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.
Ford Econoline ball joint problems
15 of the 809 owner complaints about the Ford Econoline describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 1992 model year.
- owner complaints
- 15
- worst model year
- 1992
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 19991
- 19972
- 19962
- 19944
- 19932
- 19924
Often reported together
Brake failure 2Pulling 1Shudder 1Premature wear 1Fuel pump 1Engine failure 1Door locks 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
Steering control arm snap.
Consumer states he was told by delaership that front end ball joints were designed and put in without a lubrication point which caused the tie rod ends, steering linkage and tires to wear down and have to be replaced, dealership replaced ball joints with a greese fitting.
While driving at 10 miles right front tie rod came off and was dragging on the ground, causing consumer to lose control and went into a ditch. Another passenger said that right tire came down to the ground and went back up to van again.
Vehicle was taken in for service due to brake failure & noticed the ball joints were loose.
When turning corners or going into a driveway, the front end of the van crunches and it feels like it is going to fall out. The ball joints were replaced about a year and a half ago. The problem was reported to the dealership. The dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the van.
This van would be considered a lemon if all of this happened within two years. First the door lock fell out, then the rearview mirror fell off, then the wrong fuse size had been installed and the the car could not started and all electrical systems failed. This all happened in the first year of ownership. After that all the ball joints had to be replaces the following year. After that the brakes failed due to too light a duty brake being installed on a conversion van. In 1998 the transmission started to go out, it has not completely gone out yet. It shudders on light to moderate acceleration. The dealer says it is probably the thrust converter. In june 1999 the fuel pump went out. The dealer said that it had been improperly installed at the factory because of corrosion. The car pump went out on a two lane 6% grade going down hill causing the power steering and brakes to practically fail do to no power. The courtesy lights have now failed and we are unable to turn any of them on. We are worried about an electrical fire due to the short. We want ford to offer to pay for fixing these items. There are many service bulletins regarding all of these things.
Ball joints failed causing damage to tire.
Front ball joints malfunctioned , causing vehicle to shake. In addition, tires wore out due to front end vibration.
Front upper ball joints failed.
Related recalls
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- The rear shock crossmember of the frame can crack and separate from the frame.
- Risk
- Separation of the rear shock crossmember from the framecan result in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the rear chock crossmember with a shock crossmember made of high strength steel.
Recall number 93V073000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Econoline ball joint
Which Ford Econoline years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1992 (4 complaints), 1994 (4 complaints) and 1993 (2 complaints).
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