The 1996 Ford Econoline has 21 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 22% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
21
Brakes complaints
22%
Share of year
3
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLES ON A 20% GRADE WITH FOOT PEDAL EFFORTS OF 125 POUNDS OR LESS. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence
THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AFTER BEING PARKED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
“WHILE AT A STOP THE VAN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND OVERRODE THE BRAKES. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A CRASH IN APRIL OF 1997 AND SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM, AND FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 1996 Ford Econoline brakes — 22% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 96V214000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.