1990 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.

1990 Ford Econoline

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Common 1990 Ford Econoline problems

The Ford Econoline, produced in 1990, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues primarily involve the engine, transmission, and cooling system.

Engine issues:

  • Coolant Leaks: The 1990 Ford Econoline's engine may experience coolant leaks around the timing/water pump cover and the bolts that hold them. These leaks can be caused by old gaskets, resulting in corrosion. The 1990 model also features the TFI ignition module mounted on the side of the distributor, which is known to be troublesome. The link connecting the ignition key cylinder to the actual ignition switch is also prone to failure in this model year.

Transmission issues:

  • Transmission Fluid Leaks: The front of the transmission bell housing in the Ford Econoline's transmission is known to leak transmission fluid. This issue is common in the 1990 model and can lead to further transmission problems if not addressed.
  • E40D Transmission Problems: The E40D transmission, used in the 1990 Ford Econoline, is known for its diverse and extensive failure points. These can include issues with the torque converter, valve body, overdrive clutch pack, high-pressure oil pump, factory oil pan, input shaft, overdrive planetary assembly, solenoid block, and intermediate sprag assembly. These problems are often exacerbated by added power, larger tires, heavier duty applications, or higher mileage.

Cooling system issues:

  • Cooling System Leaks: The cooling system around the timing/water pump cover and the bolts that hold them can experience leaks due to old gaskets, resulting in corrosion. This can lead to further cooling system problems if not addressed.

These common problems with the 1990 Ford Econoline can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and reliability. Regular maintenance and addressing these issues promptly can help extend the vehicle's lifespan and ensure safe operation.

1990 Ford Econoline engine

How many miles per gallon does a 1990 Econoline 350 get?

Based on data from 5 vehicles, 213 fuel-ups and 29,114 miles of driving, the 1990 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.93 with a 0.38 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 long is a 1990 Ford Econoline van?

Used 1990 Ford E-150 Econoline - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Length226.8 in.
Overall width without mirrors79.9 in.
Height80.1 in.
Wheelbase138.0 in.

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.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

What is the gas mileage on a 1990 Ford Econoline 350?

Based on data from 5 vehicles, 213 fuel-ups and 29,114 miles of driving, the 1990 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.93 with a 0.38 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 long is a 1990 Ford Econoline van?

Used 1990 Ford E-150 Econoline - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Length226.8 in.
Overall width without mirrors79.9 in.
Height80.1 in.
Wheelbase138.0 in.

1990 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:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ford Econoline vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1990 Ford Econoline

The NHTSA has received 35 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ford Econoline. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Ford Econoline vehicles.

2003-12-03

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-04
  • Number Of Injuries: 4
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FTES14N0LH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE GUARD RAIL. *AK *SCC *JB
2003-09-11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED A GAS SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING. SAW GAS POURING OUT OF GAS TANK. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN REPLACED FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT. *AK
2003-05-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-04-29
  • VIN: PLEASE PROV
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FAN BELTS SNAP CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE BRAKE POWER. DEALER NOTIFIED
2002-04-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-02
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GAS TANK DOES NOT WORK. CONSUMER CAN BE RIDING DOWN THE STREET AND AUTOMOBILE WILL CUT OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHEN RIDING ON REAR TANK ONLY.*AK
2000-01-11

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FDEE14AOLH
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK, APPLIED BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. TO GAIN CONTROL, VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1999-11-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-05
  • VIN: 1FTEE14Y7LH
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH BY HITTING THE GUARDRAIL. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) YH
1999-11-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-05
  • VIN: 1FTEE14Y7LH
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH BY HITTING THE GUARDRAIL. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) YH
1999-11-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-05
  • VIN: 1FTEE14Y7LH
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH BY HITTING THE GUARDRAIL. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) YH
1999-09-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
  • VIN: 1FDEE14H2LH
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS BLOWING OUT FUEL. HAS DUAL FUEL TANKS. FUEL OVERFLOWED PAST FILLER CAP. FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. CALLED DEALER. VEHICLE NOT UNDER RECALL (991V14600) DUE TO VIN. *YC
1999-07-21

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
  • VIN: 1FDKE30G5LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PEDAL IS GOING STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR.ONLY ABLE TO BEAR DOWN AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
1999-06-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-05
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FDGS24H6LH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FIRST, HEADLIGHTS CEASED TO FUNCTION, THEN ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD FRIED B/O CURRENT WIRE RIGHT DOWN TO THE PIN PLASTIC ASSEMBLY ON FIRE WALL THAT LEADS TO WIRING UNDER DASH OF VEHICLE. SPARKING NOTICED AT WIRING HARNESS PIN CONNECTOR AT FIREWALL WITH CLICKING SOUND IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS WIRE B/O HOT WIRE HAS FRIED ITSELF. FIRST TIME AT ABOUT 40000 MILES IT FRIED THE FUSE LINK IN THE BLACK/ORANGE HOT WIRE LEADING DOWN TO THE FIREWALL PIN CONNECTOR. SECOND TIME, AFTER FUSE LINK WAS REPLACED, ENTIRE WIRE CAUGHT FIRE AND FRIED DOWN TO THE ROUND PLASTIC PIN CONNECTOR LEADING INTO THE CAB FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *AK
1998-12-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ANTI-IOCK BRAKES FAILED. YH
1998-10-26

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
  • VIN: 1FTHS34M4LH
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SPEED CONTROL IS ON AND APPLIED THE BRAKES, IT MOMENTARILY DISENGAGES THE SPEED CONTROL. AS SOON AND BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED, VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTS TO ACCELLERATE. OUT OF WARRANTY, DEALER NOT CONTACTED AND UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
1998-02-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
  • VIN: 1FDKE30GILH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES OVERHEATED AND LOST POWER ON OCCASION. RECALL ON OTHER MODELS HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR RECALL.
1997-11-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-26
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FDGS24H1LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE CALIPERS FROZE CAUSING PADS TO OVERHEAT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.
1997-10-24

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-08
  • VIN: 1FDEE14H2LH
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: OWNER CLAIMS THAT FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE GAS TANKS. *AK
1997-10-16

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-15
  • VIN: 1FTFE24N9LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES: WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EVERYTHING IS FINE. ATTEMPTED TO USE THE BRAKES AND HAD TO PUSH PEDAL COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR LIKE THERE WERE NO BRAKES AT ALL. HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP. *AK
1997-07-15

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-26
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: LEFT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF VEHICLE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
1997-04-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FDKE30G2LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES, WHILE DRIVING BRAKES GO OUT. ALSO, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
1997-03-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-20
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FTJE34H5LH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES ALL OF A SUDDEN AN FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED UP. *AK
1997-03-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FDKE3OG1LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR AT THE SPEED OF 35 TO 40 MPH THE FLUID STARTS TO BOIL WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1997-02-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-12
  • VIN: 1FDK3003LHA
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING BRAKES FROZE UP IN A LOCKED POSITION, THE VEHICLE PULLED ITSELF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STARTED SMOKING. THIS WAS A SECOND REQUEST. *AK
1997-01-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
  • VIN: 1FDK30003LH
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CALIPER SLIDE RAILS RUSTED.
1996-12-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
  • VIN: 1FDK3003LHA
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CALIPER SLIDE RAILS RUSTED/FROZE IN A LOCKED POSITION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT.
1996-12-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
  • VIN: 1FDK3003LHA
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: FRONT RIGHT BRAKE WAS SMOKING.

1990 Ford Econoline recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 Ford Econoline.

1993-04-27
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: 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.
1992-05-04
  • Manufacturer: GLAVAL BUS DIVISION
  • Components: 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.
1991-09-04
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: 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.
1990-06-01
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
  • Consequence: WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED IN PARK, THE PARK GEAR WOULD NOTENGAGE, ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL FREELY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLYSET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Ford Econoline problems:

Q&A: Ford Econoline Common Problems & 1990 Model | Engine ...
Q&A: Ford Econoline Common Problems & 1990 Model | Engine ...
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May 31, 2012 ... The most common cause for the type of problem your describing on your 1990 RV is in most cases a failing fuel pump. When the pump begins to fail ...

1990 Ford E-150 Econoline Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
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Q&A: Ford E350 7.5 460 Engine - Common Problems & Motor Details
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Dec 16, 2013 ... 1990 ford e 350: I have a Ford E350 with a 460 7.5l engine.. I have a Ford E350 with a 460 7.5l engine. I am having problems with ...

1990 Ford E-350 Econoline Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
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Problem with your 1990 Ford E-350 Econoline? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1990 Ford E-350 Econoline.

1990 Ford Econoline electrical issues - Vannin' Community and ...
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Aug 23, 2019 ... Look for a secondary fuse block and I bet you will find it has lost power to the whole thing. Probably a main fuse to that block, or maybe a ...

Other years of Ford Econoline

ford econoline 1991 photo
Econoline 1991
Ford

26

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford econoline 1992 photo
Econoline 1992
Ford

270

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford econoline 1993 photo
Econoline 1993
Ford

215

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford econoline 1994 photo
Econoline 1994
Ford

384

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford econoline 1995 photo
Econoline 1995
Ford

280

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford econoline 1996 photo
Econoline 1996
Ford

244

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1990 Ford Econoline photo