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Ford Econoline fuel smell problems

11 of the 809 owner complaints about the Ford Econoline describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1993 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
1993
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 1999
    2
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    3
  • 1992
    1
  • 1990
    1

Often reported together

Stalling 1Fuel leak 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline. The contact stated that a strong gasoline fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. The odor had been present since the day of purchase and the dealer attempted to locate the source but to no avail. The contact later discovered that the fuel tank was fractured and leaking fuel. The fuel tank was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 218,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2003 · Fuel system · NY

Consumer noticed a gas smell inside of vehicle while traveling. Saw gas pouring out of gas tank. Vehicle was serviced, technician replaced fuel pump sending unit.

Filed May 27, 2003 · Fuel system · OH

I have a 1999 ford econoline conversion van, the problem I am having is a constant gas smell. I have had it or taken it to the ford service department several times to no avail. The van has never been involved in an accident.

Filed Jun 24, 2002 · Fuel system · FL

When vehicle is started and tank is full there would be an excessive amount of gas fumes present. Ford says vehicle was not included in a recall. Mechanic has fixed vehicle.

Filed Aug 17, 2001 · Engine · NJ

Fuel smell appeared soon after filling vehicle. Vehicle was serviced, technician stated vent and filler hose needed to be replaced. Please provide further information.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Fuel system · OH

When fuel tank was half full or above half, owner would smell gas fumes off and on. Truck was taken to dealership. At this time the filler tube and the fuel tank attaching straps. Straps were rusted. All repairs were made at owner's expense. *ak

Filed Jun 2, 2000 · Engine · VA

Vehicle stalls due to a defective engineering part. Dealer has told consumer the part at fault is called a 3-way tee. It regulates fuel fumes from the gas tank. It causes the mixture to become too rich which slows the engine down. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.*ak vehicle stops running suddenly without warning and customer believes it is extremely dangerous proble.

Filed Sep 30, 1999 · Fuel system · FL

A cracked weld in the gas tank is causing fuel to leak through ,producing strong gas fumes.

Filed Dec 8, 1998 · Fuel system · OH

Whenever refilling the gas tank the gas fumes get stronger, also gas came out of filler neck onto the vehicle. Dealer / mfr. Not notified at this time.

Filed Jul 8, 1997 · Fuel system · TX

When the temperature reaches 80 degrees or higher there is a strong fuel odor. The hotter the temperature the stronger the odor. The problem has not been corrected.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported August 5, 2003 · 64 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.
Risk
The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.
Remedy
Ford will send technicians to the owner's location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. Owner notification began on september 3, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 03V282000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported March 19, 1998 · 20,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty passenger vans and stripped chassis. There is interference between the parking brake cable and the fuel line which, over time, can result in damage to the fuel line causing fuel leakage.
Risk
If there is fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source, fire could result.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel supply line. In addition, a piece of anti-abrasion insulation will be installed to prevent abrasion of the fuel line.

Recall number 98V062000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported June 8, 1993 · 1,235 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The fuel filler hose or fuel filler vent hose was damaged by a drill bit used to install the dso package attaching hardware onto the floor pan.
Risk
If either of the hoses was penetrated by the drill bit,fuel leakage could result, particularly during fueling of the vehicle. In thepresence of an ignition source, this could result in fire.
Remedy
Replace the fuel filler and vent hoses and relocate the mounting hardware in the floor pan.

Recall number 93V100000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank: selector devicesReported September 4, 1991 · 350,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The dual fuel tank selector valve may malfunction and cause an overfill condition in one of the fuel tanks, resulting in an overflow of fuel past the filler cap.
Risk
The overflow of fuel past the filler cap causes a fuelleakage, which can result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the dual fuel tank selector valve.

Recall number 91V146000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Econoline fuel smell

Which Ford Econoline years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1993 (3 complaints), 1996 (2 complaints) and 1999 (2 complaints).

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