1980 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH REAR AXLE SHAFTS (RIGHT OR LEFT) THAT DID NOT RECEIVE PROPER HEAT TREATMENT OF THE BEARING JOURNALS.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE BOTH REAR AXLE SHAFTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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 1980 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V237000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH REAR AXLE SHAFTS (RIGHT OR LEFT) THAT DID NOT RECEIVE PROPER HEAT TREATMENT OF THE BEARING JOURNALS.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE BOTH REAR AXLE SHAFTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, LIGHT.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR AXLE SHAFT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE AXLE SHAFT MAY FRACTUREUNDER SEVERE OR EXTENDED USE CAUSING LOSS OF A REAR WHEEL, POSSIBLE LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. THE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE IN-BOX SPARE TIRE CARRIER MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED USING INCORRECT HEX HEAD BOLTS. IF THE CARRIER AND REINFORCEMENT ATTACHING BOLTS ARE INCORRECT, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE TIRE SIDEWALL TO BE DAMAGED OR WEAKENED BY EXTENDED CONTACT WITH THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BOLT HEADS.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS AND ANY DAMAGED SPARE TIRES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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 1980 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V024000.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
Summary: THE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE IN-BOX SPARE TIRE CARRIER MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED USING INCORRECT HEX HEAD BOLTS. IF THE CARRIER AND REINFORCEMENT ATTACHING BOLTS ARE INCORRECT, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE TIRE SIDEWALL TO BE DAMAGED OR WEAKENED BY EXTENDED CONTACT WITH THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BOLT HEADS.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS AND ANY DAMAGED SPARE TIRES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICK-UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL SIDE-MOUNTED, IN-BOXSPARE TIRE CARRIERS.SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; SPARE TIRE CARRIERS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE TIRE COULD FAIL WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATIONCAUSING LOSS OF AIR AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE REQUIRED MID-SHIP FUEL TANK SHIELD, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1980 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V044000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE REQUIRED MID-SHIP FUEL TANK SHIELD, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS (4X2 AND 4X4).SYSTEM: FUEL; MID-SHIP FUEL TANK SHIELD.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL SPILLAGE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT IN AVEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY TO PASSENGERS.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SHIELDS. AS A RESULT, THEY DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY", DUE TO EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE UPON FRONTAL IMPACT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, A FUEL TANK SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1980 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V103000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SHIELDS. AS A RESULT, THEY DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY", DUE TO EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE UPON FRONTAL IMPACT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, A FUEL TANK SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, LIGHT, (4 X 2) EQUIPPED WITH 2-PIECE DRIVE SHAFTS.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, ATTACHMENTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONALINJURY.NOTE: IT IS ADVISED THAT OWNERS REFRAIN FROM DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES UNTILDEFECT HAS BEEN REMEDIED.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (1), Wheels / tires (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
10/27/2004 · Suspension
MULTIPLE FAILURES, DRIVE LINK, BUSHINGS, BEARINGS. COSTLY TO REPAIR. *BF *TC
11/20/1997 · Wheels / tires
LUG NUTS WERE TOO LOOSE CAUSING THEM TO BREAK OFF, ESULTING IN WHEEL FALLING OFF. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
12/16/1996 · Lights
SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND SOMETIMES GO ON SOMTIME TOOK TRUCK TO REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND PROBLEM . *AK