Investigation PE02070: 1996–1997 Ford E-350

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Oct 1, 2002

Closed

Jan 9, 2003

Model years

1996–1997

Subject

Alleged brake hose failures

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic

Summary

Ford has received no owner reports of failure, other than the four odi reports that came from a single fleet in new york state.ford also reports that it has received no field reports and did not identify any warranty claims alleging the subject problem.ford estimates that the 86,910 subject vehicles (that have over 6 years exposure), have accumulated over six billion miles of service and that the virtual lack of reports indicates that there is no defect trend.based on ford's data, a safety related defect trend does not appear to exist at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action on the subject vehicles if warranted by the circumstances.odi will continue to monitor field reports for this problem and take appropriate action in the future if indicated.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1997 Ford E-35079 complaints
• 1996 Ford E-35050 complaints