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Ford Econoline engine failure problems

11 of the 809 owner complaints about the Ford Econoline describe engine failure, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
1994
typical mileage
110,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 1999
    3
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    1
  • 1994
    3
  • 1993
    1
  • 1992
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Steering · 110,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Steering · 72,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly veer to the right and the steering wheel wobbled. An independent mechanic stated that the steering box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Steering · 181,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford econoline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the bolts in the steering box fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2011 · Engine · 197,540 miles · CA

My ford e350 1999 made a loud flapping noise as I was leaving my home. I pulled right back into the driveway and shut off the engine. I found out that the #2 spark plug had completely blown out of the cylinder head. This has never happened on any vehicle I have ever owned. I take good care of my vehicles. I am a mechanic, and former jet engine mechanic also. My obdii confirmed a misfire on cylinder #2 that is how I located which plug it was. Ford said it would cost $260 to look at it, and up to $1700 if they could repair it. Plus towing. I asked how much a new engine would cost since the van is in excellent condition. Ford said it would cost $7,200 for a new engine. This van has cost more for repairs than any vehicle I have owned in my life. I am 62. Air conditioning compressor $700.00 coil on spark plug $130 ABS brake sensor $138.00 flex plate and flywheel $700.(caused by loose ignition switch) egr black box $400 replacement. Ford wanted $100.00 to change my fuel filter. I went to the store and bought the special wrench for $16 ,did it myself in 15 minutes. Recall for wiring near the master cylinder that could catch fire, 1/2 days wages lost. It took me 4 hours to change spark plugs. It was the worst design I have ever seen. A nightmare to get to the spark plugs. I sold the van for $500 tonight. Glad the nightmare is over.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 82,000 miles · MI

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!

Filed Sep 20, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 20,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Oct 20, 2002 · Engine · IN

Engine needs replaced. At around 62,000 miles, this isn't normal. Ford won't give me "help" with the cost. My warranty expired in april of this year! (5 months before they told me it needed replaced) any ideas? Dt

Filed Mar 5, 2002 · Engine, Visibility · ME

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.

Filed Sep 13, 2000 · Engine · OR

While traveling in hot weather vehicle stalled without any indication.*ak service the engine light came on, and when engine died, the driver could not get the vehicle into neutral or park.

Filed Jul 19, 2000 · Engine · CA · fire

Engine failure caused fire. Yh

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Ford Econoline engine failure

Which Ford Econoline years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (3 complaints), 1999 (3 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).

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