Model year record

1990 Ford F-250 recalls & problems

The 1990 Ford F-250 has 6 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (42 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints111filed by owners

Crashes · fires4 · 14reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemApr 25, 1996

Ignition

Recall 96V0710007,900,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Fuel system, gasolineFeb 23, 1994

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 94V04000089,770 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE STEEL FUEL RETURN TUBES THAT CONNECT THE FRAME FUEL RETURN LINES WITH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CAN CONTACT THE PINCH WELD FLANGE CONNECTING THE DASH PANEL TO THE FLOOR PAN. CONTINUED CONTACT LEADS TO ABRASION OF THE STEEL FUEL RETURN TUBE AND EVENTUALLY RESULTS IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk: ABRASION OF THE STEEL TUBE WALL THAT EVENTUALLY CAUSES A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
Fix: FORD DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN TUBES WITH FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED/TEFLON TUBES. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBES.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 2, 1993

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 93V1250001,131,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CAUSES A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAPACITY OF THE SECOND TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE.
Risk: SPILLED FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO ASOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix: REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALLATION OF REDUNDANT CHECK VALVES.

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 3, 1992

Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings

Recall 92V026000467,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PISTONS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OVERHEAT THE BRAKE FLUID AND DIMINISH BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS DURING SEVERE BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Risk: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND INABLILITY TO HOLDVEHICLES ON A STEEP GRADE RESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT IN THE EVENT OFA SUDDEN STOP OR WHEN CONSTANT BRAKING IS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THROUGH AREAS WITHSTEEP GRADES.
Fix: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.

Power trainJun 1, 1990

Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 90V101000111,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Risk: WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED IN PARK, THE PARK GEAR WOULD NOTENGAGE, ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL FREELY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLYSET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 15, 1989

Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices

Recall 89V1410001,100 vehicles

Problem: INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED.
Risk: FUEL COULD BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER,POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FUEL OVERFLOW AND SPILLAGE, IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITIONSOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: REPLACE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

F250 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 14 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 14 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F250 Pickup 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices	42	0	4	0	122,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	28	2	0	0	—
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	14	1	6	0	—
Power trainAxle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal; Manual transmission	12	1	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control	11	2	3	0	—
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	6	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	3	0	0	0	—
SteeringGear box (other than rack and pinion); Gear box › Shaft sector	3	0	0	1	—
StructureFrame and members; Body	3	0	0	0	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring	2	0	1	0	—
SuspensionFront › Shock absorber	2	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, dieselStorage › Tank assembly	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SWITCHED FROM THE FRONT FUEL TANK TO THE REAR FUEL TANK WHICH CAUSED THE REAR FUEL GAUGE TO READ EMPTY. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER FILLING THE REAR GAS TANK, GASOLINE STARTED LEAKING FROM THE FRONT TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…
Nov 6, 2020 · 143,000 miles
Steering
TWICE I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING DOWN A STREET I TRAVEL OFTEN WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE A VIOLENT SHAKING HAS OCCURRED IN THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY TRUCK, AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. THIS VIOLENT SHAKING, I HAVE BEEN TOLD, IS CALLED A DEATH WOBBLE AND VERY NEARLY SENT ME HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER CAR. AFTER THE FIRST TIME THE TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK AND TIGHTENED THE BOLTS THAT HOLD EACH SIDE OF THE INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION BECAUSE A COUPLE WERE MISSING AND THE OTHERS HAD LOOSENED. THE SECOND TIME THE SHAKING OCCURRED IT FELT AS IF IT BROKE BELTS IN MY TIRES AND NO LONGER RIDES SMOOTH. I CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK TODAY AND THE SHAKING HAS ALSO BROKEN THE STEERING…
Dec 2, 2014 · 160,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS FAILED AND CAUSED GASOLINE TO OVERFLOW INTO THE SECOND TANK. RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,586.
Apr 22, 2013 · 127,586 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A DAYS AFTER SWITCHING ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, FUEL STARTED TO SPEW OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE CAP WAS RELEASE AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE FUEL SPILL COULD BE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RETURN VALVE WAS STUCK BETWEEN THE TANKS, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO ENTER THE SECOND TANK AND OVERFLOW. AS A RESULT THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE, THE JUMPER AND THE ROLL-OVER VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM,…
Dec 23, 2011 · 116,105 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING GAS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/07/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAP WAS NOT RUSTED, BUT IT DID WEAR A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 06/23/11
Feb 1, 2011
Fuel system, gasoline
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1990 F-250, BASICALLY BEGAN SMELLING A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE TRUCKS CAB WHILE DRIVING. LOOKED AT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK AND FOUND A SMALL GAS LEAK AT THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE PINCH WELD. EXACT SAME ISSUE AS 94V040000, HAVE NOT FIXED PROBLEM BECAUSE FORD CANNOT FIND THIS ISSUE ON THERE SYSTEM. *TR
Apr 1, 2010 · 137,255 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE TRAVELING OVER A LARGE AMOUNT OF LIQUID. THE CONTACT OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:01I008000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,209 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Jan 30, 2009 · 112,209 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F250. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS AND NOTICED A GAS LEAK. HE BOUGHT A NEW FUEL PUMP AND REPLACED THE BODIES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE REAR FUEL TANK SHUT DOWN AND THE FRONT TANK DID NOT REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AND INSTALLED NEW FUEL LINES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE BOUGHT NEW FUEL LINES AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). HE WENT TO A FEW DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL. THE PURCHASE DATE…
Jan 12, 2005 · 130,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

DUAL FUEL TANK CROSSFLOW/LEAKAGEClosedLed to recall 00V424000
ON JULY 14, 1993 FORD FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING FUEL TANK CROSS FLOW LEAKAGE ON F-SERIES LIGHT TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS BUILT FROM JULY 22, 1989 THROUGH DECEMBER 17, 1992.THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALL A CHECK VALVE BETWEEN EACH FUEL SUPPLY LINE AND FUEL TANK (2) TO REPAIR THE SUPPLY SIDE FUEL CROSS FLOW PROBLEM (RECALL 93V-125).ODI OPENED RQ98-008 ON MAY 29, 1998 BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF ALLEGED REMEDY FAILURES AND REPORTS OF FUEL CROSS FLOW ON VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL POPULATION.BASED ONTHE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM FORD ON AUGUST 11, SEPTEMBER 30, AND DECEMBER 15, 1998, AND THE INCREASING TREND OF REMEDY FAILURES AND OUT OF SCOPE CROSSFLOW REPORTS, ODI OPENED EA99-032 ON NOVEMBER 4, 1999.THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT FULLY DESCRIBES THE RESULTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND REASON FOR CLOSING.THE SUBJECT…
EA99032 · opened Nov 4, 1999 · closed Dec 6, 2001
FORD F-SERIES DUAL FUEL TANK LEAKAGEClosedLed to recall 93V125000
THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP.FROM THE INFORMATION GATHERED TO DATE, IT APPEARS THAT THERE CAN BE MULTIPLE CAUSES AND/OR A COMBINATION OF CAUSES FOR FUEL CROSS FLOW AND THAT THE RECALL REMEDY MAY BE INADEQUATE.FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS UPGRADED TO EA99-032.CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
RQ98008 · opened May 29, 1998 · closed Nov 4, 1999
FUEL LINE ROUTINGClosedLed to recall 94V040000
There is no summary currently available
EA93026 · opened Oct 29, 1993 · closed Feb 28, 1994
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA93014 · opened Jun 4, 1993 · closed Jul 29, 1994
FUEL EXPULSIONClosedLed to recall 93V125000
There is no summary currently available
EA93001 · opened Jan 7, 1993 · closed Aug 20, 1993
FUEL EXPULSIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92077 · opened Sep 9, 1992 · closed Jan 7, 1993
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESClosedLed to recall 92V026000
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EA91044 · opened Oct 30, 1991 · closed Oct 30, 1992
FUEL EXPULSIONClosedLed to recall 91V146000
There is no summary currently available
EA91031 · opened Jun 26, 1991 · closed Nov 1, 1991
SPARE TIRE FIRESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91090 · opened Jun 20, 1991 · closed Oct 25, 1991
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91077 · opened May 23, 1991 · closed Oct 31, 1991
TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91064 · opened Apr 9, 1991 · closed Jul 5, 1991