1997 Ford Econoline problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 1997 Ford Econoline with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 22% of them — the clear leader, ahead of tires at 13%.
Complaints100
Crashes12
Fires2
Injuries2
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 22.0% · 22
Tires 13.0% · 13
Engine and engine cooling 11.0% · 11
Visibility 9.0% · 9
Seat belts 7.0% · 7
Vehicle speed control 7.0% · 7
Steering 5.0% · 5
Suspension 5.0% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 2 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Ford Econoline in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 1994 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 85,700 miles.
In owners' own words
This vehicle has had multiple brake failures. Before the warranty ran out at 36k, the dealer replaced the front brakes two times. Since then I have had the pads replaced and/or rotors turned at least three times more. Now, only 2k miles after the last rotor replacement, the brakes are failing again - I.E., The steering wheel vibrates when the brakes are applied, particularly from speeds greater than 45 mph. Service brakes, hydraulic
The anti-lock brakes do not function properly. I noted the fist occurrence only, there have been 4 addional occurrences of the same problem. The anti-lock system engages, clamps hard one time and then releases. This leaves you free rolling until it decides to continue or you take your foot up and reapply the brakes. When it does continue on its own the steering wheel shakes violently. Service brakes, hydraulic
Was coming to a stop brake pedal went to floor. No brakes. Was towed to service station. Mechanic said abs brakes were not working. Towed to dealership. Brake pads replaced & rotors turned. Problem returned. Back at dealershp & rotors replaced. Problem still existed. Back again to dealer & calipers replaced. Was told things were fine. Took vehicle around corner & no brakes at all. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…