Three problems related to brake disc have been reported for the 1999 Ford Econoline. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front disc brakes are wearing out prematurely. Dealer/manufacturer notified. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
Brake pads "burned" and rotors warped on a 1999 Ford Econoline. Vehicle has 14930 miles on it of which over 12000 miles has been freeway long distance with minimal brake useage. The vehicle which is rated for 8 passengers with luggage, and for heavy duty trailer towing has never been driven with any heavy loads. All long distance driving with 1 or 2 passengers and light luggage only. Nonetheless Ford customer service and the Ford dealer insist this is normal and does not represent a safety hazard and that Ford has no responsibility in this regard. I believe that Ford has the responsibility to at replace the shoddy parts that they used initially, to forewarn customers that they will very likely require costly brake work at very short intervals, and that even careful drivers can not make it to the first scheduled maintenance without seriously damaging the original equipment brakes. I shudder to think of the danger to occupants of fully loaded Econolines used on a daily heavy duty basis. The brakes under those circumstances would seem unlikely to last more than a few thousand miles.
From a speed of 45 mph these units with rear disc brakes require an additional 14 feet to stop when tested against an older unit that is identical in every way except it has drum brakes on the rear. We also see this same problem on the 2000 models.