1993 Ford F-150: problems, recalls and reliability
13 recalls and 586 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (43% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 586 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1993 Ford F-150. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while replacing the brake master cylinder, the contact noticed that there was brake fluid leaking onto a connector. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and contacted the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2024
“The recall 00S57 was not done. This was my husbands vehicle and he has since passed away and when I went to get renewal plates for Kentucky since I have moved I saw the recalls and called Ford dealer. They can fix the 05S28 speed control system modification recall which I have scheduled, however they advised parts for repair are no longer available from Ford. I have not had an issue as yet, however since the recall is engine and gas related which could cause a fire, I would like to get the vehicle fixed. Please advise. Thank you”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2023
“I just got this truck used and realized it has dual gas tanks but only the rear gas tank works. I put gas in both tanks not knowing that I realized after that the front tank doesn't work... The next morning I noticed gas spilling out from under the truck because some of the gas from the rear tank is going into the front 1 and making it overflow.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel is spewing from the gas tank /cap where you fill it. When the truck is parked the gas cap hisses like it is pressurized. Gas immediately starts pouring out of the gas cap and even spews out. I've taken special care not to overfill either tank. I am concerned this truck is not safe to drive. This occurs shortly after driving, it starts, sputters and then stops.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-150. While refueling the vehicle, it experienced leaking from the filler tube. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2017
“Fuel cross flows between tans. I was driving on frint tank. When I stopped fuel was gushing out rear gas cap caused $790.00 damage to custom paint job. This truck was frame off restoration jul, 08.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2017
“Fuel crossflow: unused fuel from rear tank returns to front tank, causing fuel overflow and fuel spillage. Vehicle was recalled for this condition in 1994. Recall #93s68 was performed by selling dealer in 1994. Problem with fuel crossflow began in december, 2016. Ford had issued an extended recall #01m05 for this condition for 12 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Vehicle has only 75,600 miles, but is now 24 years old, so is not still covered. However, I feel this is a dangerous condition, risking a fire while vehicle is running.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-150. While the vehicle was stationary, the rear fuel tank poured fuel onto the ground. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,600. Updated 11/07/16*lj the consumer stated a design defect in the fuel pump check valve caused the fuel to overflow. Updated 11/30/16.*jb the consumer stated safety recall 00s57 replacement of fuel pressure regulator at the injection rail can not resolve design in fuel pumps. Updated 7/07/2017*js”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-150. While attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel cap was unscrewed and fuel spilled out of the tank. In addition, while refueling the first tank, fuel spilled into the second tank. While refueling the second tank, fuel spilled into the first tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 00v424000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the failure recurred and the contact independently replaced the fuel pressure regulator, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 168,000. Updated 03/16/16*lj *cn”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2015
“Stopped at service station to fuel vehicle. The vehicle has dual tanks. The tank select switch was in the rear tank position. Was going to add fuel to rear tank because the front tank was indicating 'full' and the rear tank was nearly 'empty'. Opened the front tank gas cap by mistake and fuel shot out as if under pressure all over the side of my vehicle and onto the ground with enough force to wet my shoes and the bottom front of the left rear tire. There was about a quart of fuel ejected. I put the cap back on and closed it until it clicked, as usual. Then I proceeded to put fuel in the rear tank.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 22 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 13 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.
THE TRANSFER CASES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE WRONG ELECTRIC SHIFT MOTOR. THE TRANSFER CASES CAN SLIP OUT OF THE 4 X 4 HIGH GEAR POSITION DURING COASTING IN FORWARD GEARS OR WITH POWER APPLIED IN REVERSE GEAR.
Remedy: REPLACE DEFECTIVE TRANSFER CASES WITH THE CORRECT VERSION.
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.
THE U-CLIP STYLE NUTS THAT RETAIN THE FRONT BUMPERS TO THE FRONT BUMPER INNER ARMS CAN FRACTURE.
Remedy: INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR U-CLIP NUTS AND THE ASSOCIATED BOLTS.
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DUAL FUEL TANKS. THE CARBON STEEL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR IN THE FUEL SYSTEM CAN WEAR OUT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR MALFUNCTIONS, IT CAN CAUSE HIGH FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE, WHICH DAMAGES THE FUEL PUMP CHECK VALVE. THIS ALLOWS FUEL TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER, POSSIBLY OVERFILLING THE NON-OPERATING TANK, RESULTING IN FUEL OVERFLOW PAST THE FILLER CAP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A STAINLESS STEEL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR INSTALLED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (SEE PREVIOUS NHTSA RECALL 93V-125/FORD RECALL 93S68).
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
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 1993 Ford F-150 reliable?
NHTSA has 586 owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Ford F-150. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Ford F-150 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 136,500 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Ford F-150 have open recalls?
13 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.