1979 Ford Econoline problems

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The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

1979 Ford Econoline

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Common 1979 Ford Econoline problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Ford Econoline 1979 based on complaints from owners:

  • Equipment Malfunctions:
    • Owners have reported 28 recalls related to equipment problems in the Ford Econoline 1979. These issues may involve faulty components like air conditioning systems, entertainment systems, or other accessories, impacting the overall functionality and comfort of the vehicle.
  • Lighting Problems:
    • Lighting issues have been a common complaint, with 26 recalls reported for the Ford Econoline 1979. These problems could include malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or interior lighting, affecting visibility and safety while driving.
  • Transmission Troubles:
    • The Ford Econoline 1979 has faced 18 recalls related to transmission issues. Transmission problems can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure, impacting the vehicle's drivability and performance.
  • Engine Concerns:
    • Owners have reported 10 recalls regarding engine problems in the Ford Econoline 1979. Engine issues can range from poor performance, unusual noises, to engine stalling, affecting the overall reliability and power of the vehicle.
  • Braking System Defects:
    • The Ford Econoline 1979 has had 8 recalls associated with brake system problems. Brake issues can include brake fluid leaks, brake pad wear, or brake system malfunctions, posing a significant safety risk for the driver and passengers.
  • Wheel, Steering, Seats, and Other Issues:
    • Additionally, there have been recalls related to wheels, steering, seats, suspension, doors, electrical components, and frame problems in the Ford Econoline 1979. These issues can impact various aspects of the vehicle's performance, safety, and comfort, requiring prompt attention and maintenance.

These common problems reported by owners of the Ford Econoline 1979 highlight a range of issues affecting different systems of the vehicle. Addressing these concerns promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of the vehicle.

1979 Ford Econoline engine

What is the gas mileage on a 1979 Ford Econoline?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 13 fuel-ups and 3,426 miles of driving, the 1979 Ford E-250 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 15.13 with a 0.43 MPG margin of error.

Why was Ford Econoline discontinued?

In June 2014, production of E-Series passenger and cargo vans was discontinued as sales of the Ford Transit began in North America; at the time of its retirement, the model line had been the best-selling full-size van line in the United States since 1980.

How many miles can a Ford e350 van last?

If the vehicle has been maintained properly, there's no reason* why it won't last another 100,000 miles or more. 113,000 miles isn't unreasonable for a nine-year-old car. If your mechanic says it's in good shape, it's probably got plenty of mileage left in it.

What was the last year of Econoline?

The E-series vans were the top-selling models in the United States between 1980 and 2015 with the model line's discontinuation. This represents nearly 80 percent of the share of the market segment during that time. The Ford Transit replaced the Econoline cargo and passenger vans for 2015's models.

What is the gas mileage on a 1979 Ford Econoline?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 13 fuel-ups and 3,426 miles of driving, the 1979 Ford E-250 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 15.13 with a 0.43 MPG margin of error.

What year did Ford stop making the Econoline?

The Ford E-Series, also known as the Ford Econoline or the Ford Club Wagon , was a series line of passenger or cargo vans which began in 1961 and ended in 2015.

Is a Ford Econoline a van?

If you're in the market for a versatile and spacious van, the Ford Econoline Van is a fantastic choice.

What is the first year of the Econoline van?

1961

First generation (1961–1967) Ford released the first-generation Ford Econoline on September 21, 1960, for the 1961 model year. Beginning development in 1957, the model line served as a replacement for the Ford F-Series panel delivery (and the smaller Ford Courier sedan delivery).

1979 Ford Econoline car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Ford Econoline vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Ford Econoline complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Ford Econoline.

2005-07-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE ENGINE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, A FIRE BEGAN TO COME THROUGH THE DASH. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE IT BLEW UP. EVERYTHING IN VEHICLE BURNED AND MELTED. CONSUMER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. *JB *NM

1979 Ford Econoline recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1979 Ford Econoline.

2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
1979-08-07
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1979-06-19
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
  • Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.
1979-06-19
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAY ALLOW FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND THE FRONT TIRES WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE IN FULL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN POSITIONS. IF CONTACT IS MADE, THE HOSE COULD WEAR AND ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE THOSE LACKING THE PROPER CLEARANCE WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION HOSES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1979-05-15
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
1978-12-21
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
  • Summary: THE STEERING GEARS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SECTOR SHAFTS FROM WHICH THE THREADED PORTIONS OF THE SHAFTS MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE. SHOULD THE SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURE, THE PITMAN ARM MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SPLINED PORTION OF THE SECTOR SHAFT.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY OR INSTALL A NEW SECTOR SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
1978-11-27
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.
1978-09-15
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • Summary: THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Ford Econoline problems:

1979 Econoline Breakdown Problems..Heat A Possible Factor ...
1979 Econoline Breakdown Problems..Heat A Possible Factor ...
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Q&A: 1997 Ford E350 V10 Econoline Van - Gear Shifter Issues
Q&A: 1997 Ford E350 V10 Econoline Van - Gear Shifter Issues
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May 25, 2010 ... Hello Jason, this is a common problem on that truck. If you look under the dash on the steering column, you will see the shift cable that is ...

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Old Style Ford Van - Known Problems
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Those of you that have them are there model years that are especially bad with known engine/transmission problems? Are there known issues that ...

Other years of Ford Econoline

ford econoline 1980 photo
Econoline 1980
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ford econoline 1982 photo
Econoline 1982
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ford econoline 1983 photo
Econoline 1983
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ford econoline 1984 photo
Econoline 1984
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ford econoline 1985 photo
Econoline 1985
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ford econoline 1986 photo
Econoline 1986
Ford

8

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1979 Ford Econoline photo