Model year record

1997 Ford Econoline

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 100 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V051000

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

Component
Vehicle speed control: cruise control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
225,000
Reported to NHTSA
2008-02-04
Owners notified
2008-02-18

Defect description

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 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Safety risk

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V193000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
5,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-10-02
Owners notified
1996-10-25

Defect description

THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM CONTACTING AND BEING DAMAGED BY THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT.

Safety risk

IF THE BATTERY CABLE OR STARTER WIRE INSULATION IS DAMAGED BY SUCH CONTACT, A SHORT TO GROUND CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE WIRING AND POSSIBLE IGNITION OF SURROUNDING COMPONENTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CHAFING OF THE CABLE AND WILL ADD INSULATION AND A TIE STRAP TO THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1489,400 mi
Tires: tread/belt7126,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine682,000 mi
Tires6
Vehicle speed control6
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system5
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline4
Seats4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc4
Suspension: front4
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core3
Air bags: frontal2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Steering2100 mi
Structure: body: door2
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: switch1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Engine and engine cooling1130,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Fuel system, gasoline182,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Power train: automatic transmission1
Seat belts1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment14,500 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Suspension1
Unknown or other1114,250 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1
Wheels: hub1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.