FaultScore

FaultScore report

1995 Ford Econoline problems

Owners have filed 98 complaints about the 1995 Ford Econoline with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 11 worst.

D

FaultScore 72/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Econoline.

How this is worked out

The numbers

98

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

7

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

21,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

58%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 66 vs 50 Severity 63 vs 50 Early failure 99 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 66
Against the median year of the Ford Econoline. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 63
12.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 99
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1995 compares with every other Ford Econoline

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1995 Ford Econoline

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 35 35.7%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,319 mi

Engine & Cooling 10 10.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 75,521 mi

Electrical System 8 8.2%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 14,925 mi

Tires 6 6.1%
Steering 6 6.1%
Fuel & Propulsion 5 5.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 5.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 47,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 5.1%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 3 3.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 22,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 3.1%
Airbags 3 3.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 2.0%
Lights 2 2.0%
Suspension 2 2.0%
Other & Unspecified 1 1.0%
Seat Belts 1 1.0%
Body & Structure 1 1.0%

Exactly what failed

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.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 14 35.0%
Foundation Components 7 17.5%
Engine 5 12.5%
Pads 4 10.0%
Frontal 3 7.5%
Tank Assembly 3 7.5%
Linkage AND Cable 2 5.0%
Sidewall 2 5.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 8.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 8.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 5 41.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 16.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 8.3%

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.

Mar 1995 peak 8 Jan 2010

NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Ford Econoline

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA05005 Opened 22 Mar 2005 Closed 2 Aug 2006 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...

Recalls on the 1995 Ford Econoline

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

08V051000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

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.

06V286000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

98V062000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

95V058000

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

THE PARKING BRAKE FRONT CABLES WERE BUILT LONGER THAN APPROPRIATE THAT REDUCES THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PARKING BRAKE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND FAILS TO FULLY COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM ON A SEVERE GRADE MAY BE DIMINISHED.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2005028 304,417 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.

Recall 1998051 3,165 units in Canada

Fuel System

THERE MAY BE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND THE FUEL LINE WHICH, OVER TIME, COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE. THIS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND FUEL LINE WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY. ALSO, A PIECE OF ANTI-ABRASION CONVOLUTE WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FUEL LINE ABRASION.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 110,000 miles Pasadena, MD Fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE WHEEL WELL IN THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CALIPERS, ROTORS , AND BRAKES PADS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CAN STILL SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #10300252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,850 miles Guyton, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ORIGINALLY IN DEC 2004 WHILE RETURNING FROM A TRIP TO ST LOUIS, MO I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY ABS LIGHT, MY SPEEDOMETER HAND INTERMITTENTLY GOING BACK TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLE COMING OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL. IT WAS ORIGINALLY THOUGHT TO BE AN ABS BRAKE PROBLEM SO THE SPEED SENSOR AND THE ABS MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE NEXT TIME I WENT OUT ON THE ROAD FOR THE 4TH OF JULY 2005 WEEKEND, WE GOT AS FAR AS CHARLESTON, SC AND HAD TO PUT THE RV IN THE SHOP BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SPEEDOMETER WERE BOTH MALFUNCTIONING; THE VEHICLE WOULD COME OUT OF CRUISE AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO FROM THE CORRECT SPEED TO ZERO. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE DOWNSHIFTING AND UPSHIFTING AT WILL. AFTER THAT WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE HOUSE AND PARKED IT ON THE DRIVEWAY. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I WENT OUT TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND GIVE IT A WASH JOB AND CLEAN IT UP A BIT. IT WOULD NOT START UPON EXAMINATION I FOUND THAT THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD SOME MELTED RELAYS IN IT AND THE BOX ITSELF WAS MELTED MIN A COUPLE OF PLACES. WE HAD TO HAVE A DIFFERENT WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED TO GET THE VEHICLE RUNNING AGAIN. WE FELT THAT SOME OF THE GROUND WIRES HAD CAUSED A SHORT AND THAT WAS WHAT HAD MELTED THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. LATER WE SAW THAT THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX IS LOCATED JUST BELOW THE RESERVOIR FOR THE VEHICLE BRAKE FLUID. THE LAST ITEM THAT BECAME FUNCTIONAL WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE FUSE FOR THE HORN WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. THEN I SAW WHERE FORD WAS DOING A RECALL ON THEIR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHES FOR SEVERAL VEHICLES AND SINCE THE ECONOLINE VAN IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES THAT USES THAT CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I FEEL THAT THE ECONOLINE VAN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL. MY RV IS ON A FORD ECONOLINE E350 VAN WITH A 460 CID V8 ENGINE AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH OVERDRIVE. VIN #[XXX][XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #10135919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,000 miles Brockway, PA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT:CONSUMER SAYS THAT 8 MONTHS AGO CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH BURNT THE WIRES ON THE WIRING HARNESS. CONSUMER HAD IT FIXED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. TWO AND HALF WEEKS AGO THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH STARTED MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FORD REPORTED ON THE NEWS AS HAVING A RECALL ON THE SAME THING. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL. CONSUMER THEN HAD MECHANIC DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, SO THAT SHE WOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FUTURE FIRE, ESPECIALLY WITH HANDICAP HUSBAND IN VAN. AFTER HAVING SWITCH DISCONNECTED THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THIS ALSO DISABLED THE HORN. CONSUMER SAID THAT FORD WAS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER THAT HAD THE CAPABILITIES OF MAKING A HIGH TOP CONVERSION VANS WITH LOWERED FLOORS FOR POWER WHEEL CHAIRS, WHICH ARE LARGER THAN REGULAR WHEEL CHAIRS. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10126251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

MY 1995 ECONOLINE VAN BLEW UP IN MY DRIVEWAY WHILE TURNED OFF. IT EXPLODED UNDER THE HOOD AND A HUGE FIREBALL WENT THROUGH THE CABIN. IT CAUGHT MY HOUSE AND GARAGE ON FIRE, ALONG WITH MY GIANT OAK TREE.*AK THIS IS THE SECOND ECONOLINE VAN THAT HAS BLOWN UP LIKE THIS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. BOTH TIMES WE WERE LUCKY; NO ONE WAS IN THE VAN AT THE TIME. THEY WOULD HAVE DIED OR BEEN SEVERELY BURNED. FORD ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS; THEY WERE NOT EVEN INTERESTED ENOUGH TO SEND OUT AN INVESTIGATOR.

NHTSA complaint #10093427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Franklinville, NJ Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHILE DRIVING WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A BARN. HAD NO BRAKES. JUST HAD BRAKES CHECKED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. CONTACTED DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #8017180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ABS BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES HAD EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS ONLY ON WET SURFACE.

NHTSA complaint #735981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 110,000 miles Pasadena, MD Fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE WHEEL WELL IN THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CALIPERS, ROTORS , AND BRAKES PADS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CAN STILL SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #10300252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles NEW Brunswick, NJ

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD 250 ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, IT WOULD MOVE IN REVERSE INSTEAD OF STOPPING. THE VEHICLE IS BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #10298593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,639 miles Colorado Springs, CO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1995 FORD E150 BASED CONVERSION VAN HAS HAD THE BRAKING SYSTEMS/ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT REPLACED TWICE IN LESS THAN 83000 MILES. BOTH REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE AT FORD DEALERS AND COPIES OF BOTH INVOICES CAN BE PROVIDED. SINCE THIS FAILURE DISABLES THE ABS SYSTEM AND PRODUCES A HOPPING IN THE REAR WHEELS I THINK THIS IS A HAZARD THAT NEED TO BE LOOKED INTO.

NHTSA complaint #10298586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 900 miles Port Charlotte, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE "ABS" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 1/25/10 *CN UPDATED 01/26/10.

NHTSA complaint #10292056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD F150 ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2008 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. FORD STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL HIMSELF. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 5/13/08

NHTSA complaint #10224825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Galloway, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE. AFTER HAVING THE WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE'S HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THESE TWO COMPONENTS. HE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO NEEDED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE ABS BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHT TO DIM. THE REPAIRS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,200 - $2,000 FOR PARTS, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. UPDATED 04/11/08

NHTSA complaint #10222459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Galloway, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE. AFTER HAVING THE WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE'S HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THESE TWO COMPONENTS. HE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO NEEDED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE ABS BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHT TO DIM. THE REPAIRS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,200 - $2,000 FOR PARTS, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. UPDATED 04/11/08

NHTSA complaint #10222459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Galloway, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ECONOLINE. AFTER HAVING THE WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE'S HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THESE TWO COMPONENTS. HE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO NEEDED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE ABS BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHT TO DIM. THE REPAIRS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,200 - $2,000 FOR PARTS, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. UPDATED 04/11/08

NHTSA complaint #10222459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,521 miles Columbiana, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING DOWN A RAMP AND APPROACHING THE STOP SIGN AT 45MPH, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE NOISE APPEARED TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DISPLAYED THAT IT WAS GOING TO STALL AND THEN STALLED. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING GEAR WAS FRACTURED. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING GEAR. SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND RECOMMENDED THAT A NEW CAMSHAFT BEARING BE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10170686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,850 miles Guyton, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ORIGINALLY IN DEC 2004 WHILE RETURNING FROM A TRIP TO ST LOUIS, MO I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY ABS LIGHT, MY SPEEDOMETER HAND INTERMITTENTLY GOING BACK TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLE COMING OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL. IT WAS ORIGINALLY THOUGHT TO BE AN ABS BRAKE PROBLEM SO THE SPEED SENSOR AND THE ABS MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE NEXT TIME I WENT OUT ON THE ROAD FOR THE 4TH OF JULY 2005 WEEKEND, WE GOT AS FAR AS CHARLESTON, SC AND HAD TO PUT THE RV IN THE SHOP BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SPEEDOMETER WERE BOTH MALFUNCTIONING; THE VEHICLE WOULD COME OUT OF CRUISE AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO FROM THE CORRECT SPEED TO ZERO. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE DOWNSHIFTING AND UPSHIFTING AT WILL. AFTER THAT WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE HOUSE AND PARKED IT ON THE DRIVEWAY. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I WENT OUT TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND GIVE IT A WASH JOB AND CLEAN IT UP A BIT. IT WOULD NOT START UPON EXAMINATION I FOUND THAT THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD SOME MELTED RELAYS IN IT AND THE BOX ITSELF WAS MELTED MIN A COUPLE OF PLACES. WE HAD TO HAVE A DIFFERENT WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED TO GET THE VEHICLE RUNNING AGAIN. WE FELT THAT SOME OF THE GROUND WIRES HAD CAUSED A SHORT AND THAT WAS WHAT HAD MELTED THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. LATER WE SAW THAT THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX IS LOCATED JUST BELOW THE RESERVOIR FOR THE VEHICLE BRAKE FLUID. THE LAST ITEM THAT BECAME FUNCTIONAL WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE FUSE FOR THE HORN WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. THEN I SAW WHERE FORD WAS DOING A RECALL ON THEIR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHES FOR SEVERAL VEHICLES AND SINCE THE ECONOLINE VAN IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES THAT USES THAT CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I FEEL THAT THE ECONOLINE VAN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL. MY RV IS ON A FORD ECONOLINE E350 VAN WITH A 460 CID V8 ENGINE AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH OVERDRIVE. VIN #[XXX][XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #10135919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,000 miles Brockway, PA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT:CONSUMER SAYS THAT 8 MONTHS AGO CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH BURNT THE WIRES ON THE WIRING HARNESS. CONSUMER HAD IT FIXED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. TWO AND HALF WEEKS AGO THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH STARTED MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FORD REPORTED ON THE NEWS AS HAVING A RECALL ON THE SAME THING. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL. CONSUMER THEN HAD MECHANIC DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, SO THAT SHE WOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FUTURE FIRE, ESPECIALLY WITH HANDICAP HUSBAND IN VAN. AFTER HAVING SWITCH DISCONNECTED THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THIS ALSO DISABLED THE HORN. CONSUMER SAID THAT FORD WAS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER THAT HAD THE CAPABILITIES OF MAKING A HIGH TOP CONVERSION VANS WITH LOWERED FLOORS FOR POWER WHEEL CHAIRS, WHICH ARE LARGER THAN REGULAR WHEEL CHAIRS. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10126251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

MY 1995 ECONOLINE VAN BLEW UP IN MY DRIVEWAY WHILE TURNED OFF. IT EXPLODED UNDER THE HOOD AND A HUGE FIREBALL WENT THROUGH THE CABIN. IT CAUGHT MY HOUSE AND GARAGE ON FIRE, ALONG WITH MY GIANT OAK TREE.*AK THIS IS THE SECOND ECONOLINE VAN THAT HAS BLOWN UP LIKE THIS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. BOTH TIMES WE WERE LUCKY; NO ONE WAS IN THE VAN AT THE TIME. THEY WOULD HAVE DIED OR BEEN SEVERELY BURNED. FORD ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS; THEY WERE NOT EVEN INTERESTED ENOUGH TO SEND OUT AN INVESTIGATOR.

NHTSA complaint #10093427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Brookfield, WI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONS, IT WILL EITHER SHIFT HARD AND LATE OR WILL GO OUT OF GEAR. DEALERSHIP REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.

NHTSA complaint #10041905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles Kingville, TX

EQUIPMENT

THE FACTORY INSTALLED CAGE HAD BOLTS THAT WERE FASTENED TO THE SIDE WALL OF THE VAN. THE BOLTS HAD BROKEN THROUGH THE METAL, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE CAGE TO MOVE FOWARD IN A COLLISION. JG

NHTSA complaint #8022725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Franklinville, NJ Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHILE DRIVING WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A BARN. HAD NO BRAKES. JUST HAD BRAKES CHECKED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. CONTACTED DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #8017180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FT. Myers Beach, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

NHTSA complaint #8012439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rosedale, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HORN IS VERY SMALL, CONSUMER STATES IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE CORRECT POSITION YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BLOW THE HORN. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE HE IS UNABLE TO WARN THE NEXT DRIVER. *JB

NHTSA complaint #8010412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redmond, WA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ABS CONTROL UNIT FAILED 1996 AND REPLACED. FAILED AGAIN DEC 2001 AND REPLACED FOR $761. A MULTI-TON 15 PASSENGER VAN SHOULD HAVE WORKING ABS BRAKES. WITH THE REPAIR COST, I SUSPECT MANY OWNERS ARE NOT FIXING THE DEFECTS AND IT IS UNDER-REPORTED. APPARENT PART NUMBER CHANGE SUGGESTS POSSIBILITY FORD KNOWS OF A PROBLEM AND HAS NOT REPORTED IT. NARROWLY AVOIDED MAJOR COLLISION WHEN ABS WERE INOP.

NHTSA complaint #756118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redmond, WA

TIRES:SIDEWALL

DOT#MD11 520V 344; TIRE SIZE LT245/75R16 ONE OF FOUR TIRES FAILED WITH A SIGNIFICANT SIDEWALL BULDGE NOTICED BEFORE FINAL FAILURE. SEARS REPLACED TIRE PRO-RATED FOR WEAR, BUT REPAIR PERSON SEVERELY OVER-TORQUED LUG NUTS REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF LUG BOLTS AND NUTS. NOT CONFIDENT OF REMAINING THREE TIRES; NOR THE SERVICE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT REPLACE THE WHEELS. NOT ENOUGH SPACES ON YOUR ONLINE FORM FOR TIRE SIZE AND DOT#. MFG #? 272892GRF66 A 15 PASSENGER VAN SHOULD HAVE GOOD TIRES. (DOT NUMBER: MD11520V34 TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)

NHTSA complaint #756120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Chester, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

STALLED WHILE MOVING BECAUSE OF BLOWN 60 AMP FUSE. AUTO SERVICE HAD TO FIND WIRE THAT SHORTED (TOOK 6 HOURS) SPLICE THAT WIRE AND COVER IT. TOTAL COST WAS $585 INCLUDING TOW.

NHTSA complaint #753863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington Park, MD

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL COMPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, BUT ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND AND EVENTUALLY STALLED AS I PULLED OF ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO START ENGINE, IT WOULD RUN FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AND SHUT DOWN. WEATHER THAT DAY WAS SUNNY WITH TEMPERATURES AT THE TIME OF TRAVEL ABOUT 90 TO 95 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, I HAD DRIVEN ONLY 250 MILES OF A 730 MILE TRIP. I HAD DRIVEN THIS SAME ROUTE JUST FOUR DAYS PRIOR. I WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AT CLOSING TIME FOR SERVICE DEPARTMENT SO MY VEHICLE WAS NOT CHECKED OUT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING, THE MECHANICS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I PROCEEDED ON MY TRIP DURING THE EARLY EVENING HOURS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION WITH ALL REQUIRED PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE COMPLETED BY FORD SERVICE AND THE ONLY CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE WAS FOR A LEAKING TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE AUTO SAFETY CENTER WEB SITE, I AM A BIT SUSPICIOUS OF A POTENTIAL HIDDEN PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #749218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington Park, MD

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL COMPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, BUT ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND AND EVENTUALLY STALLED AS I PULLED OF ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO START ENGINE, IT WOULD RUN FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AND SHUT DOWN. WEATHER THAT DAY WAS SUNNY WITH TEMPERATURES AT THE TIME OF TRAVEL ABOUT 90 TO 95 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, I HAD DRIVEN ONLY 250 MILES OF A 730 MILE TRIP. I HAD DRIVEN THIS SAME ROUTE JUST FOUR DAYS PRIOR. I WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AT CLOSING TIME FOR SERVICE DEPARTMENT SO MY VEHICLE WAS NOT CHECKED OUT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING, THE MECHANICS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I PROCEEDED ON MY TRIP DURING THE EARLY EVENING HOURS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION WITH ALL REQUIRED PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE COMPLETED BY FORD SERVICE AND THE ONLY CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE WAS FOR A LEAKING TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE AUTO SAFETY CENTER WEB SITE, I AM A BIT SUSPICIOUS OF A POTENTIAL HIDDEN PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #749218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterford, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED ONLY LEFT FRONT WORKS. HAVE REPLACED PROPORTIONING VALVE, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY GETTING 4,000 MILES ON FRONT PADS. CHECKED FUSES RELATING TO AREA-NO PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #748138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterford, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE

WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED ONLY LEFT FRONT WORKS. HAVE REPLACED PROPORTIONING VALVE, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY GETTING 4,000 MILES ON FRONT PADS. CHECKED FUSES RELATING TO AREA-NO PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #748138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterford, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS

WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED ONLY LEFT FRONT WORKS. HAVE REPLACED PROPORTIONING VALVE, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY GETTING 4,000 MILES ON FRONT PADS. CHECKED FUSES RELATING TO AREA-NO PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #748138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.