Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Econoline or the Ford Econoline?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Ford Econoline is cheaper to maintain — about $929 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 7.5L V8 and the 4.9L I6?

Across 25 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Ford Econoline or Ford Econoline?

The Ford Econoline has 3 open NHTSA recalls. The Ford Econoline has 1 open recall. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1991 Ford Econoline vs 2014 Ford Econoline — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1991

2014

Engine

7.5L V8

4.9L I6

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

—

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

5-Year Maintenance

$7,897

0.13 $/mi

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,968

0.12 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEFord Econoline — Saves you $929 over 5 years (12% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.5 hrs$1,380 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.4 hrs$580 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.4 hrs$560 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$380 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

1.0 hrs$330 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.6 hrs$240 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

Spark plugs

1.0 hrs$230 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Water pump

3.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.6 hrs$189 / 5yr

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

Alternator

1.8 hrs$143 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.8 hrs$132 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.8 hrs$94 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

Ignition coil

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

3 open

★ WINNER

Open NHTSA Recalls

1 open

🏆

ADVANTAGEFord Econoline — 2 fewer open recalls from the NHTSA

Fluid Capacities

Ford Econoline

brake1.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant29.00 qt · ASTM D3306

engine_oil6.00 qt · API SG

power_steering2.00 qt · Mercon

rear_diff5.70 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto14.00 qt · Mercon

washer1.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid

Ford Econoline

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant20.00 qt · WSS-M97B51-A1

engine_oil6.00 qt · API SN

power_steering2.00 qt · Mercon V

rear_diff6.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto14.00 qt · Mercon V

washer4.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid concentrate or pre-mix

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

2014 Ford Econoline

4.9L I6

Ford Econoline is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$929 over 5 years)
Ford Econoline has 2 fewer open NHTSA recalls

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.