1996 Ford Econoline Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Ford Econoline, 15% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“Dt: the contact stated cruise control stopped working. The local repair shop replaced a 15 amp circuit breaker. After the vehicle was parked for approximately five hours it caught on fire. The fire department was called. The insurance investigator could not determine the cause of the fire. The consumer believed the fire was related to the cruise control. Updated 12/07/05.”
NHTSA complaint #10141269, filed 2005-10, 98,000 miles“Driving down expressway, stopped to drop newphew off van smelled hot/burning opened hood fire present. Cruise control part on recall for other fords started fire. Put fire out. Ford refuses to pay for part even though exact part on recall, because it is on a van not a truck. It is still the same faulty part as the trucks. Has burned cruise control, brake fluid chamber electrical wires under it and shorted out alternator.”
NHTSA complaint #10147015, filed 2006-01, 111,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford Econoline. While parked, the vehicle began smoking and then caught fire. The fire originated from the cruise control and destroyed all of the switches, buttons, and mirror on the driver side door. The contact has pictures. Updated 5/20/08”
NHTSA complaint #10219178, filed 2008-02, 134,495 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford Econoline. After the vehicle had been parked for 24 hours, it burst into flames. There were no prior warnings. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The insurance investigator stated that the fire was caused by something electrical in the engine compartment. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. Personal items that were in the yard were burned and damaged. The vehicle was repaired last november for NHTSA campaign id number 06v286000 (vehicle speed control). The cruise control never worked properly after the repair was made. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205965, filed 2007-10, 157,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Ford 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…Covers: Ford Econoline 1992–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.Covers: Ford Econoline 1994–1996, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 23% |
| 2002 | 5 | 22% |
| 2001 | 8 | 29% |
| 2000 | 9 | 23% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 7 | 15% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 15% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 13 | 10% |
| 1993 | 11 | 17% |
| 1992 | 18 | 22% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 7% |
| 1989 | 3 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Econoline
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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