1993 Ford Econoline Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Ford Econoline, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance1115.9%
- Engine913.0%
- Fuel system811.6%
- Brakes710.1%
- Steering68.7%
- Interior & seats57.2%
- Suspension45.8%
- Electrical34.3%
- Body & structure34.3%
- Visibility34.3%
- Tires & wheels34.3%
- Seat belts22.9%
- Transmission22.9%
- Other / unspecified11.4%
- Airbags11.4%
- Powertrain (other)11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Random Acceleration (Gas Pedal) when started from a cold start. When foot was not on any brake or gas pedal, van started to accelerate as if I had my foot on the gas pedal.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVACTION SWITCH. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. WHEN HE RAISED THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE IGNITED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 05S28 ON AUGUST 29, 2007. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, DEALER INFORMATION, AND MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WATER AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHEN TURNING CORNERS. *AK
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CALLER SAID THERE WERE RECALLS 93V1000000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK AND 94V128000 CONCERNING INTERIOR LIGHTING , BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. SHE HAD THE WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, AND THE DOME LIGHT WAS BLOWING FUSES AND MELTING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID THE CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. *AK
VEHICLE FILLED WITH FUEL & PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND FUEL WOULD THEN LEAK OUT. DOES NOT HAPPEN ON STRAIGHT AWAY. SOMETIMES FUEL WOULD SPLASH OR SLOSH OUT WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP. HAD NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AS OF YET.*AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVERY TIME THE SERPERTINE BELT TENSIONER FAIL/CRACK/BREAK THE DIESEL VEHICLE LOSES BRAKES. *AK
HYDRAULIC BRAKES: PRESSURE VALVE FAILURE. BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS QUITE A DISTANCE BEFORE FINALLY CATCHING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TRAVELING/BRAKES LOCK UP AND VEHICLE SKIDS DURING SUDDEN STOPS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE GEAR BOX FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN THEY HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND CONTINUED TO MOVE INSTEAD OF STOPPING AT A SPECIFIC POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOLTS SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 12/14/11 *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 94V128000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND MELTED THE SIDING OF A HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO CURRENT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/13/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DIDN'T WORK. UPDATED 08/13/08. *JB
A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL I CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES FIRST AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. FINALLY I DROVE THE VAN AGAIN AND NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOME LIGHT AT THAT POINT I REMOVED THE LIGHT ITSELF AND NOW I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTING. I DID LOOK UP RECALL DEFECTS FOR 93 VEHICLES WHICH STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS A DEFECT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SEEM TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. THIS RECALL IS ON YOUR SITE AS ID # 94V128000 AND THE DEFECT IS 6088 INTERIOR LIGHTING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEFECTIVE FRONT CAMBER BUSHING, CAUSING MISALIGNMENT, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE WEAR. *AK
FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1993 FORD ECONOLINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHILE IN HIS VEHICLE SLEEPING ABOUT 4:00 AM THE NEIGHBORS KNOCK ON THE VAN TO INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. HE STATED THAT THE ENTIRE VAN WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 128000 . *AK
WHILE TRAVELING IN HOT WEATHER AT A LOW SPEED VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING THROUGH THE FONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT FRAME CRACKED AT THE STEERING BOX LEFT SIDE. *AK
THE STEERING GEAR BOX WHICH IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME CAME OFF, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE POWER MIRROR CAUSED A FIRE WHICH RESULTED IN A BURNED DOOR PANEL AND STEREO SPEAKER.
REAR HEAT EXCHANGE HEATER CLAMP WAS INSTALLED IN A LOCATION THAT CAUSES IT TO RUB ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WHEN ENGAGED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD IT'S STEEL BELTS PROTRUDING OUT OF THE SIDEWALL UNDER THE TREAD CAP, THE TIRES ALSO HAVE POOR TRACTION IN RAIN, SNOW OR MUD UPON BRAKING (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT). NLM
GOODYEAR WRANGLER HT TIRES (P225 75 R15) EXPERIENCED STEEL BELT SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER PURCHASED COSCO MODEL # 02-086 CSS ON FEBRUARY 7, 98. CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND CHILD WAS STRAPPED IN SEAT WHEN VEHICLE WENT OFF INTERSTATE AND ROLLED OVER TWICE. THE CHILD SEAT HARNESS CAME UNDONE, AND THE CHILD WAS HANGING BY HIS NECK. THE CHILD WAS CUT FROM BACK OF NECK ALL THE WAY UP.DRIVER ALSO SUFFERED INJURIES. *AK
TWO SEATBELT ON THE SECOND ROW IN THE MIDDLE DOES NOT RETRACT, DEALER SAID THAT IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGN. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 74,000 MILES, CAUSING A REPLACEMENT, AND COST OF OVER $1,750.00. TRANSMISSION KING REPAIRED IT AND TOLD ME THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A REPAIR THAT WAS DONE BY FORD PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING IT. FORD TOLD ME IT WAS NOT A COVERED PART. *AK
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
STUDS ON LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF WHEEL AND AN ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
OWNER STATES THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON FRONTAL ACCIDENT TRAVELING AT 35 MPH AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED FOR HIS SFETY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY SURGES WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. *DSH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .