VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Econoline problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Econoline — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Econoline years?

Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Econoline years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford Econoline problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System133%
Seat Belts133%
Suspension133%

Does the 2016 Ford Econoline have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V432000TransmissionJune 10, 2019 · 3,868 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Ford Econoline vehicles equipped with a 5R110W transmission, 5.4L engine, and a school bus or ambulance preparation package. A weld within the coast clutch may fail, causing an unexpected loss of drive power.

Consequence

A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Transferring occupants of a disabled school bus or ambulance to another vehicle increases their risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single-engaging coast one-way clutch with a new dual-engaging one-way clutch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S20.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PLEASE SEE DETAILS OUTLINED IN ATTACHED JPG FILE. THIS IMPACTS, TIRES, SHOCK ABSORBER'S AND REAR AXLE WEIGHT CAPACITIES.*DT*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 24, 2018

“SEAT BELTS ARE TO LONG TO SAFELY SECURE A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT. BELTS CANNOT BE DRAWN UP TIGHT ENOUGH TO SECURE A BABY SEAT. NO CHILD RESTRAINT HOOKS EXIST IN THESE VEHICLES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 30, 2016

2016 Ford Econoline — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Econoline reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Ford Econoline have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Ford Econoline. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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.