1994 Ford Econoline
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
28% of complaints: service brakes — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE. WHILE ALL THE RESIDENCE WERE GONE FOR THE DAY, THE VEHICLE MYSTERIOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050209
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ECONOLINE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140819
PLEASE REOPEN NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10254031. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I POSTED A WEB SITE DETAILING THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN, I HAVE RECEIVED DOZEN OF INQUIRIES FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE IDENTICAL ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131231
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
seat belt not pulling out e40d trans starts out going in 3ed gear
NHTSA ODI report, 20230127
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SEAT BELTS
9% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and fuses and circuit breakers.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1) NO PREVIOUS INDICATION WAS GIVEN OF ANY PROBLEM. 2) AT 3 AM ON AUGUST 8TH, 2005, I WAS AWAKEN BY A NEIGHBOR, WHO HAVING SMELLED SMOKE, LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW MY VAN ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050811
ELECTRICAL SHORT, FIRE STARTED IN DASH BOARD WHILE DRIVING, WILL PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950425
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION FORCE FOR A FOOT OPERATED CONTROL SYSTEM SHOULD NOT EXCEED 125 POUNDS TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A 30%
Remedy: FINAL STAGE MANUFACTURERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THIS CONDITION AND PROVIDED WITH PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION.
Campaign 93V194000 — check if this car was fixed
THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
Remedy: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.
Campaign 94V128000 — check if this car was fixed
TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS
SEPARATION OF STEERING GEAR FROM FRAME
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCUR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V194000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V128000 (interior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Ford Econoline reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Ford Econoline is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Ford Econoline?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Ford Econoline have?
6 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.