1997 Ford Econoline recalls & problems

4 recalls 79 complaints 1 investigation

4recalls
79owner complaints
8crashes reported
2fires reported
2 / 2injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1997 Ford Econoline and 79 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is service brakes, hydraulic (22 reports), followed by tires (13). NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

1997 Ford Econoline recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 09E025000 · May 11, 2009

Problem: 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.

Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

42,540 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009

Problem: 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.

Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

16,270 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA 08V051000 · Feb 4, 2008

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

225,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Electrical System · NHTSA 96V193000 · Oct 2, 1996

Problem: The battery cable harness does not have adequate protection from contacting and being damaged by the right engine mount.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for chafing of the cable and will add insulation and a tie strap to the battery cable harness.

5,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

1997 Ford Econoline problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 22
400
Tires 13
000
Engine and Engine Cooling 11
010
Visibility 9
100
Vehicle Speed Control 7
200
Seat Belts 7
101
Suspension 5
100
Steering 5
000
Seats 4
000
Electrical System 3
100
Structure 3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline 3
000
Air Bags 2
100
Wheels 2
000
Power Train 1
101
Exterior Lighting 1
000
Unknown or Other 1
000
Equipment 1
010

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Tires · Nov 12, 2014 · WI

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

Engine and Engine Cooling · Aug 14, 2011 · MN

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 25, 2010 · 89,400 miles · MI

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 24, 2010 · 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.…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Feb 24, 2010 · 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.…

Vehicle Speed Control · May 1, 2008 · TX

1997 ford econoline with speed control recall. Consumer states that the dealer did not have any parts in september. He states that they still had no parts in december. As of april they still have no parts to repair this problem. *kb

Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 10, 2008 · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control in september of 2007. He has been informed every month thereafter that the part would be available the following month. He spoke with the dealer in april of 2008 and was informed to check back in may. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date and…

Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 10, 2008 · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08V051000 (vehicle speed control: cruise control) in december of 2007. She has been unable to get the recall repaired. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the parts will be available in june of 2008. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 36,887.

Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 12, 2008 · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice in august of 2007 for the vehicle speed control. The switch was disconnected. The dealer stated that they had not received any parts; however, the manufacturer stated that they have sent some parts to all of the dealers. There had been no failure to date. The recall number was unknown. The current…

Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 24, 2007 · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford econoline. The contact received two safety recall notices for the vehicle speed control. When he took his vehicle to ford on august 28, 2007, he was informed that the parts would be unavailable until november. He then received another notice on october 9, 2007, stating that because of unforeseen part shortages, the vehicle would not be repaired…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Aug 7, 2006 · 130,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle a loud clanging noise was heard. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined a piston rod was bent due to anti-freeze leaking into the piston cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced.

Steering · Jan 23, 2004 · 100 miles · MD

While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. When the noise was heard, it became very hard to steer the vehicle. The dealer examined the vehicle and determined that the steering pin box needed replacement. The consumer also had to have thirteen sets of tires replaced. *jb

Other Ford Econoline years

1967 1969 1971 1972 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Ford Econoline have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1997 Ford Econoline, the most recent one (09E025000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Econoline?

Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are service brakes, hydraulic (22), tires (13), engine and engine cooling (11).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1997 Ford Econoline?

Owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries and 2 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 1997 Ford Econoline?

NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently DP05005: Spark plug ejection from cylinder head.