The 1990 Ford F-350 has 6 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (22 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints39filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths5 · 1reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
NHTSA recall 96V071000 · Apr 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles · opened 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, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 94V040000 · Feb 23, 1994 · 89,770 vehicles · opened 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, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 93V125000 · Aug 2, 1993 · 1,131,000 vehicles · opened 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, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
NHTSA recall 92V026000 · Mar 3, 1992 · 467,000 vehicles · opened 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 train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
NHTSA recall 90V101000 · Jun 1, 1990 · 111,000 vehicles · opened 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.
NHTSA recall 89V141000 · Aug 15, 1989 · 1,100 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.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
22
0
0
5
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Engine
11
0
1
0
—
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices; Storage › Tank assembly
10
0
0
0
—
Power train Automatic transmission; Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
6
0
1
0
—
Electrical system Wiring › Front underhood; Ignition
4
0
2
1
—
Suspension Front; Front › Wheel bearing
3
0
0
0
—
Tires Tread/belt
2
0
0
0
—
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
1
0
0
0
—
Structure Body › Door
1
0
0
0
—
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly
1
0
0
0
—
Seat belts
1
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 1, 2005 · 44,470 milesFuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices DT: THE CROSS OVER OF THE FUEL IMPROPERLY OVERFILLS THE SECOND TANK, SPILLING FUEL OUT OF VEHICLE. THERE WERE 2 SAFETY RECALLS OF THIS ITEM. BUT FORD WAS SAYING THAT ONE RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF BY A PREVIOUS OWNER. THE SECOND RECALL EXPIRED, AND FORD WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY THE CUSTOMER AND THE REPAIR FACILITY. FORD WAS STILL NOT WILLING TO HELP. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE CUSTOMER WAS HAVING IT REPAIRED AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. IF THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS PROBLEM IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OFF BY DEALER NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES IT COMES UP.*AK *JB
Aug 24, 2004 · 180,000 milesFuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. VEHICLE HAD DUEL GAS TANKS. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED BECAUSE ONE TANK WOULD PUMP GAS INTO THE OTHER TANK, AND WHEN IT WAS FULL IT WOULD SPILL OVER, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER FELT THAT THE PROPER WORK FOR THE RECALL WAS INSUFFICIENTLY DONE BECAUSE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING CURRENTLY. *AK
Jun 18, 2003 · 1,500 milesTires › Tread/belt WHILE TRAVELING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND SAW THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. FIRESTONE STEELTEX, LT 265/75R16. *AK *SCC *JB
Feb 4, 2002Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER, I AM TED SCHORE OF OCALA,FL PINEYWOODS AUTOMOTIVE 352-629-6727 THE CUSTOMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED IN BECAUSE OF A NO START (BATTERY WAS BAD) AND AFTER THE REPAIR AND RUNNING NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM THE BELL HOUSING AREA. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE FUEL RETURN LINE FROM THE PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE CONNECTION TO THE LINE FROM THE TANK, APPROX 12 INCHES LONG AND METAL. THE PINCH WELD ABOVE THE BELL HOUSING RUBBED THE LINE THROUGH. I CHECK FOR SERVICE BULLETINS AND RECALLS AND FOUND A RECALL NUMBER 94S80, I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TO ARRANGE TOWING AND FOR THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE BY BAY…
Feb 1, 2002Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE RECALL NOTICES FOR THE FORD F-SERIES DUAL FUEL TANK DESIGN FLAW. WHEN BOTH TANKS ON MY TRUCK ARE FILLED TO CAPACITY, ONE TANK WILL EMPTY ITS CONTENTS INTO THE OTHER FULL FUEL TANK AND WILL SPRAY OUT FUEL ON TO THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES POSING A GREAT FIRE HAZARD. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK BY THE LOCAL DEALER (MCCULLOM FORD IN SPOKANE WA) THEY HAVE RETURNED MY TRUCK WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE PERFORMED FORDS RECOMMENDED FIX AND THAT IT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A FORD MOTOR CO. DESIGN FLAW. I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON HOW I CAN HAVE THIS UNSAFE CONDITION ADDRESSED.…
Oct 4, 2001 · fireEngine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe WHILE DRIVING EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY EXHAUST PIPE BEING TOO CLOSE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 15, 1999Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices 93 V 125 000/FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PORTION OF UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO SECOND TANK. WHEN THIS OCCURRED SECOND TANK EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGES. SPILLED FUEL COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VIN SHOWED THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED, AND DEALER REFUSED TO HELP IN THIS MATTER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER: *AK
Nov 3, 2000Tires THIS PARTICULAR TIRE EXPLODED @ ABOUT 60 MPH ON MY TRUCK .I HAD A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER ON BEHIND AT THE TIME . IT CAUSED 1150.00 DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. THIS IS THE 7TH OR EIGHTH TIRE OF THE SAME BRAND &TYPE THAT I HAD GO BAD. THE OTHERS HAD THE BELTS COME LOOSE AND START VIBERATING. I WOULD TAKE THEM BACK TO A SEARS STORE AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME AN ADJUSTMENT AND CHARGE ME 75% OF A NEW TIRE AND PUT THE SAME TYPE BACK ON. I WOULD QUESTION THEM ABOUT THE SAFTY OF THE TIRE & THEY WOULD JUST SHAKE THEIR HEADS. THE FIRST TWO TIRES WERE BOUGHT IN FARMINGTON NM. ON THE28TH OF JULY 1998.THE LAST TWO WERE BOUGHT THE 19 OF OCT.1999 . TWO MORE WERE REMOVED THE 6TH OF SEPT. 2000 BUT WERE REPLACED…
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
EA99032 · opened Nov 4, 1999 · closed Dec 6, 2001 · led to recall 00V424000DUAL FUEL TANK CROSSFLOW/LEAKAGE 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…
PE94004 · opened Jan 25, 1994 · closed Apr 29, 1994HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS There is no summary currently available
EA93014 · opened Jun 4, 1993 · closed Jul 29, 1994ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE There is no summary currently available
EA93001 · opened Jan 7, 1993 · closed Aug 20, 1993 · led to recall 93V125000FUEL EXPULSION There is no summary currently available
PE92077 · opened Sep 9, 1992 · closed Jan 7, 1993FUEL EXPULSION There is no summary currently available
EA91044 · opened Oct 30, 1991 · closed Oct 30, 1992 · led to recall 92V026000LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES ===
EA91031 · opened Jun 26, 1991 · closed Nov 1, 1991 · led to recall 91V146000FUEL EXPULSION There is no summary currently available
PE91090 · opened Jun 20, 1991 · closed Oct 25, 1991SPARE TIRE FIRES There is no summary currently available
PE91077 · opened May 23, 1991 · closed Oct 31, 1991LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES There is no summary currently available
PE91064 · opened Apr 9, 1991 · closed Jul 5, 1991TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES There is no summary currently available
PE90056 · opened Mar 12, 1990 · closed Jun 12, 1990 · led to recall 90V101000TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL There is no summary currently available