Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Econoline owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Econoline van. The contact stated that there was a burning smell coming from the wheel well in the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop where they replaced the calipers, rotors , and brakes pads. The contact stated that he can still smell something burning. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Econoline. After having the wiring harness installed due to the recall, the vehicle's horn and cruise control failed. The contact stated that prior to the installation there were no failures with these two components. He received another recall notice and took the vehicle in for service. The dealer stated that the repair had previously been performed. The contact also needed the dealer to inspect the ABS because the warning light illuminated intermittently while driving various speeds. The contact had to shut off the vehicle and restart it in order for the light to dim. The repairs would cost approximately $1,200 - $2,000 for parts, not including labor. The failure and current mileages were 20,000. Updated 04/11/08
1995 Ford e150 based conversion van has had the braking systems/ABS hydraulic control unit replaced twice in less than 83000 miles. Both replacements were done at Ford dealers and copies of both invoices can be provided. Since this failure disables the ABS system and produces a hopping in the rear wheels I think this is a hazard that need to be looked into.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Ford Econoline. While driving approximately 35 MPH the "ABS" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 900. The current mileage was 108,000. Updated 1/25/10 updated 01/26/10.
Vehicle was looked at 4 times during the warranty period and since then I have worked on it myself, every 6,to 7000 miles the same thing shows up again, the yellow warning light will come on , if you shut the engine down the light will go out sometimes it will come back on during the remainder of the trip sometimes it will not. It happens after I have been on the road about 200 miles , I talked to numerous other Ford rv owners who have had the similiar problem. Ford should have a recallon these sensors.
ABS control unit failed 1996 and replaced. Failed again dec 2001 and replaced for $761. A multi-ton 15 passenger van should have working ABS brakes. With the repair cost, I suspect many owners are not fixing the defects and it is under-reported. Apparent part number change suggests possibility Ford knows of a problem and has not reported it. Narrowly avoided major collision when ABS were inop.
Anti- ock brakes: when turning right and depressing brakes there is a loud grinding noise and pedal vibration. This incident occurred on 3-26-96, the same thing also occurred on 3-28-97. July 30, 1997, pushed brake down and nothing happened; push harder and suddenly went down and stopped. There is still a loud noise/grinding/rubbing and vibrating. Cause unknown and they can't find problem.
Consumer applied the emergency parking brake and the cable broke due to rust. The dealer and manufacturer have been contacted about problem. The manufacturer told owner that because vehicle is over the mileage under the waranty that the problem is out of their hands.
Received recall notice (398v062000) & notified dealership. Took vehicle on appointed date. After arriving, was informed had no parts available for brakes. Was told will call when parts are available. As of this date, has not heard anything & it has been over 1 1/2 months.
Antilock brake warning light comes on intermittently. No cause found. Tires worn out at 32000 miles in spite of scheduled balance and maintenance being performed. Replacement set is also nearing wear out prematurely.( dot number: )
Related recalls
Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable
The parking brake front cables were built longer than appropriate that reduces the performance of the parking brake in certain circumstances, and fails to fully comply with all the requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Remedy: Dealers will repair the parking brake system on the affected vehicles.
Brake complaints in other Econoline years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Ford Econoline?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Ford Econoline, 38% of the model year's 73 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Econoline brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-058 (linkage and cable, Mar 22, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Econoline brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.