1987 Ford Econoline Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Ford Econoline (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Econoline. The part named most often is brakes, with 5 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system (3) and electrical system (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 110,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes5 33%
- Fuel system3 20%
- Electrical system2 13%
- Engine cooling1 6.7%
- Seats1 6.7%
- Steering1 6.7%
Example complaints
Brakes: “While driving mountainous country, brakes get hot, fluid boiled, resulting in no brakes, free wheeling, could have caused crash, dealer replaced brake pads/calipers, flushed brake system, replaced with different brake fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #812633, filed 1997-06Fuel system: “While vehicle was parked, ignition was on., driver noticed that vehicle had engulfed in flames. The fire inspector said that the cause of the fire was a faulty slip on fuel line . The manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #822433, filed 1998-04Vehicle speed control: “Vehicle suddenly accelerated after the speed control was deactivated. Driver put vehicle in neutral, and shut engine off to stop vehicle . But engine raced so hard the throttle cable blew. The dealer has repaired the vehicle at the owners expense.”
NHTSA complaint #842408, filed 1999-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 110,000 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V144000Sep 9, 1987Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission controlCovers: Ford Econoline 1983–1987, E-350 1983–1987, Club Wagon 1983–1987 +1 more
Vehicles are subject to excessive underhood temperatures and fuel system pressures in severe duty applications.
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Econoline 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 87V113000Jul 21, 1987Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission controlCovers: Ford Econoline 1983–1987, E-350 1983–1987
Expulsion of fuel due to overpressurization.
- 87V111000Jul 16, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford Econoline 1984–1987, E-350 1984–1987
Fuel leak at the top of the front fuel tank in the area of the vapor valve grommet. Grommet may split due to compressive load when installed in the fuel tank.
Recall details for the 1987 Ford Econoline → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Ford Econoline.
Other model years of the Ford Econoline
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 22 | 48,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 23 | 97,258 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 39 | 50,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 84 | 75,794 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 46 | 79,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 79 | 89,400 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 81 | 98,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 73 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 124 | 118,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 65 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 83 | 115,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 52,867 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 30 | 44,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 32 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 15 | 110,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Econoline model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Ford Econoline have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Econoline as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Ford Econoline is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 5 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system with 3.
Has the 1987 Ford Econoline been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Ford Econoline reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 110,000 miles and the middle half falls between 110,000 and 110,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.