Total Complaints
102 filings
FORD ECONOLINE · model year
102 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1999FORDECONOLINE carries 102 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 13 crashes, 5 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 ECONOLINE is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 8 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (8) and engine and engine cooling (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 1999 ECONOLINE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
102 filings
Crashes Reported
13 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 8 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 8 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 8 |
| TIRES | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 4 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 3 |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES | 2 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONO RV S-DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A SAMSUNG MICROWAVE, MODEL MR5493G. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO OVEN CIRCUIT RECALL NUMBER: 03E044400. A NEIGHBOR ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RV WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE MICROWAVE CAUSED THE FIRE AND SHE EXTINGUISHED IT WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EXTENSIVE BURN ON HER LEG, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. SAMSUNG ADVISED HER THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS TO REPAIR THE MICROWAVE ALTHOUGH IT WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED RV DEALERS IN HER AREA TO REPLACE THE MICROWAVE. THE MICROWAVE WAS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN THE RV AND IT WAS MOUNTED ON THE CEILING OF THE RV. THE FIRE BURNED A HOLE IN THE CEILING AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CABINETS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT DRIVEN THE RV SINCE THE FIRE OCCURRED DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK AND THE HOLE IN THE CEILING. THE SERIAL AND PART NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONO RV S-DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A SAMSUNG MICROWAVE, MODEL MR5493G. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO OVEN CIRCUIT RECALL NUMBER: 03E044400. A NEIGHBOR ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RV WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE MICROWAVE CAUSED THE FIRE AND SHE EXTINGUISHED IT WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EXTENSIVE BURN ON HER LEG, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. SAMSUNG ADVISED HER THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS TO REPAIR THE MICROWAVE ALTHOUGH IT WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED RV DEALERS IN HER AREA TO REPLACE THE MICROWAVE. THE MICROWAVE WAS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN THE RV AND IT WAS MOUNTED ON THE CEILING OF THE RV. THE FIRE BURNED A HOLE IN THE CEILING AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CABINETS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT DRIVEN THE RV SINCE THE FIRE OCCURRED DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK AND THE HOLE IN THE CEILING. THE SERIAL AND PART NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. *TT
VAN IS LEAKING FUEL WHEN I ATTEMPT TO FILL THE TANK.
Mileage: 130,800
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS PROPANE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN PROPANE TANK NEEDED TO BE LIFTED OFF THE SPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER PUT PROPANE/LIPI GAS LINES AROUND THE BACK TIRES. THE GAS LINES HAVE NO STRONG PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THEM. THE LIPI GAS LINE WAS SITTING ON TOP OF THE REAR LEAF SPRING. UPDATED 11/4/2015 *JS
Mileage: 83,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWN A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE 350 EQUIPPED WITH KELLY TIRES, TIRE LINE: SAFARI LT, TIRE SIZE LT23585R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND THE SOUND OF METAL BEING DRAGGED ON THE GROUND WAS HEARD FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED.THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Mileage: 300,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE AND THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE SOURCE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND LEAKING FUEL. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 218,000.
Mileage: 20,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A METAL STRAP CUTTING INTO THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,916. *TR
Mileage: 78,916
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE E250 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY, THE FUEL FILLER SHUT OFF FAILED, CAUSING GASOLINE FUEL TO SPILL BACK OUT ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Mileage: 116,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE E150. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER REFUELING, THE FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/21/12*LJ UPON INSPECTION, THE RUBBER GAS FILLER HOSE TO THE GAS TANK WAS CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK WHEN FILLING THE TANK. THE REPAIR COST WAS $ 300. UPDATED 01.09.13
Mileage: 135,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE E150. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER REFUELING, THE FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/21/12*LJ UPON INSPECTION, THE RUBBER GAS FILLER HOSE TO THE GAS TANK WAS CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK WHEN FILLING THE TANK. THE REPAIR COST WAS $ 300. UPDATED 01.09.13
Mileage: 135,000
MY FORD E350 1999 MADE A LOUD FLAPPING NOISE AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOME. I PULLED RIGHT BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE #2 SPARK PLUG HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED ON ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES. I AM A MECHANIC, AND FORMER JET ENGINE MECHANIC ALSO. MY OBDII CONFIRMED A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #2 THAT IS HOW I LOCATED WHICH PLUG IT WAS. FORD SAID IT WOULD COST $260 TO LOOK AT IT, AND UP TO $1700 IF THEY COULD REPAIR IT. PLUS TOWING. I ASKED HOW MUCH A NEW ENGINE WOULD COST SINCE THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. FORD SAID IT WOULD COST $7,200 FOR A NEW ENGINE. THIS VAN HAS COST MORE FOR REPAIRS THAN ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED IN MY LIFE. I AM 62. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR $700.00 COIL ON SPARK PLUG $130 ABS BRAKE SENSOR $138.00 FLEX PLATE AND FLYWHEEL $700.(CAUSED BY LOOSE IGNITION SWITCH) EGR BLACK BOX $400 REPLACEMENT. FORD WANTED $100.00 TO CHANGE MY F
Mileage: 197,540
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
Mileage: 76,589
WELL IT GOES LIKE THIS, NEW PLUGS AND COIL PACKS WHERE INSTALLED AT DEAN ARBOUR FORD IN PINCONNING MICHIGAN IN MY 1999 E350 ECONOLINE VAN. SO THE ISSUE AT HAND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ABOUT WAS IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF SAID PLUG OR PLUGS FROM WHAT I HAVE READ IN ANSWERS.COM FROM WHAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS SAID THAT IT IS IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR OVER TIGHTENING, NOT TORQUED PROPERLY. WELL IF THIS WAS THE ISSUE AT HAND THEN THEY ARE NOT PROPERLY TRAINING THEIR TECH'S, WHICH I DO NOT SEE THAT BEING THE ISSUE AT HAND. IT IS AS I SEE, POORLY DESIGNED AS TO THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHERS. WHICH I SEE THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DESIGN FLAW. MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY PROBLEM AT HAND WAS NOT UNDER HEAVY LOAD, I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND WENT TO PROCEED. WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT WAS STEPPING ON THE GAS SLOWLY TO MOVE FORWARD AND BANG, AND I MEAN (BANG). IT KEEP POPPING UNTIL I SHUT IT DOWN IGNITING AS THAT CYLINDER IN ROTATION CAME TO THAT FIRING ORDER FOR THAT CYLINDER. EVERYT
Mileage: 170,000
1999 FORD ECONOLINE 150, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT MILE POST 122 IN THE CENTER LANE. UNIT 1 LOST ITS LEFT REAR TIRE AND PULLED OFF ONTO THE NORTH BERM BEFORE COMING TO REST. *BF THE LEFT REAR TIRE SHEARED OF THE AXLE. THE PLASTIC MOLDING AROUND THE WHEEL BROKE OFF AROUND THE WHEEL WELL AND THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE VEHICLE CRACKED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE TIRE SEPARATING FROM THE AXLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0235-90) *JB UPDATED 05/11/11* BF
1999 FORD ECONOLINE 150, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT MILE POST 122 IN THE CENTER LANE. UNIT 1 LOST ITS LEFT REAR TIRE AND PULLED OFF ONTO THE NORTH BERM BEFORE COMING TO REST. *BF THE LEFT REAR TIRE SHEARED OF THE AXLE. THE PLASTIC MOLDING AROUND THE WHEEL BROKE OFF AROUND THE WHEEL WELL AND THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE VEHICLE CRACKED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE TIRE SEPARATING FROM THE AXLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0235-90) *JB UPDATED 05/11/11* BF
OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER HEAD (GASKET) ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *TR
Mileage: 36,103
HAVE A FORD 1999 ECONOLINE VAN WITH A TRITON ENGINE, HAVE SO FAR BLOWN X3 SPARKPLUGS, ALL FIXED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CONVERSION SEAT RECLINES TO AN UNSAFE POSITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER WAS DELEGATE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 06/27/09 *BF UPDATED 06/23/09.*JB
Mileage: 75,000
I WAS DRIVING FROM NEW YORK TO PHILADELPHIA WHEN I ALMOST GOT HOME THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE THE WHEEL ARE, ON MY PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE IS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE INSULATED PADS THAT PROTECT THE GAS TANK FROM BEING DAMAGED. THE PADS ARE RUBBING METAL TO METAL AND CAUSE THE GAS TANK TO CRACK AND LEAK FUEL. THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED WHEN SHE SMELLED GASOLINE WHILE DRIVING. AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.