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1990 Ford F250

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 10 of 107 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports14 fire reports1 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

35 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2003
Fuel System, GasolineFire

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER FLIPPED THE SWITCH TO SWITCH FROM THE FIRST TANK TO THE SECOND TANK AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10032180

90,000 miles · Jul 11, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL PUMP MOTOR CONTINUED TO RUN, AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE CONSUMER DISCONNECTED BATTERY. APPLE FORD REPLACED THE RELAY PART BUT CLAIMED THE PART WAS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. *AK *CB *JB

NHTSA ODI #10021923

75,750 miles · Apr 22, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA # 01I008000) A FEW MONTHS AGO, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. *JB *TS

NHTSA ODI #10017332

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2003
Fuel System, DieselFuel System, Gasoline

THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL GAS TANKS, THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP, ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND SENSOR. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *JB....*AK

NHTSA ODI #10015645

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA# 93 V 125 000 & MFR'S# 93S68/FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LEAKING ANY FUEL UNTIL THE DEALER (EMPIRE FORD; ARLINGTON, VA; PHONE# 276/628-2127) COMPLETED THIS RECALL REPAIRS. NLM

NHTSA ODI #8006538

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DROPPING GAS MILEAGE, BUT FOUND NO REASON UNTIL SOMEONE STOPPED HIM AND TOLD HIM THAT HIS GAS TANK WAS OVERFLOWING, AFTER CHECKING CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE FRONT TANK WOULD OVERFLOW WHEN USING THE REAR TANK, CONSUMER HAD THE NECESSARY REPAIRS PERFORMED, CONSUMER WAS TO…

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CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DROPPING GAS MILEAGE, BUT FOUND NO REASON UNTIL SOMEONE STOPPED HIM AND TOLD HIM THAT HIS GAS TANK WAS OVERFLOWING, AFTER CHECKING CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE FRONT TANK WOULD OVERFLOW WHEN USING THE REAR TANK, CONSUMER HAD THE NECESSARY REPAIRS PERFORMED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON VEHICLES STARTING FROM 1990 TO 1993 CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO THEN RESEARCHED HIS VIN AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT HIS VIN NUMBER DID NOT APPLY.*JB

NHTSA ODI #561683

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

RECALL 94 V 040 000/FUEL LINE METALLIC AND 93 V 125 000/FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FUEL LEAKAGES. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALLS DUE TO VIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER . *AK

NHTSA ODI #884375

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

RECALL 93V125000 PERFORMED IN 1994, VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #881361

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHILE TRYING TO START VEHICLE, AND AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED *AK

NHTSA ODI #858659

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline

A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP IS CAUSING A PORTION OF UNUSED FUEL TO GO TO ONE TANK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAKAGE. ALSO, RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 93V125000/ DEALER RECALL 93S68 IN REFERENCE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. OWNER PAID FOR REPAIRS. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #856280

Official recalls

6

96V071000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 25, 1996

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

94V040000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Feb 23, 1994

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ABRASION OF THE STEEL TUBE WALL THAT EVENTUALLY CAUSES A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.

Remedy: FORD DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN TUBES WITH FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED/TEFLON TUBES. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBES.

93V125000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Aug 2, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SPILLED FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO ASOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy: REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALLATION OF REDUNDANT CHECK VALVES.

92V026000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:drum:shoes/linings

Mar 3, 1992

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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.

90V101000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Jun 1, 1990

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.

89V141000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank:selector Devices

Aug 15, 1989

INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: REPLACE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

11

EA99032 · Dual Fuel Tank Crossflow/leakage

Opened Nov 4, 1999 · Closed Dec 6, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

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 VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO MALFUNCTIONS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.WHEN FUEL IS PUMPED OR RETURNED TO THE NON-OPERATING TANK (CROSS FLOW), THE CAPACITY OF THE NON-OPERATING TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL TO OVERFLOW PAST THE FILLER CAP, CREATING A FIRE POTENTIAL.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

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 VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO MALFUNCTIONS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.WHEN FUEL IS PUMPED OR RETURNED TO THE NON-OPERATING TANK (CROSS FLOW), THE CAPACITY OF THE NON-OPERATING TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL TO OVERFLOW PAST THE FILLER CAP, CREATING A FIRE POTENTIAL.

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

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 VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO MALFUNCTIONS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.WHEN FUEL IS PUMPED OR RETURNED TO THE NON-OPERATING TANK (CROSS FLOW), THE CAPACITY OF THE NON-OPERATING TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL TO OVERFLOW PAST THE FILLER CAP, CREATING A FIRE POTENTIAL.

RQ98008 · Ford F-SERIES Dual Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened May 29, 1998 · Closed Nov 4, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP.FROM THE INFORMATION GATHERED TO DATE, IT APPEARS THAT THERE CAN BE MULTIPLE CAUSES AND/OR A COMBINATION OF CAUSES FOR FUEL CROSS FLOW AND THAT THE RECALL REMEDY MAY BE INADEQUATE.FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS UPGRADED TO EA99-032.CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

EA93026 · Fuel Line Routing

Opened Oct 29, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA93014 · Alternator Belt Failure

Opened Jun 4, 1993 · Closed Jul 29, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

EA93001 · Fuel Expulsion

Opened Jan 7, 1993 · Closed Aug 20, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE92077 · Fuel Expulsion

Opened Sep 9, 1992 · Closed Jan 7, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA91044 · Loss Of Brake Effectivenes

Opened Oct 30, 1991 · Closed Oct 30, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

===

EA91031 · Fuel Expulsion

Opened Jun 26, 1991 · Closed Nov 1, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE91090 · Spare Tire Fires

Opened Jun 20, 1991 · Closed Oct 25, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

There is no summary currently available

PE91077 · Loss Of Brake Effectivenes

Opened May 23, 1991 · Closed Oct 31, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE91064 · Transmission Fluid Fires

Opened Apr 9, 1991 · Closed Jul 5, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

There is no summary currently available