1990 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: SPILLED FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO ASOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALLATION OF REDUNDANT CHECK VALVES.
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 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V125000.
- 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: 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: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CABS WITH GASOLINE ENGINES ANDDUAL FUEL TANKS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICEDATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME WITHOUT CHARGEOR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE,PLEASE CONTACT FORD'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, 300 RENAISSANCE CENTER,P.O. BOX 43360, DETROIT, MI 48243. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFICSAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: REPLACE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.
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 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V141000.
- 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:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES
Summary: INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS.
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
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 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V071000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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. 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 FRO…
What could happen: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE CAPACITY OF THE RECEIVING TANK MAY BE EXCEEDED AND FUEL MAY OVERFLOW FROM THE FILLER CAP.
The fix: 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…
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 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01I008000.
- 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
Summary: 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.
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE CAPACITY OF THE RECEIVING TANK MAY BE EXCEEDED AND FUEL MAY OVERFLOW FROM THE FILLER CAP.
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.
Notes: FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR POTENTIAL FUEL CROSS FLOW PROBLEMS. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
5. 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. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
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 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V101000.
- 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARK GEAR SNAP RING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4 X 2 LIGHT TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH ONE-PIECEDRIVESHAFT AND AN E40D TRANSMISSION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1990 Ford F150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (134), Gasoline (129), Electrical system (40), Wheels / tires (23), Engine (21).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/09/2011 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE FUEL WAS ABNORMALLY LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE REAR FUEL TANK WAS PUMPING FUEL INTO THE FRONT FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM: TANK ASSEMBLY), BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VE…
10/08/2009 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO FUEL TANKS IN HER VEHICLE. WHEN SHE ADDED FUEL TO THE INTENDED TANK, IT WOULD FORCE FUEL INTO THE AUXILIARY TANK AND LEAK OUT OF THE TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT RECALL #93V125000 EXPIRED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD REPAIR TH…
04/30/2009 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F150. AFTER FILLING BOTH OF THE GAS TANKS IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL LEVEL DECREASING. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. AFTER DRIVING FOR TEN MILES, HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR GAS TANK. THE CONTACT SWITCHED THE FUEL USAGE TO THE FRONT FUEL TANK. THE VE…
10/07/2008 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F150. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OPERATING, FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE FILLER NECK OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK IN LARGE AMOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE RECALL STATES THAT A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WI…
04/07/2008 · Fuel system
EXPERIENCING CROSS FILL BETWEEN DUAL TANKS IN 1990 FORD F150. CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS OVERFLOW AND GAS SPILL. CONTACTED LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO SAID MY TRUCK IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO SAID THAT RECALLS ARE "VIN SPECIFIC". EVEN THOUGH OTHER FORDS OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL, WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ARE COVERED.... MINE IS NOT…
01/17/2008 · Fuel system
FUEL TANKS TRANSFER FUEL QUANTITIES FROM ONE TO THE OTHER. THIS HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN ONE INSTANCE OF FUEL OVERFLOW AND AS A RESULT OWNER NO LONGER FILLS BOTH TANKS AT THE SAME TIME. OWNER DOES UNDERSTAND A RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR THIS DEFECT BUT DOES NOT HAVE PROPER INFORMATION TO PROCEED WITH REPAIRS. *TR
01/07/2008 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN HE FILLED THE FUEL TANK. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT TANK LEAKED FUEL INTO THE REAR TANK WHICH CAUSED THE REAR TANK TO LEAK. THEY STATED THAT FUEL PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMB…
11/15/2007 · Fuel system
1990 FORD F-150 TRUCK HAS DUEL FUEL TANKS; FUEL IS PUMPING FROM THE BACK TANK TO THE FRONT TANK AND OVER SPILLING THROUGH THE FUEL CAP ONTO THE GROUND. LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER DATED 7-19-2001 STATES THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL AND THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. QUESTION: HOW CAN RECALLS FROM 8-15-1989 AND 8-2-1993 WHICH CAUSED OVERFLOW AND S…