Engine
4.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 109 of 124 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
35 complaint records2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL, BRAKES STARTED MAKING NOISE, LIKE METAL TO METAL GRINDING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
16 complaint records2 fire reports
"ENGINE, THE FAN BELT TENSIONER BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND COULD NOT DRIVE VEHICLE, NO PARTS AVAILABLE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
13 complaint records
"THREE BOLTS HOLDING STEERING GEAR BOX IN PLACE AGAINST FRONT LEFT FRAME OF VEHICLE SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA05005 opened Mar 2005 | closed Aug 2006 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V025000 EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A... |
| PE96024 opened Mar 1996 | closed Jul 1996 | Steering | SEPARATION OF STEERING GEAR FROM FRAME THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE STEERING GEAR TO VEHICLE STRUCTURE MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE STEERING GEAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME AND CAUSE INACCURATE STEERING AND/OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. |
| PE94087 opened Nov 1994 | closed Mar 1995 | Power Train | TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT SYSTEM (SERPENTINE BELT) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO ADDRESS CONCERNS RELATED TO BELT TRACKING OR WEAR.FORD MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT CONDITION... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08V051000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FORD 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 DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS,... | Normally free |
| 06V286000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT. | Normally free |
| 94V128000 | Interior Lighting | THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE. | Normally free |
| 93V194000 | Parking Brake | THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION FORCE FOR A FOOT OPERATED CONTROL SYSTEM SHOULD NOT EXCEED 125 POUNDS TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A 30% GRADE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005028 2005-02-14 | Electrical | 304,417 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOR-X8B9R-11 Apr 2018 | Steering | This 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 joint assembly. | |
| 17467 Jan 2005 | Fuel System | ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM CONCERNS WHEN USING FUEL WITH GREATER THAN 5% BIODIESEL CONCENTRATION. *TT | |
| 032124 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER. *TT | |
| 16480 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0340, POSSIBLE FALSE CODE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 1994-1996 FORD EXCURSION. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16945 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | AN OIL LEAK AT THE TURBOCHARGER PEDESTAL AROUND THE EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE ACTUATOR. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 98167 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION-E40D-NO 2-3 UPSHIFT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. *AK | |
| 98168 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN CONTROLS, SEPARATOR PLATES AND SEPARATOR PLATE GASKETS USAGE CHART. YD | |
| 00610 Mar 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION ON THE 7.3L DIT ENGINES, ROTUNDA TOOL HAS ISSUED AN INJECTOR PERFORMANCE ANALYZER THAT MAY NOW BE PRUCHASED AS AN EFFECTIVE AID IN HELPING TO RESOLVE ROUGH IDLE CONCERNS. *MJS | |
| 00510 Mar 2000 | Suspension | CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONCERNED THAT VEHICLE LOOKS LIKE IT DOGTRACKS, DUE TO A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMBINE TO CREATE AN OPTICAL ILLUSION OF DOGTRACKING, A CONDITION WHICH THE REAR AXLE IS NOT SQUARE TO THE CHASSIS. *MJS | |
| 0038 Feb 2000 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SOLID PARTICLE CONTAMINANTS FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR, MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FLUSHED, FLUID IN-LINE FILTER KIT. *MJS | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 99236 Nov 1999 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING 4R100 TRANSMISSION FLEXPLATE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINE. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99164 Aug 1999 | Electrical System | CONCERNS WITH A HARD TO TURN IGNITION KEY AND / OR A HARD TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION CYLINDER. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99141 Jul 1999 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING A HIGH NUMBER OF BALL JOINTS BEING REPLACED AS THE RESULT OF ROUTINE INSPECTIONS OR OF COMPLAINTS OF TIRE WEAR AND LOOSE FEELINGS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 6417 Jun 1999 | Suspension | ADDRESSING TIRE BALANCE HINTS. *TT | |
| 12835 Jun 1999 | Tires | SUBJECT REGARDING TIRE BALANCE HINT. *TT | |
| 9996 May 1999 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, PRIMARILY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD ON VEHICLES WITH FORD QALITY REMANUFACTURED (FQR) 4R70W TRANSMISSION EXCHANGE UNITS WITH JULIAN BUILD BETWEEN 062-97 AND 040-99. *TT | |
| 9997 May 1999 | Steering | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A "SQUEAKING" OR "MOANING" NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 5892 Mar 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING TECHINICAL HOTLINE ASSISTANCE FOR BI-FUEL VEHICLES WITH GFI ALTERNATE FUEL SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 12070 Nov 1998 | Suspension | VEHICLES THAT ARE LOADED TO THE UPPER END OF FVW, WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE LOAD BETWEEN THE AXLES, MAY EXHIBIT INNER EDGE TIRE WEAR DUE TO INCORRECT ALIGNMENT. *MJS | |
| 12123 Nov 1998 | Suspension | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STEERING PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, DUE TO INCORRECT FRONT END ALIGNMENT SETTINGS. *MJS | |
| 985102 Nov 1998 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES THAT ARE LOADED TO THE UPPER END OF GVW, WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE LOAD BETWEEN THE AXLES, MAY EXHIBIT INNER EDGE TIRE WEAR DUE TO INCORRECT ALIGNMENT. *TT | |
| 985153 Nov 1998 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STEERING PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. *TT | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC | |
| 985A11 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A51 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | ON SOME VEHICLES REPEAT REPAIRS MAY BE MADE TO 4-WHEEL ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (4WABS) DUE TO MISDIAGNOSIS OF 4WABS CONCERNS WHICH MAY RESULT IN REPLACEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS. *TT | |
| 9859 Mar 1998 | Electrical System | A HARD TO TURN IGNITION KEY, AND/OR A HARD TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION CYLINDER MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 9845 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC | |
| 98419 Mar 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) 62,628, AND/OR 1728. *YC | |
| 9814 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT | |
| 98123 Jan 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) 62, 628, AND / OR 1728 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *TT | |
| 010198 Jan 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP "CAVITATION" EROSION IN THE CYLINDER WALL OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 970503527 May 1997 | Air Bags | CONCERNS WITH SERVICE MANUAL NOT HAVING AIR BAG SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS. | |
| 9777 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HARD START- EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE- VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINE. *JD | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9747 Feb 1997 | Structure | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD | |
| 9748 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS- FEAD BELT COMES OFF- VEHICLES WITH 4.9L ENGINE. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 962511 Dec 1996 | Electrical System | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) - SERVICE PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW |
Showing 60 of 100 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Econoline →