1999 Ford Econoline: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 84 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints); the 1998 and 2000 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline. The contact stated that there was a strong odor coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was propane leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the main propane tank needed to be lifted off the spring. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 4/7/15*cn the consumer stated the manufacturer put propane/lipi gas lines around the back tires. The gas lines have no strong protective shields around them. The lipi gas line was sitting on top of the rear leaf spring. Updated 11/4/2015 *js”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact own a 1999 ford econoline 350 equipped with kelly tires, tire line: safari lt, tire size lt23585r16. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, a loud banging noise and the sound of metal being dragged on the ground was heard from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the front passenger's side tire exploded. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The defective tire had not been replaced.the manufacturer had not been notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline rv. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was a metal strap cutting into the fuel tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 78,916. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline e250 van. The contact stated that after refueling to capacity, the fuel filler shut off failed, causing gasoline fuel to spill back out onto the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 116,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline e150. The contact stated whenever refueling, the fuel leaked onto the ground. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 01v114000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly); however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. Updated 12/21/12*lj upon inspection, the rubber gas filler hose to the gas tank was cracked, which caused fuel to leak when filling the tank. The repair cost was $ 300. Updated 01.09.13”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2012
“The spark plug ejected for the second time in two weeks and this time had a small fire that was put out right away that could have been real trouble as we had 9 people in the motorhome at the time. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2011
“1999 ford econoline 150, unit 1 was traveling eastbound at mile post 122 in the center lane. Unit 1 lost its left rear tire and pulled off onto the north berm before coming to rest. *bf the left rear tire sheared of the axle. The plastic molding around the wheel broke off around the wheel well and the plastic molding under the vehicle cracked. There was minor damage due to the tire separating from the axle. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0235-90) *jb updated 05/11/11* bf”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline. The contact noticed that the conversion seat reclines to an unsafe position. Upon further inspection, he noticed structural damage due to metal fatigue. The equipment manufacturer was delegate. The manufacturer stated that they would not assume any responsibility for the repair of the seat. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 75,000. Updated 06/27/09 *bf updated 06/23/09.*jb”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline. The contact stated that gasoline is leaking from the vehicle. He further stated that there was a malfunction with the insulated pads that protect the gas tank from being damaged. The pads are rubbing metal to metal and cause the gas tank to crack and leak fuel. The leak was discovered when she smelled gasoline while driving. An auto repair shop confirmed the failure. The ford manufacturer stated that there was no recall for this failure and refused to make any repairs. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2008
“I was driving from new york to philadelphia when I almost got home the car caught on fire on the back of the car where the wheel are, on my passenger side. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS AND EQUIPPED WITH 3.55:1 AND 3.73:1 AXLE RATIO. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT SPEEDOMETER DRIVEN GEARS, RESULTING IN A LOWER SPEEDOMETER READING THAN THE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BEING DRIVEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT SPEEDOMETER GEAR.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKER.
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.
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.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CUTAWAYS AND STRIPPED CHASSIS WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS. THE LUG NUTS CAN POTENTIALLY BOTTOM OUT ON A SHOULDER ON THE STUDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL ATTACHING STUDS.
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 1999 Ford Econoline reliable?
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford Econoline. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Econoline problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,795 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford Econoline have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. 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.