frame cracked near the steering box where motor mount are attached. *ak *nlm
- Tires
Three out of four goodyear tires had a large air bubble on sidewalls. bubble was the size of a tennis ball. please provide more details. Ts. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Consumer states of having problems wit the ABS system. Dealer was contacted, the consumer also stated that the hcv/hyd control unit for the ABS failed and was replaced. the vehicle did not stop under hard bearing, the ABS warning light would come on/off. the consumer was told by ford that there…
Consumer states of having problems wit the ABS system. Dealer was contacted, the consumer also stated that the hcv/hyd control unit for the ABS failed and was replaced. the vehicle did not stop under hard bearing, the ABS warning light would come on/off. the consumer was told by ford that there was a recall #96vz14000. the consumer stated he owned another vehicle like this before and it also had problems-should have been recalled. *mr *sccb *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Brakes wore out and were replaced every 4-6 months. The caliper was made of fiberglass and crumbled under the heat of braking causing the brake pads to wear prematurely. the consumer was having the front disk brakes and the caliper piston replaced with metal a metal kind, consumer has also had problems with the abs.*yh *cb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Fiberglass caliper piston on front disc brakes covered with metal plate cover brake pads only lasted 2 months because it started to crumble dangerous. *ak
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.
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.
- 10004848For 7.3L dit engines, rotunda tool has issued an injector performance analyzer that may now be purchased as an effective aid in helping to resolve rough idle concerns.
- 10004842Rough idle and engine miss due to injector bore scuffing at green engine break-in.
- 10004839Coolant may leak at the rear oil header.
- 10004835A hard start or no start condition in extreme cold weather.
- 10004826Some 7.3L diesel vehicles may exhibit an engine miss where the engine may stall and not restart. Diagnostic trouble code 1298 may be stored.
- 10004822No start/hard start and/or long crank time for vehicles with 7.3L di turbo diesel.
- 10004820Availability of new sealant for servicing 7.3L di turbo engine.
- 10004819The water-in-fuel lamp may stay on and the fuel may be slow to drain or not drain at all when the fuel drain valve IS opened.
- 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.
- 10003148High pressure oil pump leak.
- 10001943Exhaust air rush noise and lower power.
- 6092006Subject regarding tire balance hint.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090858Some vehicles with rear brake drums may exhibit brake squeal noise.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 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
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 618603Some vehicles with dana 80 rear axles may exhibit an excessive amount of axle whine noise.
- 618577Information on rear axle whine-vehicles equipped with dana 80 axles-5.4l/6.8l and 7.3L.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 616520A condition may exist with possible electronc damage occuring to the compuvalve from voltage spikes between the compuvalve connections when connecting or disconnecting the main compuvalve harness c4025.
- 615491All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 613864Some vehicles may exhibit a false high spark advance readings when using a new generator star (ngs) tester.
- 613862Service tip information on revised fuel tank valve for bi-fuel 4.9L vehicles only.
- 613861Brief information stating that a revised fuel gauge has been released for service for bi-fuel vehicles only.
- 613350Service tip information regarding the reverse clutch piston and piston seal usage.
- 613349Experiencing a knocking noise when the engine IS cold and under acceleration.
- 613344On some vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may illuminate and code p1411 may be stored in memory.
- 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.
- 613336Subject regarding a new single key locksets installed on certain trial vehicles.
- 613288Some vehicles may exhibit a steering pull to the right or left.
Every Ford Econoline model year
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