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1979 Ford EconolineProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1979 Ford Econoline, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Free fix at dealersOwner complaints12 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 22, 2005. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1979 Ford Econoline has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

1979 Ford Econoline recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Show 3 more recalls

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1979 vs. every other Econoline year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Econoline median. How we score

'67'69'71'72'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Econoline owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.…
Complaint 10126407 · Jul 22, 2005

Own a 1979 Econoline?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.