VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford Econoline problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 102 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 68.0 times the median Econoline year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 48 Econoline years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (19), engine (15), and tires & wheels (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

102

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Econoline years?

Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Econoline years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford Econoline problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1919%
Engine1515%
Tires & Wheels1313%
Fuel System1212%
Speed Control1111%
Suspension66%
Steering55%
Electrical System44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Body & Structure33%
Transmission33%
Seat Belts33%
Other22%
Seats22%
Trailer Hitch11%

Does the 1999 Ford Econoline have recalls?

7 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.

00V284000OtherSeptember 21, 2000 · 4,500 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

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.

00V115000Tires & WheelsApril 19, 2000 · 3,300 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CUTAWAYS AND STRIPPED CHASSIS WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS. THE LUG NUTS CAN POTENTIALLY BOTTOM OUT ON A SHOULDER ON THE STUDS.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THERE CAN BE AN INADEQUATE CLAMP LOAD TO ATTACH THE WHEEL TO THE AXLE, RESULTING IN NOISE, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL AND HUB, OR IN EXTREME CASES, LOSS OF A REAR WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL ATTACHING STUDS.

99V046000Latches & LocksMarch 15, 1999 · 2,893 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR STRIKERS MAY NOT HOLD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKER.

98V257000TransmissionOctober 14, 1998 · 350 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN AT AN UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL SPEED SHOULD THE DRIVER NOT REALIZE THAT HIS VEHICLE ROAD SPEED IS GREATER THAN THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT SPEEDOMETER GEAR.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DEPUTY SHERIFF ATTEMPTED TO CHECK BRAKE APPLICATION 8 TIMES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. FORD HAD INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR (FORD EMPLOYEEE)CHECK VEHICLE NO PROBLEM OUT RIGHT LIE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 5, 2011 · fire

“GOODYEAR IS REPLACING THESE TIRES ON 15 PASSENGER VANS. OUR VAN HAS THE IDENTICAL CHASSIS AND TIRES, BUT GOODYEAR IGNORES THEM. PLEASE HELP. WE TRAVEL TO ART SHOWS WITH AS MUCH OR MORE WEIGHT THEN A PASSENGER VAN. MOST OF OUR TRAVEL IS AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. ANY SUGGESTIONS?*AK (TIRESIZE: LT245/75R1)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH AND NO WARNING THE FUEL TANK HAD CRACK CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND IT CAUSE A FIRE AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 17, 2002 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE AND VEHICLE RIVVED REAL HARD & ACCELERATED INTO THE SPACE. IT JUMPED CURB, WENT UP IN THE AIR & CAME DOWN ON THE FRONT HOOD OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER PUT VEHICLE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. THEY WERE SAYING THAT SOMETHING COULD BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 18, 2000 · crash

1999 Ford Econoline — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford Econoline reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 48 Econoline years. It is one of the Econoline years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Econoline problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), engine (15 complaints), tires & wheels (13 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford Econoline have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford Econoline. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford Econoline under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.