1990 Ford Econoline
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
53% of complaints
Complaints per year
1990: 30 complaints
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
53% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
20% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked for fifteen minutes all of a sudden an fire started under the hood of the vehicle. The whole front of the vehicle was burned up.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-24
While driving smelled smoke inside the cab, flame started coming out of the dash, possible due to ignition short.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-24
Fuel system, gasoline
17% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and selector devices.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer noticed a gas smell inside of vehicle while traveling. Saw gas pouring out of gas tank. Vehicle was serviced, technician replaced fuel pump sending unit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-11
Wheels
7% · 2 reportsStructure
7% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing door.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-07-17Power train90V101000 Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Remedy: Install improved snap ring and revised transmission extension housing.
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R
1991-12-20Fuel system, gasoline91V146000 The dual fuel tank selector valve may malfunction and cause an overfill condition in one of the fuel tanks, resulting in an overflow of fuel past the filler cap.
Remedy: Replace the dual fuel tank selector valve.
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R
1992-07-08Seat belts91V172000 The safety belt anchorage for the rear bench seat failed to comply with the standards of FMVSS 210.
Remedy: The manufacture will replace the non-complying safety belt anchorage with a new anchorage that meets the requirements of FMVSS 210.
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R
1993-07-23Suspension93V073000 The rear shock crossmember of the frame can crack and separate from the frame.
Remedy: Replace the rear chock crossmember with a shock crossmember made of high strength steel.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V101000 · Power train
- Recall 91V146000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 91V172000 · Seat belts
- Recall 93V073000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1990 Ford Econoline reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Econoline is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Econoline?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Econoline have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.