1990 Ford F Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. INCORRECT SIZE MASTER CYLINDER INSTALLED WILL PROVIDE LESS LINE PRESSURE TO WHEEL CYLINDERS FOR A GIVEN PEDAL PRESSURE.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES ORINCREASED PEDAL PRESSURE REQUIRED FOR A GIVEN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL THE CORRECT 1.75 INCH MASTER CYLINDER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 F SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V100000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: INCORRECT SIZE MASTER CYLINDER INSTALLED WILL PROVIDE LESS LINE PRESSURE TO WHEEL CYLINDERS FOR A GIVEN PEDAL PRESSURE.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES ORINCREASED PEDAL PRESSURE REQUIRED FOR A GIVEN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL THE CORRECT 1.75 INCH MASTER CYLINDER.
Notes: SYSTEM: HYDROMAX POWER BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. INTERCONNECTION OF RETURN LINE PLUMBING FROM HYDROBOOST STEERING GEAR MAY CAUSE LIGHT APPLICATION OF HYDROBOOST UNIT WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN DRAGGING BRAKES, BRAKE FADE, ORPREMATURE WEAR AND/OR HEAT DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS, REDUCING BRAKINGEFFICIENCY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL REVISED RETURN LINES AND REPLACE DAMAGED BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 F SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V097000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Summary: INTERCONNECTION OF RETURN LINE PLUMBING FROM HYDROBOOST STEERING GEAR MAY CAUSE LIGHT APPLICATION OF HYDROBOOST UNIT WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN DRAGGING BRAKES, BRAKE FADE, ORPREMATURE WEAR AND/OR HEAT DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS, REDUCING BRAKINGEFFICIENCY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL REVISED RETURN LINES AND REPLACE DAMAGED BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER BRAKE - POWER STEERING GEAR RETURN LINE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: F SUPER DUTY MOTOR HOME CHASSIS AND F SUPER DUTY COMMERCIALCHASSIS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
03/07/2001 · Fuel system
WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, RESERVE TANK FILLED INTO PRIMARY TANK EVEN THOUGH THE OTHER TANK WAS FULL, THERE IS A RECALL 93V125 DEALING WITH THIS HOWEVER CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIR. *SLC
10/08/1996 · Brakes
ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP DUE TO CALIPERS RUSTING.