Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 1993 Ford Econoline with NHTSA between 1995 and 2024.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Ford Econoline. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 95
18.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
19.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
327.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
436.4%
150,000+ miles
327.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1993 Ford Econoline
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 4Jan 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesHouse Springs, MOFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 94V128000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND MELTED THE SIDING OF A HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO CURRENT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/13/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DIDN'T WORK. UPDATED 08/13/08.
NHTSA complaint #10201586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHouse Springs, MOFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 94V128000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND MELTED THE SIDING OF A HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO CURRENT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/13/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DIDN'T WORK. UPDATED 08/13/08.
NHTSA complaint #10201586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dolton, ILFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. WHEN HE RAISED THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE IGNITED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 05S28 ON AUGUST 29, 2007. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, DEALER INFORMATION, AND MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10201167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesPaisley, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1993 FORD ECONOLINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHILE IN HIS VEHICLE SLEEPING ABOUT 4:00 AM THE NEIGHBORS KNOCK ON THE VAN TO INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. HE STATED THAT THE ENTIRE VAN WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 128000 .
NHTSA complaint #10185547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesNorth Mami Beach, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: FORD, ECONLINE 150 CONVERSION VAN 1993, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO THE CRUSE CONTROL, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER DIALED 911. WHEN FIRE DEPTPARTMENT CAME THEY HAD TO CUT AROUND THE LIFT LEVER OF THE HOOD, WHEN THE HOOD WAS REMOVED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE MOTOR, THE WHOLE VEHCILE BURST INTO FLAMES, THE WHOLE ENGINE DASHBOARD MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #10125551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Miami Beach, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I OWN A FORD ECOLINE 150 FAMILY VAN (CUSTOM MADE). WELL JUST LAST WEEK IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON HE HIGHWAY. HE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL, A.C. AND THE RADIO ON. I HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO US BEFORE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT DID TO THE PRIOR OWNERS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT WHEN HELP ARRIVED IT WAS TO LATE THE VAN WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10125341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Poughkeepsie, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Random Acceleration (Gas Pedal) when started from a cold start. When foot was not on any brake or gas pedal, van started to accelerate as if I had my foot on the gas pedal.
NHTSA complaint #11566783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDearborn Heights, MI
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10640201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesMiami, FL
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN THEY HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND CONTINUED TO MOVE INSTEAD OF STOPPING AT A SPECIFIC POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOLTS SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 12/14/11
NHTSA complaint #10376240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Klamath Falls, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVACTION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10223812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Empierial, NE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE DEALER REISSUED A NEW RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 309,997.
NHTSA complaint #10219588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesGrande Blanc, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. SHE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT IT CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10207987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHouse Springs, MOFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 94V128000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND MELTED THE SIDING OF A HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO CURRENT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/13/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DIDN'T WORK. UPDATED 08/13/08.
NHTSA complaint #10201586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHouse Springs, MOFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 94V128000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND MELTED THE SIDING OF A HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS NO CURRENT MILEAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/13/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL DIDN'T WORK. UPDATED 08/13/08.
NHTSA complaint #10201586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dolton, ILFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. WHEN HE RAISED THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE IGNITED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 05S28 ON AUGUST 29, 2007. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, DEALER INFORMATION, AND MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10201167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesPaisley, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1993 FORD ECONOLINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHILE IN HIS VEHICLE SLEEPING ABOUT 4:00 AM THE NEIGHBORS KNOCK ON THE VAN TO INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. HE STATED THAT THE ENTIRE VAN WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 128000 .
NHTSA complaint #10185547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
INTERIOR LIGHTING
A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL I CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES FIRST AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. FINALLY I DROVE THE VAN AGAIN AND NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOME LIGHT AT THAT POINT I REMOVED THE LIGHT ITSELF AND NOW I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTING. I DID LOOK UP RECALL DEFECTS FOR 93 VEHICLES WHICH STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS A DEFECT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SEEM TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. THIS RECALL IS ON YOUR SITE AS ID # 94V128000 AND THE DEFECT IS 6088 INTERIOR LIGHTING.
NHTSA complaint #10140833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesConcord, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
DT: THE CALLER SAID THERE WERE RECALLS 93V1000000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK AND 94V128000 CONCERNING INTERIOR LIGHTING , BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. SHE HAD THE WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, AND THE DOME LIGHT WAS BLOWING FUSES AND MELTING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID THE CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10137618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesConcord, NH
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DT: THE CALLER SAID THERE WERE RECALLS 93V1000000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK AND 94V128000 CONCERNING INTERIOR LIGHTING , BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. SHE HAD THE WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, AND THE DOME LIGHT WAS BLOWING FUSES AND MELTING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID THE CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10137618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesNorth Mami Beach, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: FORD, ECONLINE 150 CONVERSION VAN 1993, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO THE CRUSE CONTROL, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER DIALED 911. WHEN FIRE DEPTPARTMENT CAME THEY HAD TO CUT AROUND THE LIFT LEVER OF THE HOOD, WHEN THE HOOD WAS REMOVED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE MOTOR, THE WHOLE VEHCILE BURST INTO FLAMES, THE WHOLE ENGINE DASHBOARD MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #10125551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Miami Beach, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I OWN A FORD ECOLINE 150 FAMILY VAN (CUSTOM MADE). WELL JUST LAST WEEK IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON HE HIGHWAY. HE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL, A.C. AND THE RADIO ON. I HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO US BEFORE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT DID TO THE PRIOR OWNERS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT WHEN HELP ARRIVED IT WAS TO LATE THE VAN WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10125341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesLantana, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING THROUGH THE FONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT FRAME CRACKED AT THE STEERING BOX LEFT SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10057536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,200 milesWillowick, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WATER AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHEN TURNING CORNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10055378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasantville, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CONSUMER WAS PARKING AND STRAIGHTENING VEHICLE OUT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO GARAGE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO A HANDICAP VAN.
NHTSA complaint #898479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
FUEL SMELL APPEARED SOON AFTER FILLING VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN STATED VENT AND FILLER HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #894650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, NJ
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
WHILE CHANGING MY OIL I HAD NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND WEAR MARKS WERE EVIDENT. IF A PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE WAS NOT PLACED AROUND THE HOSE FAILURE OF THE HOSE WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #749363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gladwin, MI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD IT'S STEEL BELTS PROTRUDING OUT OF THE SIDEWALL UNDER THE TREAD CAP, THE TIRES ALSO HAVE POOR TRACTION IN RAIN, SNOW OR MUD UPON BRAKING (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT). NLM
NHTSA complaint #560433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
TIRES CAME APART BY THE LINE AROUND IT, HAD TO REPLACE THEM. *AK (TIRESIZE: 17)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 17 )
NHTSA complaint #739277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
VEHICLE FILLED WITH FUEL & PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND FUEL WOULD THEN LEAK OUT. DOES NOT HAPPEN ON STRAIGHT AWAY. SOMETIMES FUEL WOULD SPLASH OR SLOSH OUT WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP. HAD NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AS OF YET.
NHTSA complaint #877783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
GOODYEAR WRANGLER HT TIRES (P225 75 R15) EXPERIENCED STEEL BELT SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #557555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spartta, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE TRAVELING IN HOT WEATHER AT A LOW SPEED VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION.
NHTSA complaint #872712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.