1987 Ford Econoline
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 86 |
| 1993 | 67 |
| 1994 | 132 |
| 1995 | 73 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1999 | 84 |
| 2000 | 39 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing selector devices and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IGNITION WAS ON., DRIVER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE HAD ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A FAULTY SLIP ON FUEL LINE . THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980415
WHEN OPENNING GAS CAP ON ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS GAS LINES BURSTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950714
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960820
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEMS WITH HEATING SYSTEM, STEERING, AND PARKING BRAKE. *MR *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030807
Also filed under PARKING BRAKE
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE VAPOR VALVE GROMMET. GROMMET MAY SPLIT DUE TO COMPRESSIVE LOAD WHEN INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED VAPOR VALVE GROMMET.
Campaign 87V111000 — check if this car was fixed
EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
Remedy: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.
Campaign 87V113000 — check if this car was fixed
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.
Campaign 87V144000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V111000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V113000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V144000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Ford Econoline reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Econoline?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Econoline have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.