1991 Ford Econoline recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE REAR SHOCK CROSSMEMBER OF THE FRAME CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.
What could happen: SEPARATION OF THE REAR SHOCK CROSSMEMBER FROM THE FRAMECAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE THE REAR CHOCK CROSSMEMBER WITH A SHOCK CROSSMEMBER MADE OF HIGH STRENGTH STEEL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V073000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Summary: THE REAR SHOCK CROSSMEMBER OF THE FRAME CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE REAR SHOCK CROSSMEMBER FROM THE FRAMECAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR CHOCK CROSSMEMBER WITH A SHOCK CROSSMEMBER MADE OF HIGH STRENGTH STEEL.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS; MODEL E250 ECONOLINE.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
What could happen: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V146000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES
Summary: THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
Consequence: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK, AUXILLIARY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND LIGHT TRUCKS WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS PRODUCED IN THEFOLLOWING PERIODS: F150, F250, AND F350 LIGHT TRUCKS BUILT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28,1989 AND JULY, 1989; ECONOLINE BUILT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28, 1989 ANDFEBRUARY 11, 1991.NOTE: FORD HAS AGREED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES BUT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 1991. YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORDADVISING YOU WHEN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALLWORK PERFORMED. IN THE MEAN TIME, YOU CAN TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:FILL EACH TANK TO ONLY 1/3 FULL.IF YOUR VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL OR IF YOU SMELL FUEL, STOP USING THE VEHICLE ANDCALL FORD AT (313) 446-4654 AND ADVISE THEM OF YOUR PROBLEM. REFER TO FORDSAFETY RECALL NUMBER 91S39. AN OPERATOR WILL TAKE YOUR NAME AND TELEPHONENUMBER. A FORD REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL YOU BACK.
3. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FOR THE REAR BENCH SEAT FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS OF FMVSS 210.
What could happen: FAILURE TO MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210 PLACETHE SEAT OCCUPANTS IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOPOR ACCIDENT.
The fix: THE MANUFACTURE WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE WITH A NEW ANCHORAGE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V172000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FOR THE REAR BENCH SEAT FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS OF FMVSS 210.
Consequence: FAILURE TO MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210 PLACETHE SEAT OCCUPANTS IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOPOR ACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE MANUFACTURE WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE WITH A NEW ANCHORAGE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR BENCH SEAT: SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, FMVSS 210.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FULL SIZED VAN (ECONOLINE) CONVERSIONS.NOTE: THIS RECALL IS BEING CONDUCTED BY GLAVAL CORPORATION;29340 LEXINGTON PARK DRIVE; ELKHART, INDIANA 46515.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Ford Econoline owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (8), Gasoline (8), Wheels / tires (6), Brakes (6), Hydraulic (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/31/2009 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL COMING FROM THE GAS TANK ALONG WITH A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 91V146000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEE…
08/17/2007 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE HAS A DUAL TANK. WHILE DRIVING ON THE BACK TANK, SHE SMELLED GAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE LEARNED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE GAS CAP ON THE FRONT TANK AND WAS MIXING WITH THE FUEL FROM THE REAR TANK. SHE SWITCHED TO THE FRONT FUEL TANK AND CONTINUED DRIVING. TH…
10/19/2004 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHANGE THE TIRE. COOPER SIZE#23575R15 PLEASE PROVIDE THE DOT NUMBER. *JB
01/27/2003 · Steering · crash
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING : TIRES (DIRECTIONAL/4 WAY), COURTESY LIGHTS, CRUISE CONTROL, STEERING (NOISE), BRAKES/REAR ANTI-LOCK, SEAT BELTS, SEATS (LOOSE), GAS LEAK, REAR DOOR(S) LEAK/DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGE, DASH CRACKED, LOOSE RUNNING BOARD, FRONT FENDER (PASSENGER SIDE), ARM ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS BROKEN, WIPERS, AND THE IG…
08/13/2002 · Wheels / tires
AS I WAS DRIVING EAST ON STATE ROUTE 410 EAST THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW THE TREAD OFF ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. THIS TIRE WAS MY SPARE AND HAD BEEN ROTATED ON TO MY VAN ABOUT 18 MOTHS AGO. IT WAS ALMOST BRAND NEW THEN IT STILL HAD THE LITTLE RUBBER NUBS ON IT FROM BEING NEW. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THIS TIRE HAD LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE…
12/31/2001 · Fuel system
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FUEL TANK LEAKING,THE ODOR GETS INTO VEHICLE. *AKCONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE AUXILLARY FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING FUEL TO BE PUMPED FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER, OVERFLOWING OTHER TANK AND FUEL SPEWING FROM FILLER CAP INTO CAB AND ON TO GROUND, RECALL #91V146000. *YD
12/07/2001 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE IS DEFECTIVE. GAS WILL GUSH OUT OF ONE TANK INTO THE OTHER TANK, OVERFLOWING, AND CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. *AK *YH
11/29/1999 · Wheels / tires
THE RIGHT FRONT HUB LOCKED UP CAUSING THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS