1996 Ford Cargo problems

Common 1996 Ford Cargo problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1996 Ford E-150 Econoline Cargo van, several common problems have been identified:

1. Transmission Issues (E4OD):
   Owners have reported significant problems with the transmission, specifically the E4OD. Despite warranty repairs, some owners experienced ongoing issues with the transmission. This led to frustration as repairs were not effectively addressed by Ford dealers, prompting some to seek alternative repair solutions outside of Ford dealerships.
2. Engine Over-Revving:
   Another common problem reported by owners is engine over-revving. Despite Ford's claim of having an over-rev limiter on the engine, some owners experienced serious over-revving issues leading to oil oxidation. This abnormal behavior of the engine caused concerns among owners about the engine's performance and reliability.
3. Coolant System Maintenance:
   Maintaining the coolant system is crucial for preventing cavitation issues. Owners are advised to inquire about the type of coolant used (FW16 or DCA4) and the frequency of coolant level checks to ensure the proper SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) level is maintained. Checking the SCA level regularly and using test strips from reputable sources like NAPA, International, or Ford is recommended.
4. Front End Wear:
   Owners are advised to inspect the front end of the vehicle for wear, particularly focusing on ball joints and steering linkage (tie rod ends). If these components show signs of wear, replacement can be costly, with all four tie rods totaling around $400 for parts alone, not including labor costs.
5. Oil Analysis and Maintenance:
   Regular oil changes (at least every 5,000 miles) using diesel-rated oil are essential for the proper functioning of the engine. Owners are encouraged to conduct oil analysis to detect any potential engine problems early on. Understanding the oil change history and the type of oil used can provide insights into the engine's health and performance.

These common problems reported by owners of the 1996 Ford E-150 Econoline Cargo van highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and proactive measures to address potential issues promptly.

Is a Ford Econoline a cargo van?

The Ford Econoline Van offers generous cargo volume, allowing you to transport goods and equipment efficiently. The cargo volume can vary depending on the model year and trim level.

What is the difference between Econoline 150 and 250?

The Basic Difference:

The higher the number, the more weight the van can haul and the heavier duty it is. For example, in this case, the E-250 is more of a heavy-duty option than the E-150. This means that vans are all built with different parts, so they can accommodate different weights.

What is the life expectancy of a cargo van?

Further to this, most cargo vans have reliably covered 150,000 miles with little to no issues. However, it is not uncommon for these vehicles to reach 250,000 miles. Therefore, based on this information, a 150,000-mile van should be the maximum mileage target if you want to get some good use out of it.

What is the lifespan of a Ford Econoline?

250,000 miles

The average life expectancy of a Ford Transit van can vary depending on factors like maintenance, driving conditions, and usage. However, with the proper care and regular maintenance, a Transit van for sale can typically last for 250,000 miles or more.

How long do Ford cargo vans last?

Typically, a Ford Transit will last 160,000-300,000 miles, depending on the care and maintenance put into it. The van puts up quite the fight on the road, offering room for passengers or expansive cargo. It's a solid choice in longevity if you need tons of room in your vehicle.

What is the difference between Econoline 150 and 250?

The Basic Difference:

The higher the number, the more weight the van can haul and the heavier duty it is. For example, in this case, the E-250 is more of a heavy-duty option than the E-150. This means that vans are all built with different parts, so they can accommodate different weights.

Is the Ford Cargo van reliable?

The Ford Transit-150 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 21 for commercial vans.

Are cargo vans reliable?

On average across all commercial vans, 16% of repairs are considered severe. This compares to a probability of 12% for major issues across all makes and models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

1996 Ford Cargo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Cargo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Tires problems
• Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Cargo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.