1997 Ford Econoline
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Ford Econoline is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.
1997 Ford Econoline at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Ford Econoline recalls 4
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM CONTACTING AND BEING DAMAGED BY THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CHAFING OF THE CABLE AND WILL ADD INSULATION AND A TIE STRAP TO THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1997 Ford Econoline common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 Ford Econoline safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1997 Ford Econoline. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 5
HVAC Switch Failures Closed
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures. ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle. After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the…
NHTSA #EA10003 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2010 · closed Mar 2012HVAC Switch Failures Closed
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures. Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis. The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet. Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash. One fleet reported a vehicle fire. No…
NHTSA #PE09055 · Electrical System · opened Dec 2009 · closed Apr 2010SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD Closed
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES. ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECT…
NHTSA #DP05005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2005 · closed Jan 2006ALLEGED BRAKE HOSE FAILURES Closed
FORD HAS RECEIVED NO OWNER REPORTS OF FAILURE, OTHER THAN THE FOUR ODI REPORTS THAT CAME FROM A SINGLE FLEET IN NEW YORK STATE. FORD ALSO REPORTS THAT IT HAS RECEIVED NO FIELD REPORTS AND DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING THE SUBJECT PROBLEM. FORD ESTIMATES THAT THE 86,910 SUBJECT VEHICLES (THAT HAVE OVER 6 YEARS EXPOSURE), HAVE ACCUMULATED OVER SIX BILLION MILES OF SERVICE AND THAT THE VIRTUAL LACK OF RE…
NHTSA #PE02070 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 2002 · closed Jan 2003SHIFT-LOCK Closed
NHTSA #PE99022 · Power Train · opened Mar 1999 · closed May 1999An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 458
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 458.
This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible…
Bulletin DOR-X8B9R-11 · Steering · Apr 2018FORD: THE BLOWER MOTOR ON SOME VEHICLES ARE OPERATING EITHER INCORRECTLY OR NOT OPERATING OR JUST FUNCTIONING ON ONE SPEED. *PE
Bulletin TSB-11-11-21 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2011SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
Bulletin 07212 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2007WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
Bulletin 041601 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin 020503 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2005INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT
Bulletin 05417 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2005DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1876, B1880, B1915 AND/OR B1920 IN THE ECS MODULE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET HIGH CURRENT DEVICES. *TT
Bulletin 032306 · Electrical System · Feb 2005ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM CONCERNS WHEN USING FUEL WITH GREATER THAN 5% BIODIESEL CONCENTRATION. *TT
Bulletin 17467 · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2005A DRIVELINE CLUNK OR BUMP WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. *TT
Bulletin 04266 · Power Train · Jan 2005VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT
Bulletin 05248 · Suspension · Jan 2005Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ECONOLINE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Econoline. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Emissions
Certain CNG vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. The natural gas fuel fill valve may leak due to flaking of the nickel plating inside the valve. This will allow natural gas to escape into the atmosphere at a rate that exceeds the limits prescribed in the standard. Correction: Valve will be replaced with one of an alternative design…
Transport Canada #1999162 · Sep 1999Emissions
Note: vehicles equipped with 5.4 Litre and 6.8 Litre engines. Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. Trucks were built with Powertrain Control Module calibration code strategy features that may cause exhaust emissions which exceed the requirements of the standard. Correction: The Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed.
Transport Canada #1998236 · Nov 1998Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VAN CONVERSIONS (TRAVEL VANS). THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 202 - HEAD RESTRAINTS. VEHICLES ARE MISSING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE TWO FRONT SEATS. CORRECTION: HEAD RESTRAINTS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Transport Canada #1998042 · Mar 1998Electrical
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2 LITRE ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS MAY BECOME DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT. IF THE BATTERY CABLE OR STARTER WIRE INSULATION IS DAMAGED BY SUCH CONTACT, A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE WIRING, AND A POTENTIAL ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR CABLE CHAFING AND C…
Transport Canada #1996191 · Nov 1996Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Econoline
The Ford E-Series is a range of full-size vans produced by the Ford Motor Company since 1961. Introduced as a replacement for the Ford F-Series panel van, the line has spanned four generations. Sold in both retail and commercial markets, the E-Series has been offered as passenger and cargo vans, as well as in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.