Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports21 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

53 reports

300,000 miles · Apr 24, 2017

Fuel/propulsion System

THE GROMMET IN THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. FUEL IS ESCAPING FROM THE TANK AND MAY CAUSE A FIRE. THERE IS A CONSTANT ESCAPE OF FUEL MOVING OR STATIONARY. THEREFORE THIS SYSTEM WILL NOT PASS SMOG BECAUSE WHEN PRESSURIZED, IT WILL NOT HOLD AIR. THIS IS A CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENT. IT IS ALSO MOST DANGEROUS. FORD MOTOR CO. WILL NOT CORR…

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NHTSA ODI #10980287

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2001

Power Train

TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT 3 YEARS AGO AT FORD DEALER, THEN, IN OCT 2000 WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #883658

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2000

Electrical SystemFire

TRIED TO START VAN AND FIRE STARTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #719933

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 1999

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

POSSIBLE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. NLM

NHTSA ODI #549265

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 1999

Power Train

WHEN APPLYING GAS THERE IS NO POWER, AS IF VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL. DEALER SAYS THE VEHICLE HAS THE WRONG TRANSMISSION IN IT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #849990

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 1999

Engine And Engine CoolingFire

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILURE IS RELATED TO PAST RECALLS. NLM

NHTSA ODI #548615

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 1999

Seats

DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE DUE TO A FAULTY BOLT IN THE HINGES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #843877

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 1999

Electrical System

THIS VAN HAS FAILED ME OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND OUT OF THE 1.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP I DROVE IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND NOT EVEN 6000 MILES .IT WAS PUT IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES, AND FINALLY BURNT UNDER THE HOOD AND DOG HOUSING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #707752

Mileage unknown · May 23, 1999

Electrical System

THE FRONT OF STARTER CRACKED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #706788

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 1999

Fuel System, Gasoline

HAD FILLED VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE. NOTICED THAT THE TANK HAD STARTED TO LEAK AFTERWARDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & HAD IT CHECKED. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK IN & AROUND THE SEAM AREA.*AK

NHTSA ODI #833818

Official recalls

90V021000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Feb 8, 1990

INSUFFICIENT INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND GROMMET COULD RESULT IN AN INADEQUATE SEAL WHICH COULD ALLOW FUEL TO SEEP FROM THE JOINT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN GROMMET.

89V226000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Dec 18, 1989

VANS WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT PLASTIC COVER DESIGNED TO COVER OUTBOARD SEAT BACK PIVOT HINGE ALLOWING WEBBING OF FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE SAFETY BELTS TO BECOME ABRADED OR CUT DUE TO CONTACT WITH EXPOSED HINGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DAMAGE TO BELT WEBBING COULD WEAKEN BELTS TO POINT OFFAILURE INCREASING RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT OR A SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy: INSTALL PLASTIC PIVOT COVER; REPLACE BELTS AS NECESSARY.

88V145000 · Seats

Sep 2, 1988

WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.

Remedy: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.

88V091000 · Electrical System:wiring

Jun 6, 1988

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGE HAVE A TRAILER TAILLIGHT RELAY ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS WIRES OF SMALLER GAUGE THAN THE FUSE LINK WHICH PROTECTS THE CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SHOULD A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THE WIRING WITHIN THERELAY OR IF WATER INTRUSION OCCURS THE SMALLER GAUGE WIRE IN THE RELAY WILLFUNCTION AS A FUSE LINK AND OVERHEAT. THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR A FIRE IF THEWIRES ARE EXPOSED TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A RELAY WITH WIRES OF GAUGE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT THE CIRCUIT.

87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 4, 1987

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

86V123000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Sep 2, 1986

FUEL TANKS MAY HAVE BEEN SCORED OR PENETRATED WHEN FLOOR PAN MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE PARTITIONS WERE DRILLED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE WOULD EXIST.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANKS AS NECESSARY.

86V006000 · Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly

Jan 22, 1986

THERE MAY BE INADEQUATE WELDING IN SOME UNDERBODY STRUCTURAL AREAS, INCLUDING THOSE AT THE REAR SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS, WHICH MAY CAUSE IT TO SEPARATE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF REAR SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS SHOULD SEPARATE FROM THE UNDERBODY DURING VEHICLE USE, THE AXLE COULD SHIFT DURING ACCELERATION OR BRAKING AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STEERING CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: REINFORCE SUSPECT WELD LOCATIONS AND MODIFY TO PREVENT WELD FAILURE.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE91127 · Park Pawl Bending

Opened Sep 16, 1991 · Closed Nov 8, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

There is no summary currently available

Power Train:automatic Transmission

There is no summary currently available

EA91015 · Liftgate Failure

Opened Feb 1, 1991 · Closed Sep 20, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE91005 · Liftgate Failure

Opened Oct 18, 1990 · Closed Feb 1, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA90042 · Throttle Sticking

Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA89032 · Safety Belt Fraying

Opened Aug 3, 1989 · Closed Apr 5, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

SUMMARY:COMPLAINTS OF CUTTING AND FRAYING OF SEAT BELT ON SHARP METALEDGE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.EDGE IS UNPROTECTED ON 86'S COVEREDON LATER MODELS.ALL COMPLAINTS ON 86'S AND 87'S (1 COMPLAINT ON 87MODEL).UPGRADE ON 1986 AND 1987 MODELS.===

EA89021 · Windshield Wiper Motor

Opened Mar 23, 1989 · Closed May 4, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

===

PE89092 · Power Steering Locking

Opened Feb 23, 1989 · Closed Jul 20, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT POWER STEERING WAS STIFF ORSTEERING LOCKED.FORD HAS ISSUED TWO SERVICE BULLETINS:ONE ON LEAKINGSEALS AND ONE ON COMPLAINTS OF STIFF STEERING.===

PE89021 · Seat Belt Cutting

Opened Dec 9, 1988 · Closed Aug 3, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

There is no summary currently available

PE89010 · Windshield Wiper Motor

Opened Nov 1, 1988 · Closed Mar 23, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

There is no summary currently available

EA88041 · Filler Pipe Seal

Opened Sep 15, 1988 · Closed May 11, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

===

EA88033 · Under Seat Fires

Opened May 11, 1988 · Closed Jan 23, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

PE88048 · Fuel Leakage

Opened Apr 19, 1988 · Closed Sep 15, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

BRIEFING: I. WHAT IS THE DEFECT? II. SOURCE/ORIGIN OF THE DEFECT?III. DATA ANALYSIS. IV. FORD'S POSITION.V. DESIGN CHANGES? VI. RECOMMENDATIONS.===

EA88028 · Door Falls Off

Opened Mar 23, 1988 · Closed Jul 31, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA88027 · Rear Brake Lockup

Opened Mar 4, 1988 · Closed Sep 15, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE88026 · Crnkshft Pulley Bolt Failr

Opened Feb 9, 1988 · Closed Apr 27, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE87052 · Rear Brake Lockup

Opened Sep 9, 1987 · Closed Mar 4, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ANALYSIS:THE SIX REPORTS ALLEGE THAT WHILE ENGAGING IN NORMAL DRIVING ONDRY PAVEMENT, BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONALSTABILITY AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.FOUR INJURY ACCIDENTS HAVE RESULTED,WITH THREE OCCURRENCES OF VEHICLE ROLL-OVER.THERE HAVE BEEN NO TSB'S ORRECALLS ISSUED WITH RESPECT TO THIS CONDITION.PROPOSED ACTION:OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.===

EA87020 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened May 7, 1987 · Closed Sep 24, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

ANALYSIS:A REVIEW OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S RESPONSES TO ODI INFORMATIONREQUESTS ISSUED UNDER PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS PE 87-012, PE 87-017, ANDPE 87-020, INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE AND/OR MALFUNCTION OF THE SPRING-LOCKFUEL LINE COUPLINGS APPEARED TO BE THE MAJOR SOURCE OR CAUSE OF ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.BASED UPON THIS, AN ENGINEERINGANALYSIS WAS INITIATED WHICH INCORPORATED ALL THREE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCEDPRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS.ADDITIONAL REPORTS WERE RECEIVED WHICH INDICATEDTHAT SPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING SEPARATION HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FORENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN OTHER FORD VEHICLES.THE EA WAS THEN EXPANDEDON AUGUST 18TH TO INCLUDE ALL FORD VEHICLES WHICH USE OR DID USE SPRINGLOCK COUPLINGS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY AND/OR THE FUEL RETURN SYSTEM.STATUS:BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 1987, FORD AGREED TO RECALL 3,600,0001986 THROUGH 1988 PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONICFUEL-INJECTION (EFI) AND CENTRAL FUEL-INJECTION (CFI) ENGINES THAT WEREPRODUCED WITH A SPECIFIC TYPEOF SPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING.IF THESPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING WERE IMPROPERLY ENGAGED OR DAMAGED DURINGASSEMBLY OR SERVICING, THEN FUEL PRESSURE, VIBRATION, OR ENGINE MOVEMENTCOULD RESULT IN FUEL LINE SEPARATION AND THE SUBSEQUENT RISK OF A VEHICLEFIRE.TO PREVENT THIS POTENTIAL SEPARATION, THE RECALLED VEHICLES WILLHAVE RETAINER CLIPS INSTALLED OVER THE SPRING LOCK COUPLINGS.THE RECALLNUMBER IS 87V-139.PROPOSED ACTION:BASED UPON THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE RECALL, EA 87-020SHOULD BE CLOSED AND THE RECALL'S EFFECTIVENESS MONITORED.===