1997 Ford Econoline Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Econoline, 11% of the 79 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Front engine timing cover is leaking coolant. Heater was not working, causing consumer to have it inspected. Coolant is leaking into engine, and slowly damaging engine. Dealer was contacted. Consumer states that the vehicle now needs a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #8004956, filed 2002-03“Company owns 23 vans. 14 of them are Ford econolines. Almost all of them have the same problem with the defroster which costs abour $600.00 to fix. Also, the rear hubcaps on this van keeps falling off because the clips to keep them in place are plastic.”
NHTSA complaint #9001942, filed 2001-08“Consumer was driving approximately 4-5 MPH, made a u-turn and pressed hand brake and van accelerated to high speed, consumer rearended vehicle in front. Also, had to replace master cylinder/ heater core/premature worn out tires, and starter.”
NHTSA complaint #836841, filed 1999-04Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 9% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Econoline
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Econoline
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology