Most common 1997 Ford Econoline problems
Share of the 79 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Econoline complaints by model year
Best Econoline years: 2005, 2006, 2007. Years to avoid: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
1997 Ford Econoline recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 Mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 Lincoln town car vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
The battery cable harness does not have adequate protection from contacting and being damaged by the right engine mount.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for chafing of the cable and will add insulation and a tie strap to the battery cable harness.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Ford Econoline:
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On September 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…
What 1997 Ford Econoline owners say
Brakes all 20 →
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the brakes several times before they would engage. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer, when called, stated that the master cylinder May have needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400. Updated 01/04/11 the consumer stated the master cylinder was replaced. However, that did not resolve the problem. The consumer was then informed the anti-lock brake block was bad. Updated 01/11/11.
Was driving vehicle when another vehicle stopped short suddenly. Applied brakes (ABS) & brakes failed. Rearended other vehicles. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic changed master cylinder, but it did not solve problem. Brake pedal goes to the floor when ABS are pumping.
Wheels & tires
A Firestone tire on the front of our company van delaminated. It was about 1 year old and is not on any recall list. I have pictures along with the damage done to the truck. Luckly no one was injured. The vehicle was doing 65 MPH at the time. The tire never went flat.
I was travelling on hwy.401 near welcome, ontario at aprox. 100 km/h when I heard a lound bang. I saw large pieces of tire tread flying out the rear of my motorhome. On examination I saw the entire tread was missing from the tire and it was still hissing (air escaping). I later learned that the tire debris had hit my exhaust pipe and dislodged it causing it to rest on the septic holding tank. Heat from the exhaust caused smoke and fumes to enter the r.v. It also caused damage to the holding tank which will have to be replaced. The tires were original and had aprox. 30,000 km. The inflation had just been checked. I have contacted Firestone Canada and they advise these tires are not subject to recall. I have left a voice mail with transport Canada but have not heard back at this time. …
Engine & cooling
Consumer was driving vehicle at 55 MPH with cruise control engaged. All of a sudden heard a loud popping noise and the vehicle was filled with dark smoke. Consumer pulled vehicle over to the side when it became engulfed in flames. Emergency vehicle arrived on location and put the fire out. Vehicle was totaled, and is being inspected for cause. Condition is unknown at this time.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle a loud clanging noise was heard. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined a piston rod was bent due to anti-freeze leaking into the piston cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced.
1997 Ford Econoline engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 17 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Econoline a good car?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Econoline rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Econoline at the same age. It is one of the Econoline years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Econoline?
The brakes — 20 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the wheels & tires (15) and engine & cooling (11).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Econoline have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Ford Econoline, the most recent from February 4, 2008 (cruise control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Econoline?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2006 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995 and 2000. See the full Ford Econoline years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Econoline problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.