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 | 32 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 83 |
| 1993 | 65 |
| 1994 | 124 |
| 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
20% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED 6 TIMES, TWICE RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
17% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY 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, hydraulic issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Econoline have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.