2011 Ford Econoline Van
Introduction:
The 2011 Ford Econoline Van is a full-size van offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 4.6L V8 producing 225 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. Optional engine choices include a 5.4L V8 with 305 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, a 6.8L V10 with 305 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.0L diesel V8 with 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a four-speed automatic, a five-speed automatic, and a six-speed automatic.
Owners praise the Econoline Van’s spacious interior, powerful engines, and towing capabilities. However, it has received criticism for its outdated design, poor fuel economy, and limited safety features.
Engine
4.6L V8
- Intake manifold gasket failure: Gasket fails, causing coolant and oil leaks; Symptoms: Engine overheating, oil leaks, coolant leaks; Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket; Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+; Recalls: None Found
- Timing chain tensioner failure: Tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to jump or break; Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, check engine light; Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner and timing chain; Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+; Recalls: None Found
5.4L V8
- Spark plug failure: Spark plugs fail prematurely, causing misfires and engine stalling; Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, check engine light; Solution: Replace spark plugs; Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+; Recalls: None Found
- Exhaust manifold bolts failure: Bolts that secure the exhaust manifold fail, causing exhaust leaks; Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, rattling noises, check engine light; Solution: Replace exhaust manifold bolts; Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+; Recalls: None Found
6.8L V10
- No Issues Found
6.0L Diesel V8
- Turbocharger failure: Turbocharger fails, causing loss of power and black smoke from the exhaust; Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke, check engine light; Solution: Replace turbocharger; Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+; Recalls: None Found
- Fuel injector failure: Fuel injectors fail, causing rough idling and stalling; Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, check engine light; Solution: Replace fuel injectors; Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+; Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Four-Speed Automatic
- Torque converter failure: Torque converter fails, causing shuddering, slipping, and loss of power; Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, loss of power, check engine light; Solution: Replace torque converter; Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500; Recalls: None Found
- Transmission control module (TCM) failure: TCM fails, causing shifting problems and check engine light; Symptoms: Shifting problems, check engine light; Solution: Replace TCM; Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000; Recalls: None Found
Five-Speed Automatic
- Overdrive failure: Overdrive gear fails, causing loss of power and increased fuel consumption; Symptoms: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption; Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission; Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000; Recalls: None Found
- Solenoid failure: Solenoids fail, causing shifting problems and check engine light; Symptoms: Shifting problems, check engine light; Solution: Replace solenoids; Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800; Recalls: None Found
Six-Speed Automatic
- Valve body failure: Valve body fails, causing shifting problems and check engine light; Symptoms: Shifting problems, check engine light; Solution: Replace valve body; Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000; Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front suspension ball joint failure: Ball joints wear out prematurely, causing knocking noises and poor handling; Symptoms: Knocking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear; Solution: Replace ball joints; Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600; Recalls: None Found
- Rear suspension leaf spring failure: Leaf springs break or sag, causing rear suspension to sag and poor handling; Symptoms: Rear suspension sagging, poor handling, uneven tire wear; Solution: Replace leaf springs; Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800; Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Starter failure: Starter fails, preventing the engine from starting; Symptoms: Engine won’t start, no crank; Solution: Replace starter; Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500; Recalls: None Found
- Battery failure: Battery fails prematurely, causing electrical problems; Symptoms: Electrical problems, difficulty starting, dim lights; Solution: Replace battery; Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200; Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust: Body panels and undercarriage rust prematurely; Symptoms: Rust spots, holes in body panels; Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels; Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage; Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard cracking: Dashboard cracks due to sun exposure; Symptoms: Dashboard cracks, peeling; Solution: Replace dashboard cover or repair cracks; Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000; Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2011 Ford Econoline Van is known for its reliable engines and powerful performance, but it also suffers from several common issues. The most severe and costly issue is transmission failure, which can lead to significant downtime and repairs. Other common problems include engine intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, spark plug failure, exhaust manifold bolts failure, torque converter failure, transmission control module (TCM) failure, and suspension ball joint failure. While the Econoline Van has solid capabilities, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in the cost of potential repairs before making a purchasing decision.