1996 Ford Econoline Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Econoline, 4% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
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“First time: pulling out of parking lot. Steering wheel jumped off center. At dealer when mechanic said nothing wrong. At home when steering wheel became difficult. Steering gear started to move. Managed to get to dealer & mechanic saw 2 of 3 bolts sheared off & repaired it. Second time: leaving parking lot when a loud snap was heard. Pulled over. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Had no steering control. Towed to dealer. Mechanic said no bolts at all on steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #824202, filed 1998-06“First time: pulling out parking lot. Heard a noise steering wheel jumped off center. Took to dealer & mechanic found nothing. Steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Steering gear started to move. Managed to get dealer. Again. 2 of 3 bolts had sheared off. Second time was on 5/7/96:upon leaving for home when a loud snap sound was heard. Pulled to side of road. There was no steering control. Had vehicle towed to dealership. This time mechanic found no bolts holding steering wheel to column. All three had sheared/broken off.”
NHTSA complaint #824200, filed 1998-06Related service bulletins
- 10148820Apr 6, 2018This 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…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2001 | 1 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 8% |
| 1994 | 13 | 10% |
| 1993 | 6 | 9% |
| 1992 | 7 | 8% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Econoline
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeats
4 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 29, 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