VehicleVerdict

1992 Ford Econoline problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 113 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 75.3 times the median Econoline year — the 1992 model ranks #2 of 48 Econoline years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (19), fuel system (16), and electrical system (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

113

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

9

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Econoline years?

Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted164 complaints1967: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 7 complaints1987: 19 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 41 complaints1990: 38 complaints1991: 37 complaints1992: 113 complaints1993: 71 complaints1994: 164 complaints1995: 98 complaints1996: 96 complaints1997: 100 complaints1998: 61 complaints1999: 102 complaints2000: 46 complaints2001: 31 complaints2002: 25 complaints2003: 27 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Econoline years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Ford Econoline problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1917%
Fuel System1614%
Electrical System1412%
Engine1312%
Brakes1110%
Tires & Wheels98%
Suspension87%
Steering76%
Transmission54%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)33%
Seats22%
Body & Structure22%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%
Other11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1992 Ford Econoline have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

08V051000Speed ControlFebruary 4, 2008 · 225,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

93V100000Fuel SystemJune 8, 1993 · 1,235 units

Defect

THE FUEL FILLER HOSE OR FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE WAS DAMAGED BY A DRILL BIT USED TO INSTALL THE DSO PACKAGE ATTACHING HARDWARE ONTO THE FLOOR PAN.

Consequence

IF EITHER OF THE HOSES WAS PENETRATED BY THE DRILL BIT,FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT, PARTICULARLY DURING FUELING OF THE VEHICLE. IN THEPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS COULD RESULT IN FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER AND VENT HOSES AND RELOCATE THE MOUNTING HARDWARE IN THE FLOOR PAN.

92V123000OtherAugust 24, 1992 · 29,052 units

Defect

THE TIRE CERTIFICATION LABELS INCORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE TIRE REQUIREMENTS AS P235/75R15 SL (STANDARD LOAD), RATHER THAN AS P235/75R15 XL (EXTRA LOAD).

Consequence

THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THANPASSENGER CARS." INCORRECT TIRE SELECTION COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN FAILURE OFA TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CORRECT TIRE INFORMATION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED THAT DEALERS CAN INSTALL THE LABEL PROVIDED IF THEY PREFER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH , THE VAN FELT LIKE IT WENT FULL THROTTLE, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL, HITTING A SNOW BANK AND A UTILITY POLE BEFORE STOPPING. THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VAN HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 1999 · crash

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON 190 HEADED EAST AND WITHOUT WARNING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SNAPPED OFF, AND SHE SPINNED AROUND ABOUT THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A HALT, FACING THE FLOW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. DATE WAS SEPT 98 //// 15 JUL 99. DRIVING ON 195 WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 15, 1999 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE AND ASSUMED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS FLAT. AS HE WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2010 · fire

“1992 FORD ECONOLINE SUFFERED TIRE TREAD SEPARATION AS WELL AS ENGINE FIRE.*MR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HIS WIFE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER OPENED HOOD AND EXTINGUISHED WHAT HE COULD SEE. WHEN MORE FLAMES LIT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 11, 2003 · fire

“FIRST TIME DISC BRAKE LOCKED UP ON OR ABOUT 07/29/00, MILEAGE 21478, VEHICLE SPEED ABOUT 30 TO 35MPH, NO ACCIDENT. HAD BOTH FRONT BRAKES SERVICED BY FORD AUTHORIZED GARAGE. BRAKE PADS REPLACED,CALIPER SLIDES CLEANED AND LUBED, ROTORS MACHINED AND VEHICLE TEST DRIVE. SECOND LOCK UP OF DISC BRAKE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 10, 2001

1992 Ford Econoline — common questions

Is the 1992 Ford Econoline reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 113 complaints put the 1992 model at #2 of 48 Econoline years. It is one of the Econoline years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Econoline problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (19 complaints), fuel system (16 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints).

Does the 1992 Ford Econoline have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Ford Econoline. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Ford Econoline under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Econoline years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Econoline years to avoid are 1994, 1992, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1993, 1998, 2000, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1988, 2001. The cleanest record among Econoline years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.