1990 Ford Econoline: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (47% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving approximately 65 mph the rear passenger side tire tread separated and caused the vehicle to crash into a concrete guard rail. *ak *scc *jb”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2003
“Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the fan belts snap causing the consumer to lose brake power. Dealer notified”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
“Gas tank does not work. Consumer can be riding down the street and automobile will cut off. This happens when riding on rear tank only.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“The entire right front wheel separated from vehicle, causing vehicle to crash by hitting the guardrail. (ohio traffic crash report) yh”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 1999
“First, headlights ceased to function, then electric door locks failed wiring harness under hood fried b/o current wire right down to the pin plastic assembly on fire wall that leads to wiring under dash of vehicle. Sparking noticed at wiring harness pin connector at firewall with clicking sound in electrical system. This is the second time this wire b/o hot wire has fried itself. First time at about 40000 miles it fried the fuse link in the black/orange hot wire leading down to the firewall pin connector. Second time, after fuse link was replaced, entire wire caught fire and fried down to the round plastic pin connector leading into the cab from under the dashboard. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1999
“Vehicle was blowing out fuel. Has dual fuel tanks. Fuel overflowed past filler cap. Fuel tank selector valve had malfunctioned. Called dealer. Vehicle not under recall (991v14600) due to VIN. *yc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 1999
“Brake pedal is going straight to the floor.only able to bear down and use the emergency brakes to stop.consumer contacted dealer. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1998
“Brakes: when driving down the highway everything is fine. Attempted to use the brakes and had to push pedal completely to the floor like there were no brakes at all. Had to use the emergency brake in order to stop. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1997
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 1997
“While driving brakes froze up in a locked position, the vehicle pulled itself to the side of the road and started smoking. This was a second request. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Econoline by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Econoline reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Econoline. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Econoline problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 44,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford Econoline have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank:selector devices. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.