1997 Ford Econoline
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Econoline › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Econoline. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 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.
The battery cable harness does not have adequate protection from contacting and being damaged by the right engine mount.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the battery cable or starter wire insulation IS damaged by such contact, a short to ground can occur resulting in overheating of the wiring and possible ignition of surrounding components.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for chafing of the cable and will add insulation and a tie strap to the battery cable harness.
Owner complaints
79 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
1997 ford econoline. Consumer writes in regards to tire issues and repair reimbursement.* ld the consumer discovered the tires on her vehicle were recalled. However, she was never notified. Recall #12t007000. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1997 ford econoline van. the spark-plug blew out of the aluminum triton engine destroying the existing threads. fire hazard. Exposed fuel to engine compartment. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the brakes several times before they would engage. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer, when called, stated that the master…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the brakes several times before they would engage. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer, when called, stated that the master cylinder may have needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400. updated 01/04/11*lj the consumer stated the master cylinder was replaced. However, that did not resolve the problem. The consumer was then informed the anti-lock brake block was bad. Updated 01/11/11.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
As I type this complaint, I am listening to secretary lahood,....if what he says IS true I should hear something back from you fairly soon!! I have a complaint with the V10 ford engine.....if you go to the internet and type in "ford V10 engine spark plug ejecting" or anything similar to that…
As I type this complaint, I am listening to secretary lahood,....if what he says IS true I should hear something back from you fairly soon!! I have a complaint with the V10 ford engine.....if you go to the internet and type in "ford V10 engine spark plug ejecting" or anything similar to that inquiry you will get a host of complaints about the problems that I am experiencing. My 1997 ford (motorhome) spit out a spark plug several month ago. Called ford, they suggested that I have my mechanic install an "insert" to repair the stripped out head or replace the heads.....offered no other help. The insert "fix cost" $1,000. new heads would have cost $3,000 each. Work would be guaranteed for a whopping "90 days". I opted for the $1,000. Fix. After the fix, my wife (fighting lung cancer) and I (retired air force-military) headed to florida from michigan. We made it to indianapolis....approx 350 miles. The newly repaired "head insert" allowed the plug to spit out again!! Long story short, we returned home and had a new engine (remanufactured) engine installed at a cost of $5,000. My military pension cannot afford these kind of monetary hits. I am also told that this problem could have easily caused a fire. We were lucky in that regard. Ford reps, both at the dealership level and ford customer service (their phone # located in the ford service manually) denied any problems....yet the internet IS full of complaints. Please tell me you are aware of the problem and are trying to find some recourse for the ford customers who have experienced the problems and expense that I have. All the mechanics that I have talked to were very familiar with the problem. That only adds to my dismay. Why hasn't there been more public info on this problem....why hasn't this problem been addressed by ford motor co. or at least fairly handled on a case by case basis. At the very least, I would appreciate some recognition that your agency IS aware and looking into this problem. Thank you so much! *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
1997 ford econoline with speed control recall. Consumer states that the dealer did not have any parts in september. He states that they still had no parts in december. As of april they still have no parts to repair this problem. *kb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 08v051000 (vehicle speed control: cruise control) in december of 2007. she has been unable to get the recall repaired. the dealer and manufacturer stated that the parts will be available in june of 2008. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 36,887.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control in september of 2007. he has been informed every month thereafter that the part would be available the following month. he spoke with the dealer in april of 2008 and was informed…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control in september of 2007. he has been informed every month thereafter that the part would be available the following month. he spoke with the dealer in april of 2008 and was informed to check back in may. there had been no failure to date. the purchase date and recall number were unknown. the current mileage was 46,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received a recall notice in august of 2007 for the vehicle speed control. the switch was disconnected. the dealer stated that they had not received any parts; however, the manufacturer stated that they have sent some parts to all of the dealers. there had been no failure to date. the recall number was unknown. the current approximate mileage was 123,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received two safety recall notices for the vehicle speed control. when he took his vehicle to ford on august 28, 2007, he was informed that the parts would be unavailable until november. he then received another notice on october 9, 2007…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. the contact received two safety recall notices for the vehicle speed control. when he took his vehicle to ford on august 28, 2007, he was informed that the parts would be unavailable until november. he then received another notice on october 9, 2007, stating that because of unforeseen part shortages, the vehicle would not be repaired until november or later. however, the contact was informed that the speed control switch could be disconnected. he wants the switch repaired, not disconnected. the current mileage IS 84,747. updated 12/12/07 *bf
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle a loud clanging noise was heard. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined a piston rod was bent due to anti-freeze leaking into the piston cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced.
- Steering
While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. when the noise was heard, it became very hard to steer the vehicle. the dealer examined the vehicle and determined that the steering pin box needed replacement. the consumer also had to have thirteen sets of tires replaced. *jb
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Vehicle's roof separated from chassis while traveling at 40 mph. *Mr while driving 40 mph the van's roof separated from the chassis and fell onto the roadway behind the vehicle. the separated section included the fiberglass shell ad dome wiring. prior to this occurrence, the wood frame support was strengthened to correct the loose fitting interior frame. *nlm
- Tires › Tread/belt
A firestone tire on the front of our company van delaminated. it was about 1 year old and IS not on any recall list. I have pictures along with the damage done to the truck. luckly no one was injured. the vehicle was doing 65 mph at the time. the tire never went flat.*ak
- Unknown or other
1997 ford econoline E-150 van. Spare tire stored underneath body of van, suspended by thin metallic cable. Cable snapped, allowing tire and two metal bracket pieces to fall onto road surface. Luckily I was only doing 2-3 mph in a parking lot. Had I been on a street or freeway at a higher speed, considerable damage and possible injuries/fatalities could have resulted. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The vehicle leaked fuel due to a fuel tank crack *nlm
- Seats
The insurance company advised the church to remove the rear seat of the van or pay a higher premium. the representative of the church requested information of the church has requested information about the vehicle and it dangers associated with a full compliment of the 15 passengers. mr scc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer stated that when applying the anti lock brakes at 40 mph the brakes will lock up causing the consumer to have a vehicle rollover. Dealer notified. Ts
- Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
Steering control arm snap.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states that while driving at 20 mph or over there was a knocking sound that was coming from the engine and after contacting the dealer the dealer stated that crankshaft was no longer any good. nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Front engine timing cover IS leaking coolant. Heater was not working, causing consumer to have it inspected. coolant IS leaking into engine, and slowly damaging engine. Dealer was contacted. *ak consumer states that the vehicle now needs a new engine. *yd
- Seat belts
When putting seat belt on it IS not close to body, and seat belt IS loose. If consumer leans forward seat belt will not catch, and belt does not adjust to body. Please add vin . *Ak
- Tires
Original tires. tire #1 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1xd267) had side separation at 9,785 miles..tire #2 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1xd247) had blowout with total tread separatied on at 70 mph with no warning with 27,572 miles..tire #3 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1dx267) had blowout with total…
Original tires. tire #1 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1xd267) had side separation at 9,785 miles..tire #2 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1xd247) had blowout with total tread separatied on at 70 mph with no warning with 27,572 miles..tire #3 (size: lt225/75r16, dot: vd1l1dx267) had blowout with total tread separtion wih no warning at 65mph with 32,981 miles....tires 2 & 3 blowouts caused damage to both rear underside of vehicle.ie..break system, exhaust sytem, holding tank and running boards..i have had numerous contact with both ford and firestone ..neither are will to acknowledge any problems with these tires. tires available for inspection. *ak (dot number: vdilikd267 tiresize: lt22575r16)
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The seat belts in the front driver and passenger seats do not retract adequately enough to remove any slack across the chest and shoulder area.*yh
- Electrical system › Ignition
On april 12,2001 I experienced a loss of power and missing in the engine. Took the van to gulf coast ford in crystal river ,fl . They ran a diagnostics on the vehicle and said tey could find nothing wrong. They told I should have the fuel system and gas filter serviced. The vehicle ran ok for the…
On april 12,2001 I experienced a loss of power and missing in the engine. Took the van to gulf coast ford in crystal river ,fl . They ran a diagnostics on the vehicle and said tey could find nothing wrong. They told I should have the fuel system and gas filter serviced. The vehicle ran ok for the time being but on my trip to michigan the vehicle started the same problem again only much worse. I couldn't go any faster than 35 mph. This being a saturday the dealers were closed in ga so I checked into a motel until monday when I took it to team ford in marietta, ga. They also ran a diagnostics and confirmed a cracked spark plug which they replaced and I had no further incidents back to michigan. My real problem IS that I had purchased a service contract costing a $1,000 dollars and they told me that this IS a normal maintainance problem. These two incidents cost me 211.89 first time and 155.02 the second time plus a 100.00 dollar motel bill and two days of my time. I have written to ford motor company in dearborn, mi 3 times and they have yet to answer any of my letters. At least they should have the courtesy to answer my letters. Why have a service contract if problems are dismissed as"normal"*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system · Wheels › Hub
Company owns 23 vans. 14 of them are ford econolines. Almost all of them have the same problem with the defroster which costs abour $600.00 to fix. Also, the rear hubcaps on this van keeps falling off because the clips to keep them in place are plastic.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
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.
- 10008195Air bag lamp illuminated.
- 10007812Emission recall 04e10: compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles - fitting connector replacement.
- 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.
- 10004843Some vehicles equipped with aftermarket modifications may exhibit a crank but no start or a hard start/long crank condition.
- 10004842Rough idle and engine miss due to injector bore scuffing at green engine break-in.
- 10004814A no-start or reduced power condition may occur intermittently.
- 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.
- 10002627Repeated blown fuses for rear in vehicle circuits with inoperative rear brake or tail lamps.
- 10001943Exhaust air rush noise and lower power.
- 10001937False failure of the vapor management valve (vmv).
- 6092031Some customers may comment on a clunk felt / heard in the steering wheel.
- 6092006Subject regarding tire balance hint.
- 6091929Some vehicles with an illuminated air bag lamp may have modified seat configurations.
- 6091710Some vehicles under severe duty cycles may exhibit cracks on the lower radiator support.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090858Some vehicles with rear brake drums may exhibit brake squeal noise.
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090180Experiencing intermittent or low range of the remote keyless entry (rke) system.
- 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.
- 6090072Subject regarding front passenger side stepwell cover not flush.
- 6090055Vehicles built between 3/15/1997 and 12/31/1998 and with 4r70w transmissions may experience delayed or no 2-3 upshift, transmission control indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0782 stored in memory.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089616Emission recall for vehicles that were built with a fuel filler-valve which could leak while the vehicle IS being operated which can exceed evaporative emissions standards.
- 637689Some vehicles may exhibit interference and / or static in the land-mobile radio.
- 625804Dedicated CNG regulator bowl kit available.
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622652Some vehicles with high odometer reading or severe service may exhibit a creaking noise when turning wheel or driving over uneven surfaces on vehicles produce before 2/6/2001.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 618636This bulletin addresses concerns a noise at intial engine startup when cold from the accessory drive belt.
- 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.
Every Ford Econoline model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.