1990 Ford F350: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (37% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2004
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2001
“Consumer was traveling 60 mph & vehicle stalled. Rear fuel tank spilled gas all over highway. When vehicle was being towed to ford dealer fuel tank fell off. Shield that guards the tank dropped & gas lines were disconnected. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2000
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 1999
“Engine was losing raw fuel from a leak which was going into the exhaust system. This caused the catalytic convertor to burn. Have been to service center. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1999
“Consumer received letter of concern (98c01) which discusses engine problems, however vehicle experienced severe engine failure due to lack of prior notification, denied reimbursement costs of repair. *mjs”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 1998
“When applying the brakes, the brake pedal went clearly to the floor. Had to use the emergency brake to stop truck. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1996
“Consumer was driving coming down a mountain the brake failed . Tt consumer states that vehicle needs a heat shield and insulation on brake hoses, a recall has been issued on some ford 350's because of brake and fire problems, however this unit was not included. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Remedy: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
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 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.
Remedy: FORD DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN TUBES WITH FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED/TEFLON TUBES. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBES.
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.
INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Check your exact F350 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 1990 Ford F350 reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford F350. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford F350 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 44,470 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford F350 have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum:shoes/linings. 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.