1992 Ford F-150: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 470 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (48% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 470 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f-150. The contact installed a new continental contitech serpentine belt in the vehicle from auto zone. The belt failed and tore into pieces after 65 miles of driving, and the vehicle overheated. An independent mechanic checked to confirm that the part was installed correctly by the contact. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home safely. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage, VIN, part number, and serial number were unknown.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2019
“I have noticed a strong smell of gas when exiting vehicle after use. A few days later saw gas coming from front tank filler. Checked cap was on properly. Then I noticed than fuel continued to spill regardless of truck running or not. Does not do it every time. Gas disappears from rear tank. I suspect gas is being pumped from rear tank to front tank until it over flows. One family truck, bought new by my son in law I have had it around 3 years. 110,000 actual mileage. Old but low mileage. Serious safety issue. Couldn,t find any recalls past 1999.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that oil was leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f-150. The contact stated that a portion of the unused fuel from one tank returned to the second tank causing fuel spillage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000. Updated 2/24/15*cn updated 03/02/15*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, there was a fuel odor emitting from the inside of the vehicle and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The failure recurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f150. The contact stated that there was a leak in the gasoline tank. The contact stated that as he would refuel, fuel would spew out from the filler neck valve. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for inspection by the dealer where they informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall and he would have to pay for repairs. The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f150. While parked, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel outside of the vehicle. There was no sign of fuel leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was equipped with dual fuel tanks. The contact detected moisture on the top portion of one of the rear fuel tank straps. There was a recall under the NHTSA campaign id number 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly). The VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“While undergoing a routine state inspection, it was discovered that the fuel tank on the left side of the vehicle had a rear tank strap failure. The strap is corroded completely through and is hanging down near the fuel tank. The fuel tank has not fallen down as the defect was discovered, but the vehicle is not drivable until the strap is replaced. *kb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford f-150. The contact stated the vehicle was equipped with dual fuel tanks and that one of the fuel tanks was leaking a substantial amount of fuel. The previous day before the failure occurred, the fuel tank was filled to full capacity level. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed the contact that the fuel tank would need to be replaced to correct the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2010
“Fuel system, tank filling from other tank, and if tank is switched then the other tank starts filling causing gas to come out of tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Remedy: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1990-1993 FORD F-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS AND 4.9, 5.0,5.8, OR 7.5 LITER GASOLINE FUELED ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE A CROSS TANK FUEL FLOW CONDITION DUE TO A DAMAGED CHECK VALVE IN THE FUEL PUMP/SENDER ASSEMBLY. FUEL MAY BE SUPPLIED FROM ONE TANK AND SOME OR ALL OF THE UNUSED FUEL MAY BE RETURNED TO THE OTHER TANK.
Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR POTENTIAL FUEL CROSS-FLOW TO 12 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. THIS COVER WILL AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFER TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF A VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS OVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2001. IF THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A FUEL CROSS-FLOW CONDITION, DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CONDITION FREE OF CHARGE.
WATER CAN ENTER THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THE WATER IN THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE CAN FREEZE AND CAUSE THE LATCH MECHANISM TO MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: REVISED DOOR RELEASE CABLES AND WATER SHIELDS WILL BE INSTALLED.
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
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.
Remedy: REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALLATION OF REDUNDANT CHECK VALVES.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-150 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Ford F-150 reliable?
NHTSA has 470 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Ford F-150. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Ford F-150 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 133,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Ford F-150 have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning parking brake:conventional. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.