1997 Ford Econoline
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 79
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 79 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
28% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Tires
16% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
1997 Ford Econoline. Consumer writes in regards to tire issues and repair reimbursement.* ld the consumer discovered the tires on her vehicle were recalled. However, she was never notified. Recall #12T007000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-12
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was driving vehicle at 55 MPH with cruise control engaged. All of a sudden heard a loud popping noise and the vehicle was filled with dark smoke. Consumer pulled vehicle over to the side when it became engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Visibility
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and heater core.
Vehicle speed control
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1996-10-25Electrical system96V193000 The battery cable harness does not have adequate protection from contacting and being damaged by the right engine mount.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for chafing of the cable and will add insulation and a tie strap to the battery cable harness.
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 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…
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.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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R
2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V193000 · Electrical system
- Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Ford Econoline reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Econoline is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Econoline?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 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.