RoadVitals

1992 Ford Econoline

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
83
Latest Apr 2, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20
7 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 83 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Ford Econoline, most frequently naming the driver assistance, fuel system and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 67 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
08V051000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Feb 4, 2008
225,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 08S01View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA93022ClosedEngineering Analysis

IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF

Opened Jul 30, 1993
Closed Aug 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PE93010ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF

Opened Mar 2, 1993
Closed Jul 30, 1993

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 83
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 2, 2014
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FIRE IGNITED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 008V051000(VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10576710
Incident
Mar 19, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 16, 2010
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE AND ASSUMED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS FLAT. AS HE WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE POLICE ARRIVED BUT THEY DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10336684
Incident
Jun 13, 2010
Mileage
130,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 2, 2008

PROBLEM: DOOR LATCHES ON THREE OF SIX DOORS ON 1992 FORD ECONLINE CONVERSION VAN FAILED SUDDENLY WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF EACH OTHER PREVENTING DOORS FROM BEING OPENED. SAFETY HAZARD: DOORS NOT OPENING COULD PREVENT EGRESS FROM VEHICLE IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. FAILURE CAUSE: DETERIORATION OF PLASTIC RETAINERS AT BOTH END OF DOOR MECHANISM CABLES. FOUR RETAINERS ARE MOLDED TO EACH END OF TWO CABLES INSIDE THE DOOR. FAILURE OF THE RETAINERS PREVENTS DOORS CABLES FROM FUNCTIONING PROPERLY TO OPEN DOORS. IN ALL THREE CASES EACH OF THE FOUR RETAINS IN ALL THREE DOORS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY. REPAIRS: FOLLOWING THE FIRST FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT REPLACEMENT RETAINERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE HANDLE A CABLE ASSEMBLY AT AN INSTALLED COST OF @$300. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC INDIVIDUAL CABLES WERE NOT AVAILABLE EXCEPT AS PART OF THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE SECOND REAR DOOR FAILED. BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE UNDERTAKEN, THE LEFT CARGO DOOR ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED.. THE CONSUMER UNDERTOOK REPAIRS BY USING EPOXY PUTTY TO MOLD REPLACEMENTS OF THE FAILED PLASTIC RETAINER. IT APPEARS THAT THIS MAY WORK THOUGH THESE REPAIRS HAVE NOT YET BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE PLASTIC RETAINERS ON THE REMAINING THREE DOORS WILL FAIL IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME REQUIRING SIMILAR REPAIRS UNLESS THE PLASTIC RETAINERS WERE PART OF A BAD BATCH WHILE THE REMAINING CABLES WERE PART OF A GOOD BATCH. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS IF ALL SIX DOORS FAIL WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1800 OR ALMOST HALF OF THE TOTAL CURRENT VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. RECOMMENDATION: FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES FOR WHICH THESE PARTS ARE USED TO INSPECT AND REPLACE, AS NECESSARY, THE CABLES CONTAINING THE PLASTIC RETAINERS. AT THE VERY LEAST, FORD SHOULD MAKE AVAILABLE REPLACEMENT RETAINERS THEREBY AVOIDING THE NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HANDLE ASSEMBLY WHICH IS EXPENSIVE AND WASTEFUL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10240647
Incident
Aug 15, 2008
Mileage
84,326 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 28, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT HAD HIS CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED IN FALL OF 2007 ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL), WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. HE THEN HAD THE NEW AND IMPROVED CRUISE CONTROL PART INSTALLED IN THE SUMMER OF 2008. AFTER THE INSTALLATION, HE NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NO LONGER OPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD STAND BY THEIR REPAIR AND HONOR A REPLACEMENT FOR THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER EXPENSES OTHER THAN THE JUMPER HARNESS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,850 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,966.

NHTSA ID
10235999
Incident
Jul 14, 2008
Mileage
99,966 mi
BrakesEngineSteering
Filed May 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD ECONOLINE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WATER PUMP BEGAN LEAKING FLUID. THE LABOR COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $100. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE STICKER INSIDE THE DOOR BY THE MANUFACTURER IN 1992. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE STICKER INDICATED THAT THERE WERE SOME PARTS ON THE VEHICLE THAT WERE NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END ALSO NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 1 YEAR AGO. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 187,000. UPDATED 06/16/08 *BF

NHTSA ID
10229223
Incident
May 9, 2008
Mileage
185,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2007
Fire reported

1992 FORD ECONOLINE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING THE VAN TO BE COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10201493
Incident
Jul 1, 2007
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 18, 2004
Crash reported

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THIS CAUSED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TO BLOW OUT AND THE CONSUMER COLLIDED INTO 3 POLES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10097003
Incident
Aug 31, 2004
Mileage
173,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 7, 2004
Crash reportedFire reported

DUE TO THE GAS THROTTLE STICKING, THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TO BLOW. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID EXPLODE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10095354
Incident
Oct 4, 2004
Mileage
173,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DOR-X8B9R-11

STEERING

This 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.

032124

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER. *TT

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

002310

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT

98167

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION-E40D-NO 2-3 UPSHIFT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. *AK

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Econoline by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025000—
2019120—
2018020—
2017310—
2016311—
2015011—
2014011—
2013011—
2012111—
2011011—
2010111—
2009111—
2007020—
2006020—
2005020—
2003224154.9
2002234155.8
2001285155.5
2000395157.8
1999847158.0
1998464148.3
1997794157.7
1996815161.9
1995736158.3
19941246364.3
1993655054.1
1992Viewing835264.1
1991243254.5
1990304055.4
1989322155.2
1988220042.6
1987155053.9
1986760—
1985106060.3
1984770—
1983260—
1982130—
1981020—
1980140—
1979180—
1978020—
1977030—
1976020—
1975020—
1972010—
1971010—
1969030—
1967010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.