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 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
53% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE20% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
FIREShow 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970324
WHILE DRIVING SMELLED SMOKE INSIDE THE CAB, FLAME STARTED COMING OUT OF THE DASH, POSSIBLE DUE TO IGNITION SHORT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960424
17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030911
7% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 90V101000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 91V146000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 91V172000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 93V073000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V101000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V172000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V073000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.