1999 Ford Econoline problems & reliability
84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford Econoline, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
6 complaints report injuries (6 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | 18% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 17% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 13% |
| Tires | 9 | 11% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 7% |
| Suspension | 6 | 7% |
| Steering | 5 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 4% |
| Power Train | 3 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econo rv s-duty equipped with a samsung microwave, model mr5493g. The contact stated that the failure was identical to oven circuit recall number: 03e044400. A neighbor advised the contact that the rv was on fire. The contact observed that the microwave caused the fire and she…”
Electrical System · filed Feb 27, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford econoline. The contact stated that there was a strong odor coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was propane leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the main propane tank needed to be lifted off the spring. The vehicle was…”
Fuel System, Other · filed Oct 27, 2014
“Tl* the contact own a 1999 ford econoline 350 equipped with kelly tires, tire line: safari lt, tire size lt23585r16. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, a loud banging noise and the sound of metal being dragged on the ground was heard from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the…”
Tires · filed Sep 5, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Defect Petition DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
Technical service bulletins
146 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford Econoline. The 10 most recent:
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. Excessive friction in the…
DOR-X8B9R-11 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 6, 2018
Engine or fuel system concerns when using fuel with greater than 5% biodiesel concentration. *tt
17467 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2005
Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling cold, excessive white smoke cold, or hard start. *mj this oasis updates previous oasis dated 12/01/03. *tt
17406 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2004
Emission recall 04e10: compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles - fitting connector replacement. *mj
04E10 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2004
Air bag lamp illuminated. *tt
17385 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2003
Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0340, possible false code. Various models including 1994-1996 ford excursion. *tt
16480 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2003
Vehicles equipped with a 7.3l engine (after serial number 0661894) - under valve cover (uvc) harness retainer clip released for service. Includes 2003 econoline, super duty, f650/750 and excursion. *tt
16258 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2003
Improvements to malfunction indicator lamp (mil) diagnostics. *tt
13621 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2003
Vehicles equipped with 7.3l dit engine built after engine serial number 896812 may have a injection control pressure (icp) oil aeration reading that is higher than the specification. *tt
032138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2003
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
032137 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2003
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1999 Ford Econoline has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Ford Econoline?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.