1997 FORD ECONOLINE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

100

Owner Complaints

12 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

52

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

The 1997 FORD ECONOLINE has received a total of 100 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. 52 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (14 complaints), Tirestreadbelt (7 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingengine (6 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE, potentially affecting up to 288,810 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 08V051000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

| 225,000 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 96V193000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

| 5,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM CONTACTING AND BEING DAMAGED BY THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT.

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

100 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 14 3 Crashes
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Tires
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 2 Deaths
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Seats
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10651227 | TIRES | | N/A miles
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
#10419405 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | | N/A miles
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
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
#10313670 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | | 82,000 miles
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
#10313670 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 82,000 miles
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

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

Ford Motor Company has issued 52 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

00154 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION ON REAR AXLE WHINE-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DANA 80 AXLES-5.4L/6.8L AND 7.3L. *JB

00510 — SUSPENSION

CUSTOMERS 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

99E03 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

EMISSION 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. *TT

996890 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

SOME VEHICLES WITH AN ILLUMINATED AIR BAG LAMP MAY HAVE MODIFIED SEAT CONFIGURATIONS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY MODIFIERS OR THE CUSTOMER. *TT

6538 — STEERING

SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 1, 1999 MAY HAVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A CLUNK FELT / HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT

12890 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

BRIEF INFORMATION ON REMOVING THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE THREAD. *TT

996034 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCING A ENGINE KNOCK AT COLD START-UP. *TT

98129 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A 1ST GEAR "TICKING" NOISE. *TT

5371 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN WITH POOR RANGE OF THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER. *TT

12287 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN WITH POOR RANGE OF THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER. *TT

Showing 10 of 52 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 FORD ECONOLINE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD ECONOLINE

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