Carlexica

1993 Ford F-350: problems, recalls and reliability

9 recalls and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints); the 1991 and 1992 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2008

9
recalls
101
owner complaints
5
fire reports
111,330
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 111,330 mi)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (22%)5 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)22% · 22 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)21% · 21 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)15% · 15 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)13% · 13 complaints
Tires10% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 5 complaints
Had both of my steer tires blow out going down the high way right side I had a trailer on and the other I had just got on to the interstate. Put a hole in my floor on driverside and broke the brake line on the driverside as well. Passenger side just let loose with no warning. I still have all four tires and the tread. These were 235/85r16Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-350 equipped with bct hi-run tires, size l235/85r16 (na). While driving approximately 65 mph, the front driver side tire blew out. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the tire treads were separating from the tires and the tires needed to be replaced. While at the independent mechanic, the other three tires blew out. The tires were not repaired. The tires were not original equipment. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 190,000 and the tire failure mileage was 4,000. The VIN and dot number were not provided.Owner report · Tires · Mar 2013
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph on the interstate in normal road conditions, the left inner dually tire tread separated without warning. The contact managed to pull over without incident. Upon initial inspection, the carcass of the tire remained inflated, yet the tread was completely separated. There was damage to the fuel lines from the initial tire tread separation. There were no obvious road hazard or debris. The manufacturer was not alerted. The tire was a bridgestone lt 215/85/r16, load range e. Updated 03/30/07. *jbOwner report · Tires · Aug 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
I was using my rear gas tank in my dual tank system. The fuel ,in addition to operating the vehicle, pumped into the half full front tank. When I went to fill the front tank at the filling station, the fuel forcibly spilled out of the front tank, spraying on me. *nmOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2006
Clutch slave cylinder too close to exhaust and over heats o-ring causing loss of brake fluid and loss of clutch. Less than 50,000 miles on truck and is used for towing 5th wheel rv some times in mountains it has went out two times now once about two years ago and just today, 08/17/2005. Heat insulator was in place both times. *jbOwner report · Power Train · Aug 2005
Tire tread separation on low mileage tire. Tire model wild country apt lt235/85r-16. Mileage verified at 21,152mi. Vehical damage due to tire tread impacting auto and brake lines. No injuries. Tire was a rear tire, so we had to replace both tires.Owner report · Tires · Jul 2005
While driving the serpentine belt snapped off. This caused the vehicle to lose power and extended stopping distance. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information. *nmOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
The clutch got stuck in drive. Consumer had to apply the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. Consumer was not able to remove the gear, and the vehicle is in the shop for t repairs. *akOwner report · Power Train · Feb 2005
Exhaust fumes were leaking into the cab of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer, who didn't think that this problem was important, and will not service vehicle in a timely manor. Also, consumer asked for manufacturer's telephone number, but the dealer refused to cooperate. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
When the vehicle idled consumer smelled and heard exhaust leaking. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the exhaust gas recirculation tube (egr) had a hole in it. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2004

When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 9 campaigns

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL94V169001 · Sep 1994

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E049000 · May 2006

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.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT01X001000 · May 2001

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE01I008000 · Jul 2001

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS94V018000 · Jan 1994

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL08V051000 · Feb 2008

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY00V424000 · Dec 2000

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).

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL07V336000 · Aug 2007

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY93V125000 · Aug 1993

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.

How other years compare

Check your exact F-350 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1993 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Ford F-350. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1993 Ford F-350 problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,330 miles or less.

Does the 1993 Ford F-350 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.