Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Ford B SERIES recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

4 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

148,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1971 to 1998 model years. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1982
1
1984
1
1985
1
1987
1
1988
0
1990
1
1993
0
1994
0
1998
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19821
19841
19851
19871
19880
19901
19930
19940
19980

1982: 1; 1984: 1; 1985: 1; 1987: 1; 1988: 0; 1990: 1; 1993: 0; 1994: 0; 1998: 0

Year-by-year records

Ford B SERIES model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
197101Not available
1972010
1973010
197402+1
197503+1
197602-1
1977020
197801-1
1979010
198201Not available
198401Not available
1985010
198701Not available
198810-1
199001Not available
199310Not available
1994100
199810Not available

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

78V153000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Reported: 1978-07-03 (July 3, 1978) · Model years: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND CHIP DUE TO HIGH STRESSES CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. THE CHIPPED PIECES OF THE BLADE COULD FLY INTO THE UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS. ALSO, THESE PIECES COULD FLY OUT FROM THE VEHICLE IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITH ONE OF ANOTHER DESIGN AT NO COST TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
76V035000 · Suspension:Front:Springs:Leaf Spring Assembly:Hanger,Bracket

Reported: 1976-03-03 (March 3, 1976) · Model years: 1974, 1975

NHTSA campaign record ↗
79V077000 · Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 1979-03-29 (March 29, 1979) · Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

CERTAIN AIR BRAKE ANTI-LOCK MODULATORS COULD MALFUNCTION DURING OPERATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. A NYLON PISTON WITHIN THE MODULATOR AIR VALVE SYSTEM CAN SWELL FROM EXPOSURE TO SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE THE PISTON TO SWELL TO THE EXTENT THAT INTERFERENCE WITH THE CYLINDER WALL WILL RESULT, CAUSING MOMENTARY STICKING OR A PERMANENT JAM. THIS CAN RESULT IN TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKING FOR THE AFFECTED AXLE.

Remedy: THE PISTONS IN THE VALVE PORTION OF THE MODULATORS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PISTONS THAT DO NOT SWELL WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
83V033000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum

Reported: 1983-03-22 (March 22, 1983) · Model years: 1982

SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LEFT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INCORRECTLY PRODUCED AND MAY HAVE ONE OR TWO AUTOMATIC BRAKE ADJUSTERS THAT WERE INTENDED FOR RIGHT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. THE ADJUSTER WORKS BACKWARDS AND INCREASES THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND DRUM, INSTEAD OF MAINTAINING IT.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LEFT REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY AT NO CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
85V168000 · Parking Brake:Driveline:Air

Reported: 1985-12-20 (December 20, 1985) · Model years: 1984, 1985

THE HYDRAULIC PARKING BRAKE CONTROL VALVE MAY INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATE DUE TO MOMENTARY PRESSURE DISRUPTIONS WITHIN THE SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BE APPLIED, STOPPING OR SLOWING THE TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS UNEXPECTED STOPPING OR SLOWING OF THE TRUCK MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A REAR END COLLISION SINCE THE BRAKE (STOP) LIGHTS ARE NOT ACTIVATED. ALSO, ON CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS THIS OCCURRENCE MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH WOULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE PUSH-PULL TYPE BRAKE CONTROL VALVE WITH NEW OVER-CENTER CAM TYPE VALVES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
87V059000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Springs

Reported: 1987-04-27 (April 27, 1987) · Model years: 1987

DIESEL ENGINE GOVEERNOR LEVER ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED SO THAT ONE OR MORE OF THREE RETAINING PRONGS MAY NOT BE ENGAGED IN THE GOVERNOR LEVER PIVOT SHAFTS.

Consequence: SEPARATION OF ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND RETURN SPRINGSCOULD OCCUR, CAUSING THE TIME FOR THE ENGINE TO RETURN TO IDLE FROM AN OPENTHROTTLE POSITION TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE.

Remedy: REPLACE GOVERNOR LEVER ASSEMBLIES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
90V100000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

Reported: 1990-05-24 (May 24, 1990) · Model years: 1990

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

4 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

25.0%Usable mileage1 / 4 records
100.0%Valid incident date4 / 4 records
100.0%Valid filing date4 / 4 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates4 / 4 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19841985198719881990199319941998
Fuel System, Gasoline
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10169175 · 148,000 mi

WHEN FILLING UP AT THE END GAS COMES OUT AT THE TOP OF HOSE ON THE UNDER SIDE AND SPILL ON GROUND. *JB

Look up ODI 10169175 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 489468

POWER STEERING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (94V-118), CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SKD

Look up ODI 489468 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering:Rack And Pinion
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 962327

HEMPSTEAD LINCOLN MERCURY 94V118. CALLER HAS FIVE ADDITIONAL BUSES. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY NEVER RECIEVED NOTIFICATION OF RECALL. TT

Look up ODI 962327 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires:Tread/Belt
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 895341

WAS DRIVING 63MPH AND HAD HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AGAINST VEHICLE. PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED LEFT REAR INNER TIRE HAD RIPPED A HOLE IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT. NOTICED TREAD HAD ALSO SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHICH REMAINED INTACTED. FOUR WINDS MOTORHOME, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, FIRESTONE, STEEL TEX, LT225/75R16 WITH 50,000 MILES.*AK

Look up ODI 895341 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range148,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10169175 · 148,000 mi

WHEN FILLING UP AT THE END GAS COMES OUT AT THE TOP OF HOSE ON THE UNDER SIDE AND SPILL ON GROUND. *JB

Look up ODI 10169175 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1994: 0 complaints · 1998: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1994000
1998000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1994100
1998100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentFuel System, GasolineSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist SystemSteering:Rack And PinionTires:Tread/Belt
Fuel System, Gasoline—000
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System0—00
Steering:Rack And Pinion00—0
Tires:Tread/Belt000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 25.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 489468

POWER STEERING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (94V-118), CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SKD

Look up ODI 489468 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b