1996 Ford Econoline Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,362miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Ford Econoline, 15% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,362 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1996 Ford Econoline electrical system repeatedly caused the van to break down. The air conditioning compressor seized and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The ignition module was replaced. The tie rods needed to be replaced which failed while the consumer was driving. The cruise control stopped working and the ABS, air bag and engine lights illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #10170132, filed 2006-09, 20,000 miles“The contact owned a 1996 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire on january 14, 2008 while parked in the driveway. Smoke appeared from the engine and front passenger seat. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received Ford recall notice number 05s28 the first week in may of 2008. The current and failure mileages were 122,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10229871, filed 2008-06, 122,000 miles“Reported to Ford customer service that the oil pan in the vans and trucks are starting to rust out from the inside. Ford will do nothing about the problem. They admitted on the phone (greg tredwell) in vestal, ny that in 96 and 97 they were made out of recycled material and that is why they are rusting out and need to be replaced. Why hasn't there been a recall on this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #721931, filed 2000-04“While parked engine compartment caught fire. Vehicle was totaled. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Comsumer wants to be compensated for losses.”
NHTSA complaint #853057, filed 1999-11Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 4 | 18% |
| 2002 | 6 | 26% |
| 2001 | 4 | 14% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 14 | 17% |
| 1998 | 6 | 13% |
| 1997 | 11 | 14% |
| 1996 | 12 | 15% |
| 1995 | 7 | 10% |
| 1994 | 14 | 11% |
| 1993 | 9 | 14% |
| 1992 | 13 | 16% |
| 1991 | 5 | 21% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 5 | 16% |
| 1988 | 5 | 23% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1984 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Econoline
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Econoline
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology