The 1996 Ford Econoline has 4 recalls, the most serious being a natural gas fuel fill valve that can leak and allow fuel to escape, and a parking brake that may not hold the vehicle on a steep grade.
On CNG-equipped models, the nickel plating inside the fuel fill valve can flake and cause the valve to leak natural gas into the atmosphere. Separately, the parking brake may not generate enough holding force to keep the vehicle stationary on a 20% incline, raising the risk of a rollaway. On certain cutaway incomplete vehicles, the brake system warning lamp may not illuminate due to a missing ground circuit, leaving the driver without a visual alert if a brake fault occurs. Van conversion models built as travel vans are also missing head restraints on both front seats, which increases the risk of neck injury in a rear-end collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The natural gas fill valve may develop flaking inside its nickel coating, causing it to leak natural gas into the air beyond allowed limits.
What the fix does
The valve will be replaced with an alternative design that prevents leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front seats lack head restraints, which don't meet federal safety standards for head and neck protection.
What the fix does
Head restraints will be installed on both front seats.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake may not hold the vehicle securely on steep slopes when using foot pedal pressure of 125 pounds or less.
What the fix does
The parking brake system will be adjusted to improve holding capability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake system indicator lamps do not work because the electrical circuit lacks a complete ground connection.
What the fix does
A jumper wire connector was installed to complete the electrical ground circuit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
