Engine
4.2L 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 65 of 79 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
22 complaint records4 crash reports
"CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES AT 40 MPH THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A VEHICLE ROLLOVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS..."- 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 →
Tires
13 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR DUAL FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRE EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL SEPARATION, P225/75R15, DOT VD111XE207. *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 tires parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
11 complaint records1 fire report
"1997 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. THE SPARK-PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ALUMINUM TRITON ENGINE DESTROYING THE EXISTING THREADS. FIRE HAZARD. EXPOSED FUEL TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR..."- 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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
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 |
| 96V193000 | Electrical System | THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM CONTACTING AND BEING DAMAGED BY THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999162 1999-09-15 | Emissions | 169 | Certain CNG vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. The natural gas fuel fill valve may leak due to flaking of the nickel plating inside the valve. |
| 1998236 1998-11-27 | Emissions | 3,225 | Note: vehicles equipped with 5.4 Litre and 6.8 Litre engines. Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. |
| 1998042 1998-03-19 | Seats And Restraints | 4 | NOTE: VAN CONVERSIONS (TRAVEL VANS). THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 202 - HEAD RESTRAINTS. VEHICLES ARE MISSING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE TWO FRONT SEATS. CORRECTION: HEAD RESTRAINTS WILL BE INSTALLED. |
| 1996191 1996-11-22 | Electrical | 277 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2 LITRE ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS MAY BECOME DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT. |
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 | |
| 04E10 May 2004 | Fuel System | EMISSION RECALL 04E10: COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES - FITTING CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT. *MJ | |
| 17385 Nov 2003 | Air Bags | AIR BAG LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT | |
| 03213 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NO-START OR REDUCED POWER CONDITION MAY OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 032131 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE AND ENGINE MISS DUE TO INJECTOR BORE SCUFFING AT GREEN ENGINE BREAK-IN. *TT | |
| 032132 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS MAY EXHIBIT A CRANK BUT NO START OR A HARD START/LONG CRANK CONDITION. *TT | |
| 032137 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FOR 7.3L DIT ENGINES, ROTUNDA TOOL HAS ISSUED AN INJECTOR PERFORMANCE ANALYZER THAT MAY NOW BE PURCHASED AS AN EFFECTIVE AID IN HELPING TO RESOLVE ROUGH IDLE CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 16480 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0340, POSSIBLE FALSE CODE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 1994-1996 FORD EXCURSION. *TT | |
| 16999 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP LEAK. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16945 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | AN OIL LEAK AT THE TURBOCHARGER PEDESTAL AROUND THE EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE ACTUATOR. *TT | |
| 16916 Jun 2003 | Electrical System | REPEATED BLOWN FUSES FOR REAR IN VEHICLE CIRCUITS WITH INOPERATIVE REAR BRAKE OR TAIL LAMPS. *TT | |
| 16683 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FALSE FAILURE OF THE VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE (VMV). *TT *JB | |
| 16697 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST AIR RUSH NOISE AND LOWER POWER. *TT *JB | |
| 15871 May 2002 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INTERFERENCE AND / OR STATIC IN THE LAND-MOBILE RADIO. *TT | |
| 15271 Sep 2001 | Fuel System | DEDICATED CNG REGULATOR BOWL KIT AVAILABLE. *JG | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01119 Jun 2001 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES WITH HIGH ODOMETER READING OR SEVERE SERVICE MAY EXHIBIT A CREAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL OR DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES ON VEHICLES PRODUCE BEFORE 2/6/2001. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 00261 Dec 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L, 5.4L, OR 6.8L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE / MISS AFTER START-UP IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 00239 Nov 2000 | Electrical System | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH POSSIBLE ELECTRONC DAMAGE OCCURING TO THE COMPUVALVE FROM VOLTAGE SPIKES BETWEEN THE COMPUVALVE CONNECTIONS WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE MAIN COMPUVALVE HARNESS C4025. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 00L05 Nov 2000 | Equipment | THIS SERVICE ACTION REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF TWO EMISSION CONTROL LABELS. *TT | |
| 14365 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS A NOISE AT INTIAL ENGINE STARTUP WHEN COLD FROM THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT. *JB | |
| 00154 Jul 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON REAR AXLE WHINE-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DANA 80 AXLES-5.4L/6.8L AND 7.3L. *JB | |
| 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 | |
| 00611 Mar 2000 | Power Train | SOME BI-FUEL VEHICLES MAY REQUIRE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPLACEMENT DURING SERVICE AND MAY NOT RUN ON CNG OR LPG., RECALIBRATION OF THE PCM/REPLACEMENT. *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 | |
| 8260 Mar 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A-PILLAR SHEET METAL CRACKS AROUND FRONT DOOR HINGES; FRONT DOOR SKIN SEPARATES AND DOOR INNER SHEET METAL CRACKED AROUND FRONT HINGES; OR FRONT DOORS OPEN TOO FAR AND EXTEND INTO THE FRONT FENDERS. *TT | |
| 13934 Mar 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A-PILLAR SHEET METAL CRACKS AROUND FRONT DOOR HINGES; FRONT DOOR SKIN SEPARATES AND DOOR INNER SHEET METAL CRACKED AROUND FRONT HINGES; OR FRONT DOORS OPEN TOO FAR AND EXTEND INTO THE FRONT FENDERS. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 992311 Nov 1999 | Unknown Or Other | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT OR LOW RANGE OF THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 99242 Nov 1999 | Structure | INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT | |
| 7475 Nov 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 73L DIT ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE. *TT | |
| 13488 Nov 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIT ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13367 Oct 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES WITH REAR BRAKE DRUMS MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *TT | |
| 99E03 Oct 1999 | Fuel System | EMISSION RECALL FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL FILLER-VALVE WHICH COULD LEAK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED WHICH CAN EXCEED EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS STANDARDS. *TT | |
| 7263 Oct 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES WITH REAR BRAKE DRUMS MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *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 | |
| 99185 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 3/15/1997 AND 12/31/1998 AND WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0782 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT | |
| 991811 Sep 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STEPWELL COVER NOT FLUSH. *TT | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 99164 Aug 1999 | Electrical System | CONCERNS WITH A HARD TO TURN IGNITION KEY AND / OR A HARD TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION CYLINDER. *TT | |
| 996890 Aug 1999 | Air Bags | SOME VEHICLES WITH AN ILLUMINATED AIR BAG LAMP MAY HAVE MODIFIED SEAT CONFIGURATIONS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY MODIFIERS OR THE CUSTOMER. *TT | |
| 13117 Aug 1999 | Air Bags | SOME VEHICLES WITH AN ILLUMINATED AIR BAG LAMP MAY HAVE MODIFIED SEAT CONFIGURATIONS. *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 | |
| 991411 Jul 1999 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CRACK ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE #1 CROSSMEMBER RESULTING IN A CREAKING NOISE WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL OR DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. *TT | |
| 6505 Jul 1999 | Fuel System | BRIEF INFORMATION ON REMOVING THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE ON NATURAL GAS VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 6538 Jul 1999 | Steering | SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 1, 1999 MAY HAVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A CLUNK FELT / HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 6585 Jul 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIT DIESEL ENGINES MAY DEVELOP A CRACKED FLEXPLATE. *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 |
Showing 60 of 210 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.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 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 →