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5.9

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,667 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Econoline engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Ford Econoline Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 142011

Econoline

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Ford Econoline van. The spark-plug blew out of the aluminum Triton engine destroying the existing threads. Fire hazard. Exposed fuel to engine compartment.

- St Cloud , MN, USA

problem #5

Dec 272009

Econoline 10-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
As I type this complaint, I am listening to secretary lahood, ....if what he says is true I should hear something back from you fairly soon!! I have a complaint with the V10 Ford engine.....if you go to the internet and type in "Ford V10 engine spark plug ejecting" or anything similar to that inquiry you will get a host of complaints about the problems that I am experiencing. My 1997 Ford (motorhome) spit out a spark plug several month ago. Called Ford, they suggested that I have my mechanic install an "insert" to repair the stripped out head or replace the heads.....offered no other help. The insert "fix cost" $1,000. New heads would have cost $3,000 each. Work would be guaranteed for a whopping "90 days". I opted for the $1,000. Fix. After the fix, my wife (fighting lung cancer) and I (retired air force-military) headed to Florida from Michigan. We made it to indianapolis....approx 350 miles. The newly repaired "head insert" allowed the plug to spit out again!! long story short, we returned home and had a new engine (remanufactured) engine installed at a cost of $5,000. My military pension cannot afford these kind of monetary hits. I am also told that this problem could have easily caused a fire. We were lucky in that regard. Ford reps, both at the dealership level and Ford customer service (their phone # located in the Ford service manually) denied any problems....yet the internet is full of complaints. Please tell me you are aware of the problem and are trying to find some recourse for the Ford customers who have experienced the problems and expense that I have. All the mechanics that I have talked to were very familiar with the problem. That only adds to my dismay. Why hasn't there been more public info on this problem....why hasn't this problem been addressed by Ford Motor Co. Or at least fairly handled on a case by case basis. At the very least, I would appreciate some recognition that your Agency is aware and looking into this problem. Thank you so much!

- Harrison, MI, USA

problem #4

Apr 162002

Econoline

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving at 20 mph or over there was a knocking sound that was coming from the engine and after contacting the dealer the dealer stated that crankshaft was no longer any good. Nlm

- Lindenhurest, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 252002

Econoline

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front engine timing cover is leaking coolant. Heater was not working, causing consumer to have it inspected. Coolant is leaking into engine, and slowly damaging engine. Dealer was contacted. Consumer states that the vehicle now needs a new engine.

- Old Town, ME, USA

problem #2

May 161999

Econoline

  • miles
While driving engine: Pulley separated from the vehicle. The dealer has been notified.

- Farmington, MN, USA

problem #1

Dec 011997

Econoline

  • miles
Defective engine pistons.

- Norton, MA, USA

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