Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
320.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
16.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
320.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
213.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
213.3%
150,000+ miles
426.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1998peak 4Sep 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Ford F-150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE92042Opened 17 Apr 1992Closed 27 Aug 1992SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FNT RECLNING SEAT BCK FAIL
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 76,696 milesBergenfield, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE WIRING HARNESS/ALTERNATOR PLUG CONNECTION IS KNOWN TO SHOW REPEATED INSTANCES OF BURNING,ARCING,MELTING AND VEHICLE FIRES. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS AFTER THIS PART CAUSED A SMALL FIRE IN OUR F150 FORD 1990 TRUCK ON SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2003. A NOTICE INFORMING US ABOUT THIS RECURRING PROBLEM CAME WITH THE NEW ALTERNATOR. THE WIRES/PLUG CONNECTION MELTED AND CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO START ON FIRE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE YOUR AGENCY TO LOOK INTO THIS HAZARD. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED IN 1996 BECAUSE IT WAS A FIRE DANGER. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. ON JULY 28, 2000 THE IGNITION SWITCH AGAIN CAUGHT ON FIRE. AT THAT TIME CHAMPION FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL. THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE SAME PART THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED DID THE SAME THING THE RECALLED PART WAS DOING. THE CHAMPION FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE PART FOR FREE BUT THAT IT WOULD COST $198.00. AFTER A DISCUSSION THEY TOOK $50.00 OFF OF THE PRICE, WHICH BROUGHT THE COST DOWN TO $148.00.
NHTSA complaint #727540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Colorado Springs, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown component(s) failure causes vehicle to stall at speed that vary, fuel supply is sufficient and battery good, no indication that stall is imminent. Varying time lapses allow restart and normal driving. Ammeter and temp gauges normal. Re-start may occur immediately or several hours. Online search reveal this to be common with F150 1990-1995. I drive Colorado state highways that often have no shoulder to stop on and 60 mph limit is rarely observed by speeding motorists along with following too closely or too fast for conditions which has caused great concern for safety with stalled vehicle in traffic lane. Nighttime hazards with deer, elk and no street or road lighting does not slow traffic in general. Slept in vehicle after incident last Saturday night barely off the road, tried re-starts often twice started then stalled and manually pushed truck back to shoulder that had space. Nearest populated area approx 40 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11433658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesFort Collins, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
REPLACE FRONT FUEL PUMP, AND HAVE BEEN USING THAT TANK EXCLUSIVELY AS IT STARTS AND RUNS BETTER THAN THE REAR. THIS MORNING I NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR TANK, WHICH WAS HALF FULL WHEN I STARTED USING THE FRONT TANK. I OPENED THE FILLER NECK AND GAS WAS SPILLING OUT. I TURNED THE KEY TO START POSITION AND THE REAR TANK SHOWED COMPLETELY FULL. THE RETURN LINE FROM THE FRONT TANK HAS BEEN RETURN UNUSED FUEL TO THE REAR TANK, CAUSING IT TO OVERFLOW.
NHTSA complaint #11376845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesBoonsboro, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED FUEL LEAKED FROM ONE TANK INTO THE OTHER TANK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND SWITCHED THE FUEL BUTTON TO THE OTHER TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11329223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesWest Gardiner, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND INSIDE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. ALSO, WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE AND OPENING THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL POURED OUT. QUIRK FORD OF AUGUSTA (7 WATER ST, HALLOWELL, ME 04347, (207) 430-1600) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #11245823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,627 milesSpringhill, FL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION INTERMITTENTLY WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR, IT ROLLED FORWARD UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING WHEN IT ROLLED INTO A CURB. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON JANUARY 16, 2018. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL (90S10) FOR THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE VIN TOOL INDICATED THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE OPEN TRANSMISSION RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,627.
NHTSA complaint #11065820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesPapillion, NE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. WHILE FILLING UP THE FRONT FUEL TANK, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FROM THE FRONT ENTERED THE REAR FUEL TANK, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR FUEL TANK TO OVERFLOW. THE DEALER (BAXTOR FORD SOUTH, 9203 S 145TH ST, OMAHA, NE 68318) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #11062392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesEdgemoore, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAD FILLED MY TRUCK UP AND FUEL STARTED TO POUR OUT FROM SOMEWHERE OUT OF THE GAS TANK I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON I STOP THIS GUY & HE HAD A JUG HE CAUGHT SOME OF THE GAS I WAS HOPING DIDN'T NO ONE THROW A CIG. CAUSE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN THREW THIS WAS MARCH 14, 2015 & IT ALSO HAPPENED IN 2012 I WAS RIDING THEN SOMEONE TOLD ME MY TRUCK WAS LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10836254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,094 milesAurora, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE FUEL WAS LEAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSSOVER VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,094.
NHTSA complaint #10820107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesOrtonville, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. WHILED STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #10721405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesFort LEE, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE TRUCK HAS 9000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT NOW, BUT I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND (1) WHY THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER A CARPORT? (2) FUEL GAUGE ON FRONT TANK ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WHEN ITS FULL? (3) DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED? IS THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE RELATED TO THE ABOVE ISSUES?
NHTSA complaint #10706745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesFort LEE, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE TRUCK HAS 9000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT NOW, BUT I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND (1) WHY THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER A CARPORT? (2) FUEL GAUGE ON FRONT TANK ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WHEN ITS FULL? (3) DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED? IS THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE RELATED TO THE ABOVE ISSUES?
NHTSA complaint #10706745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesFort LEE, VA
VISIBILITY
THE TRUCK HAS 9000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT NOW, BUT I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND (1) WHY THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER A CARPORT? (2) FUEL GAUGE ON FRONT TANK ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WHEN ITS FULL? (3) DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED? IS THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE RELATED TO THE ABOVE ISSUES?
NHTSA complaint #10706745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,800 milesHoward Lake, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME SMELLED GAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK. I HAVE DUEL TANKS ON MY TRUCK. I JUST FILLED THE FRONT TANK, AND ONLY WENT 10 MILES AND NOTICE THE TANK WAS ON LITTLE OVER HALF FULL. SO I SWITCH TO THE BACK TANK AND IT WAS WAY OVER FULL AND GAS COMING OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FROM NEW AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE TO BRING IN THE TRUCK FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TANKS RUNNING OVER. FORD DID PUT OUT A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM BY ADDING OUTSIDE CHECK VALVES TO THE TANKS F3TA-9J274-AA, I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED OR BLOWN UP AND MY FAMILY. THANK GOD I FOUND THE PROBLEM BEFORE THAT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10625850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,456 milesDRY Prong, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE SAW FUEL LEAKING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,456.
NHTSA complaint #10420709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Mankato, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A FUEL LEAK PROBLEM. FUEL WAS RUNNING FROM THE FRONT TANK TO THE BACK TANK, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FUEL TUBE AND SPILL ON THE GROUND. THE FUEL SPILLS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING .CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL THEY WILL NOT HELP HIM. CONSUMER HAS NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO A DEALER BECAUSE HE COULD REPAIR VEHICLE BY HIMSELF SELF, BUT FELT THAT MANUFACTURER HAD ON OBLIGATION TO REPAIR IT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10061626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,696 milesBergenfield, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE WIRING HARNESS/ALTERNATOR PLUG CONNECTION IS KNOWN TO SHOW REPEATED INSTANCES OF BURNING,ARCING,MELTING AND VEHICLE FIRES. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS AFTER THIS PART CAUSED A SMALL FIRE IN OUR F150 FORD 1990 TRUCK ON SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2003. A NOTICE INFORMING US ABOUT THIS RECURRING PROBLEM CAME WITH THE NEW ALTERNATOR. THE WIRES/PLUG CONNECTION MELTED AND CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO START ON FIRE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE YOUR AGENCY TO LOOK INTO THIS HAZARD. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesROY, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL OVERFILL OUT OF GAS CAP OF THE REAR TANK. THIS IS THE PROBLEM ON FORD 1990 F150 SAFETY RECALL. FORD EXTENDS THE REPAIR SERVICE TO 150,000 MILES. MY FORD IS 155,000 MILES. THIS IS SAFETY PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD EXTEND THE SERVICE TO COVER MORE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10000356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED IN 1996 BECAUSE IT WAS A FIRE DANGER. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. ON JULY 28, 2000 THE IGNITION SWITCH AGAIN CAUGHT ON FIRE. AT THAT TIME CHAMPION FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL. THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE SAME PART THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED DID THE SAME THING THE RECALLED PART WAS DOING. THE CHAMPION FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE PART FOR FREE BUT THAT IT WOULD COST $198.00. AFTER A DISCUSSION THEY TOOK $50.00 OFF OF THE PRICE, WHICH BROUGHT THE COST DOWN TO $148.00.
NHTSA complaint #727540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TFI MODULE ASSEMBLY FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #550319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TX
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
REAR WHEEL CAME OFF COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #540083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT Vernon, IL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSOR DRIPS WATER ONTO THE OXGEN SENSOR, ALSO CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT A/C PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIPS STATED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #828389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
EXPERIENCING HEAVY VIBRATION AT 60 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #540236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, LA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EXTENSIVE SQUEALING AT ALL SPEEDS BEFORE AND AFTER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIBRATION COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE/TRANSMISSSION AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #538971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, LA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
EXTENSIVE SQUEALING AT ALL SPEEDS BEFORE AND AFTER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIBRATION COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE/TRANSMISSSION AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #538971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, LA
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
EXTENSIVE SQUEALING AT ALL SPEEDS BEFORE AND AFTER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIBRATION COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE/TRANSMISSSION AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #538971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.