Ford F250 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA lists 73 safety recalls and 388 owner complaints across 27 model years of the Ford F250 (1967–2008). The most-complained-about year is 1990.
Pick your Ford F250 model year
- 1967
- 1968
- 1969
- 1970
- 1972
- 1973
- 1974
- 1975
- 1976
- 1977
- 1978
- 1979
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford F250 | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 Ford F250 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
| 2005 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
| 1990 Ford F250 | 6 | 107 |
| 1989 Ford F250 | 6 | 101 |
| 1988 Ford F250 | 3 | 62 |
| 1987 Ford F250 | 2 | 38 |
| 1986 Ford F250 | 2 | 38 |
| 1985 Ford F250 | 2 | 21 |
| 1984 Ford F250 | 3 | 10 |
| 1983 Ford F250 | 6 | 1 |
| 1982 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
| 1981 Ford F250 | 5 | 1 |
| 1980 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
| 1979 Ford F250 | 8 | 1 |
| 1978 Ford F250 | 9 | 2 |
| 1977 Ford F250 | 5 | 2 |
| 1976 Ford F250 | 2 | 0 |
| 1975 Ford F250 | 5 | 0 |
| 1974 Ford F250 | 2 | 2 |
| 1973 Ford F250 | 5 | 0 |
| 1972 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
| 1970 Ford F250 | 0 | 1 |
| 1969 Ford F250 | 1 | 0 |
| 1968 Ford F250 | 1 | 1 |
| 1967 Ford F250 | 3 | 0 |
What Ford F250 owners complain about
Across all model years, owners have filed 388 complaints with NHTSA. The 1990 model year has the most, with 107.
All Ford F250 recalls (73)
Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Ford F250, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.
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Brake lights (exterior lighting) and tail lights (exterior lighting)
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
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Equipment adaptive/mobility
Comm trans is recalling 108 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect…
Remedy: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
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Equipment adaptive/mobility
Comm trans is recalling 111 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect…
Remedy: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
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Ignition (electrical system)
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
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.
Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the fuel return tubes with flexible stainless steel braided/teflon tubes. Dealers will also inspect the fuel supply tubes.
Model years: 1990
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Tank assembly (fuel system)
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.
Remedy: Replacement of the fuel pressure regulator and installation of redundant check valves.
Model years: 1990
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Shoes/linings (service brakes)
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.
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.
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Selector devices (fuel system)
The dual fuel tank selector valve may malfunction and cause an overfill condition in one of the fuel tanks, resulting in an overflow of fuel past the filler cap.
Remedy: Replace the dual fuel tank selector valve.
Model years: 1989
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Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)
Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Remedy: Install improved snap ring and revised transmission extension housing.
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Selector devices (fuel system)
Incorrectly installed fuel line connectors have fuel supply and return lines crossed.
Remedy: Replace fuel line assembly.
Model years: 1990
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Auxillary tank (fuel system)
Shields on the fronts of the midship mounted fuel tanks were omitted during assembly.
Remedy: Install fuel tank shields.
Model years: 1989
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Mounting (fuel system)
Fuel reservoir shields, that protect the reservoir from contact by the transfer case in certain frontal impacts, were not installed.
Remedy: Install fuel reservoir protective shields.
Model years: 1989
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Glass, side/rear (visibility)
Sliding rear window may contain glazing panels which do not meet requirements of FMVSS 205.
Remedy: Replace suspect window panels.
Model years: 1988
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Model years: 1986, 1987
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Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)
Wheel lug nut cone angles do not match lug nut seating angles.
Remedy: Repair to prevent loosening of lug nuts.
Model years: 1987
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Mounting (fuel system)
Trucks fail to meet requirement of FMVSS no. 301, fuel system integrity, in a 30 MPH front angular barrier test impact because of the omission of the nose shield on midship fuel tank. Consequence of defect: in case of an accident, fuel spillage in the trucks which do not meet the FMVSS increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Install nose shield on the midship fuel tank. Fuel tank.
Model years: 1985, 1986
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Fuel rail (fuel system)
Metal burrs and sharp edges on fuel rails may have damaged adjacent o-ring seals during assembly. The defect could cause fuel leakage when engine is operating.
Remedy: Fuel rails will be inspected for leaks, wetness or seepage of fuel and, if necessary, fuel rails and related components will be replaced without cost to the owner.
Model years: 1985
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
The secondary throttle shaft may, with accumulated mileage, become contaminated and may stick in a partially open position while driving.
Remedy: The primary to secondary throttle closure link on the carburetor will be replaced free of charge.
Model years: 1984
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Tank assembly (fuel system)
Water separator canister may be punctured in a collision. Crash tests in a 30 MPH frontal collision revealed fuel leakage exceeding the maximum permitted by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity".
Remedy: A protective shield for the canister will be installed without charge.
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Engine (engine and engine cooling)
The involved vehicles were assembled with bolts of an incorrect size for attachment of the front engine mounts to the engine. The engine mount bolts will loosen and eventually fall off and the engine may come off its front engine mounts. This could result in the fuel line becoming damaged or separated in conditions such as driving over…
Remedy: Upon inspection, dealer will replace mount bolts with bolts of the proper size.
Model years: 1984
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
In a collision, bolts may damage or pierce a fuel line, causing fuel spillage. Affected vehicles may not be capable of meeting the minimum fuel leakage requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 301, "fuel system integrity".
Remedy: The dealer will replace the existing 2.18 inch bolts in the left front fender apron with one inch long bolts at no charge.
Model years: 1983
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Automatic transmission (power train)
The parking gear may not engage, even though the gear shift lever is placed in the "park" position. This occurs if the linkage inside the transmission that actuates the park gear was improperly manufactured. A pin that retains components on a linkage (actuating) rod could break and the linkage may not engage the parking gear.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl actuating rod assembly.
Model years: 1983
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Fuel pump (fuel system)
Some of the involved vehicles may have a diode in the electrical fuel pump circuit that may short during engine starting due to inadequate capacity to withstand current draw. A short circuit would result in normal engine starting, but the pump will not continue to supply the engine with fuel.
Remedy: The dealer will replace defective element in the electrical fuel pump circuit with a new relay feed wiring assembly which contains a larger capacity diode, free of charge.
Model years: 1983
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Axle assembly (power train)
On certain vehicles, the lock wedges used to secure the axle bearing nuts to the axle housing may fall out of position, allowing the nut to loosen. The nut on the left side may fall off, allowing movement of the axle shaft.
Remedy: The dealer will replace defective lock wedges with an improved version. Wheel bearings will be inspected and adjusted or replaced, if necessary.
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Hinge and attachments (structure)
The springs that assist in raising the hood may detach from the hood without warning. The hood can be in any position when this occurs.
Remedy: The dealer will replace the hood lift assist spring assemblies with revised parts.
Model years: 1983
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Exterior (visibility)
On the invovled vehicles the driver"s side and passenger"s outside rear view mirrors may have been omitted. This fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 111, "rearview mirrors".
Remedy: Dealer will install the proper mirrors without charge to owner. If outside mirrors have already been installed, owner has the option to keep them as is or have them removed and new mirrors installed.
Model years: 1982
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Carrier/rack (equipment)
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.
Remedy: Dealer will replace bolts and any damaged spare tires at no cost to owner.
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Multi piece (wheels)
The owner"s guide may contain an error in the wheel lug nut torque specification chart. Incorrect information could result in improper torque of the lug nuts during wheel replacement. Lug nuts could come loose during vehicle operation.
Remedy: An adhesive-backed, revised page will be supplied to owners for insertion in the owner"s guide. In addition, dealers will provide torque verification, if one or more wheels have been serviced, at no cost to owners.
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Structure
The involved trucks were manufactured with a certain portion of specified floor pan insulation material (beneath the right front passenger seat) omitted. Because of this omission, a section of the sheet metal floor pan was left exposed over the exhaust system in an area of possible passenger contact.
Remedy: The dealer will install a revised design floorpan insulator pad at no charge to owner.
Model years: 1981
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Mounting (fuel system)
Certain vehicles may have been assembled without the specified fuel tank shield which prevents direct contact between the fuel tank and driveline components. During a 30 MPH frontal barrier impact test, as specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity", fuel leakage may occur.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the existing separate skid plate or fuel tank shield removed (whichever was installed on vehicle). A special combination skid plate/fuel tank shield assembly will be installed in its place free of…
Model years: 1981
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Mounting (fuel system)
During a change in assembly procedures, certain of the mid-ship fuel tank straps may have been improperly installed or mislocated. As a result, they fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity". In the event of a collision, excessive fuel spillage may occur.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, relocate fuel tank straps without charge to owner.
Model years: 1981
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Mounting (fuel system)
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.
Remedy: The involved vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, a fuel tank shield will be installed at no charge to owner.
Model years: 1980
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Tank assembly (fuel system)
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.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install the required mid-ship fuel tank shield, without charge to owner.
Model years: 1980
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Rotor (service brakes)
Dimensional differences in the 1980 versus the 1979 assemblies may allow the inner brake lining/shoe to move outward to a position where it is no longer retained in the shoe slot when the front brake inner linings become worn to the point of needing replacement. The inner brake shoe could then wedge between the rotor and spindle,…
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the hub and rotor assemblies and spindle seals.
Model years: 1979
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Pedals and linkages (service brakes)
The involved vehicles were produced with brake push-rod to brake pedal retaining pins which were not heat-treated as specified. This could allow the brake pedal to become disengaged from the push-rod.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the suspect brake retaining pin.
Model years: 1979
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Arm (steering)
The involved vehicles were assembled with improperly manufactured steering arm knuckles. Should an improperly manufactured steering arm knuckle fracture and separate, the steering linkage tie rod may disengage from the knuckle.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect for cracking in the steering arm knuckles on all vehicles and, if necessary, replace them free of charge.
Model years: 1979
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Mounting (fuel system)
The involved vehicles were manufactured without a fuel tank shield at the front right corner of the midship fuel tank. As a result, the vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity". In the event of a vehicle accident, excessive fuel spillage could result.
Remedy: The dealer will install the required fuel tank shield without charge to owner.
Model years: 1979
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Windshield (visibility)
The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting", in that some of the vehicles were built without the specified windshield weatherstrip retaining components.
Remedy: The dealer will install the windshield weatherstrip retaining components at no cost to owner.
Model years: 1979
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Automatic transmission (power train)
The involved vehicles were equipped with automatic transmissions in which the parking pawl was not heat-treated. During normal vehicle operation, a parking pawl that has not been heat-treated could become deformed or worn to the point that the transmission will not lock in "park". As a result, the vehicle could roll free if the driver…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl with one that has been heat-treated.
Model years: 1979
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Automatic transmission (power train)
These transmissions may contain improperly manufactured parking pawl actuating rods. Consequently, the unhardened cam surface of these rods can allow the rod to deform during use with resultant increase in shift efforts and difficulty in releasing the parking pawl and engaging the parking gear.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the transmission parking pawl actuating rod without charge to owner.
Model years: 1979
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Mounting (fuel system)
The involved vehicles do not contain a fuel tank shield at the front right corner of the mid-ship fuel tank. In the event of a frontal impact, excessive fuel spillage from the fuel tank may occur. This fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity".
Remedy: Dealer will install the necessary fuel tank shield without charge to owner.
Model years: 1979
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Retractor (seat belts)
The driver"s side shoulder belt retractor mounting bracket assembly contains a weld nut which was improperly attached to the bracket. This fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages".
Remedy: The dealer will repair the left side shoulder belt retractor mounting bracket on the involved vehicles free of charge.
Model years: 1978
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Linkages (steering)
These vehicles may be equipped with steering linkages on which cotter pins may not have been installed on castellated nuts to secure the steering drag link and tie-rod connections. Also, these attaching nuts may not have been tightened to specifications. This could allow linkage separation.
Remedy: The dealer will perform necessary corrections to the steering linkage attachments.
Model years: 1978
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Automatic transmission (power train)
Some of these vehicles may be equipped with automatic transmissions that were assembled with improperly manufactured cast iron extension housings. The housings have mislocated cast cam plate stops. A mislocated stop may prevent the transmission from locking in the park position when the gear shift selector lever is placed in the "p"…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmission extension housing without charge to owner.
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Column shift (power train)
The shift selector reaction springs may be deformed as a result of improper installation of selector levers during column buildup. Thus the lever may not be able to be moved into the insert detents located in the steering column assembly. This could prevent the "park" gear from being engaged.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the shift selector reaction spring without charge to owner.
Model years: 1978
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Multi piece (wheels)
The wheel rim diameters on these vehicles may exceed dimensional specifications. This may cause the tires and tubes to be overstressed during mounting or improperly mounted.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheels, and the tires and tubes mounted on these wheels.
Model years: 1978
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Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)
On the involved vehicles, the manual steering gears may contain steering gear recirculatory balls that could fracture. This fracturing is a result of improper heat-treatment during manufacture and can eventually cause increased steering effort.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the ball bearings of the steering gear, without charge to owner.
Model years: 1977
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
On the involved vehicles, leakage may occur at the threaded carburetor-to-fuel filter connection on the suspect carburetors. This is due to an improperly machined carburetor fuel inlet connection.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, will replace the carburetor without charge to owner.
Model years: 1978
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Column shift (power train)
On the involved vehicles, the park actuation support plates are defective due to their susceptibility to cracking due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. As a result, fragments from a broken plate can become lodged in the transmission parking pawl mechanism. This could prevent the transmission parking pawl from engaging when…
Remedy: The dealer will replace the park actuation cam support plates, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.
Model years: 1978
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Linkages (steering)
The pitman arm to steering gear attachment nuts may not have been properly tightened on the involved vehicles. The nut could come off during vehicle operation.
Remedy: Dealer will tighten the pitman arm attaching nut to the correct specifications without charge to owner.
Model years: 1978
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Vehicle speed control
Some of the involved vehicles may have defective carburetors in which, under certain circumstances, the secondary throttle plates may stick open.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the carburetor at no charge to owner.
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
The involved vehicles may experience fuel leakage at the rubber hose connecting the fuel inlet tube to the carburetor filter. This leakage condition is due to insufficient insertion of the fuel tube into the hose or improper positioning of the hose clamp, causing the clamp to be crimped directly over the fuel tube bead.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the existing fuel hose clamp with a spring-type clamp at the hose-to-fuel inlet tube connection, and adjust the connection where necessary, without charge.
Model years: 1977
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Mounting (fuel system)
The upper support strap nuts, attaching the fuel tank, were not tightened to specifications. This may allow the fuel tank to detach and fall to the ground.
Remedy: Dealer will tighten attaching nuts to proper specifications to secure the fuel tank, at no cost to owner.
Model years: 1977
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
Model years: 1976
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Power assist (service brakes)
Model years: 1976
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Caliper (service brakes)
Model years: 1975
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
Model years: 1975
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
Model years: 1975
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
Model years: 1975
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Arm (steering)
Model years: 1974, 1975
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Recliner (seats)
Model years: 1974
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Anchorage (seat belts)
Model years: 1973
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Driveshaft (power train)
Model years: 1973
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
Model years: 1973
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Hydraulic power assist system (steering)
Model years: 1973
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Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)
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Wheel bearing (suspension)
Model years: 1972
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Anchorage (seat belts)
Model years: 1972
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Latch (latches/locks/linkages)
Model years: 1969
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Body (structure)
Model years: 1968
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Suspension
Model years: 1967
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Arm (steering)
Model years: 1967
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Master cylinder (service brakes)
Model years: 1967
Other Ford models
- F-15037,961 complaints
- Explorer34,566 complaints
- Escape27,430 complaints
- Fusion22,405 complaints
- Focus22,096 complaints
- Taurus18,159 complaints
- Windstar14,158 complaints
- Edge14,065 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.