1993 Ford Econoline recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E025000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-626-272-1798.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-598-7589.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE FUEL FILLER HOSE OR FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE WAS DAMAGED BY A DRILL BIT USED TO INSTALL THE DSO PACKAGE ATTACHING HARDWARE ONTO THE FLOOR PAN.
What could happen: IF EITHER OF THE HOSES WAS PENETRATED BY THE DRILL BIT,FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT, PARTICULARLY DURING FUELING OF THE VEHICLE. IN THEPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS COULD RESULT IN FIRE.
The fix: REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER AND VENT HOSES AND RELOCATE THE MOUNTING HARDWARE IN THE FLOOR PAN.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V100000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE FUEL FILLER HOSE OR FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE WAS DAMAGED BY A DRILL BIT USED TO INSTALL THE DSO PACKAGE ATTACHING HARDWARE ONTO THE FLOOR PAN.
Consequence: IF EITHER OF THE HOSES WAS PENETRATED BY THE DRILL BIT,FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT, PARTICULARLY DURING FUELING OF THE VEHICLE. IN THEPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS COULD RESULT IN FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER AND VENT HOSES AND RELOCATE THE MOUNTING HARDWARE IN THE FLOOR PAN.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CARGO VANS WITH SEARS FLEET DSO PACKAGE.
4. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
What could happen: THE OVERHEATING AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE NEON TRANSFORMER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LIGHTBEAM ASSEMBLY, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V128000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: INTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
Consequence: THE OVERHEATING AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE NEON TRANSFORMER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LIGHTBEAM ASSEMBLY, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.
Notes: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; LAMP OR SOCKET; COURTESY LIGHTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LONG WHEEL BASE CONVERSION VANS WITH A NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT MARK III SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-903-8267. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
5. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
What could happen: 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.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V051000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-392-3673.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Summary: 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.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 08S01. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1993 Ford Econoline owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (33), Fuel system (28), Engine (28), Gasoline (27), Hydraulic (27).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/21/2024 · Vehicle Speed Control
Random Acceleration (Gas Pedal) when started from a cold start. When foot was not on any brake or gas pedal, van started to accelerate as if I had my foot on the gas pedal.
07/07/2022 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 1993 Ford E-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to pull into a parking space and turning the steering wheel, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front driver's side seat and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact contacted AAA who inspected the vehicle and informed the co…
06/24/2019 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD E-150. WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE AT A FUEL STATION, THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND CALLED FIRMIN FORD (LOCATED AT 921 E MAIN ST, LAURENS, SC 29360, (864) 682-3111) TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE C…
11/05/2015 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH GOODRICH COMMERCIAL T/A (NA) TIRES, SIZE: LT225/75/R16E (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TREAD FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES SUDDENLY RIPPED OPEN AND DAMAGED THE BODY AND THE SEWAGE SYSTEM OF THE MOTOR HOME. THE MOTOR HOME WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD…
08/28/2015 · Wheels / tires
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED THUMPING AND VIBRATING ERRATICALLY AND STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. I EXITED IMMEDIATELY TO FIND THAT MY TIRE HAD A HUGE BULGE A LITTLE LARGER THAN A SOFTBALL. A MAN STOPPED AND SAID I SHOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE THE 2 MILES I HAD LEFT TO GET HOME. WHEN I BACKED OUT TO DRIVE HOME THE BULGE POPPED EXPOSING BRO…
04/11/2015 · Body / structure · fire
ON OCTOBER 9, 2009, PURSUANT TO FORD RECALL 05S28, A LOCAL FORD DEALER, DAVIES FORD, CHARLEROI, PENNSYLVANIA, INSTALLED A WIRING HARNESS ON MY VAN. ONLY FIVE DAYS LATER, WHILE MY VAN WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF,AND THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, MY VAN CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AN EXPERT INSPECTED THE VAN AND DETERMINED THAT THE…
09/30/2014 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE GEAR BOX FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEA…
07/15/2014 · Steering
VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS ON ROAD. EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY IN POWER STEERING GEAR BOX. STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED BUT WITH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CONDITION IS THE SOME. WHY WAS GEAR BOX NOT RECALLED WHEN TIRES WERE RECALLED? IS THERE AN UPGRADED PART THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM? ( SEE NHTSA REFERENCE #10382765) ALSO FORD TRUCK ENTHUSIASTS FORUMS - STEERING PROB…