Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1990 Ford F350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

39 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

44,470 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 39 complaints (23.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1128.2%
Fuel system concerns512.8%
Transmission and shifting25.1%
Engine operation25.1%
Electrical and battery issues25.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
4
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices
4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline4
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 9; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 36 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
9
1996
6
1997
4
1998
7
1999
2
2000
4
2001
2
2002
2
2003
1
2004
1
2005
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19959
19966
19974
19987
19992
20004
20012
20022
20031
20041
20051

1995: 9; 1996: 6; 1997: 4; 1998: 7; 1999: 2; 2000: 4; 2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2003: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 521336 · 1997-09-23 (September 23, 1997)

BRAKES OVERHEATED DUE TO ENGINE HEAT ON UNSHIELDED BRAKE LINE CAUSED BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND BECOME INOPERABLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 521336 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 819846 · 1997-12-09 (December 9, 1997)

THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTOR CRACKED IN HALF 9 TIMES IN 80,000 MILES WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. ROTORS HAVE CRACKED NINE TIMES. *SLC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 819846 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 757633 · 2002-02-01 (February 1, 2002)

THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE RECALL NOTICES FOR THE FORD F-SERIES DUAL FUEL TANK DESIGN FLAW. WHEN BOTH TANKS ON MY TRUCK ARE FILLED TO CAPACITY, ONE TANK WILL EMPTY ITS CONTENTS INTO THE OTHER FULL FUEL TANK AND WILL SPRAY OUT FUEL ON TO THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES POSING A GREAT FIRE HAZARD. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK BY THE LOCAL DEALER (MCCULLOM FORD IN SPOKANE WA) THEY HAVE RETURNED MY TRUCK WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE PERFORMED FORDS RECOMMENDED FIX AND THAT I…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 757633 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 757905 · 2002-02-07 (February 7, 2002)

I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER, I AM TED SCHORE OF OCALA,FL PINEYWOODS AUTOMOTIVE [phone removed] THE CUSTOMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED IN BECAUSE OF A NO START (BATTERY WAS BAD) AND AFTER THE REPAIR AND RUNNING NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM THE BELL HOUSING AREA. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE FUEL RETURN LINE FROM THE PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE CONNECTION TO THE LINE FROM THE TANK, APPROX 12 INCHES LONG AND METAL. THE PINCH WELD ABOVE THE BELL HOUSING RUBBED THE LINE THROUGH. I CHECK FOR SERVICE BULLETINS AND RECALLS AND FOUND A RECALL…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 757905 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 513747 · 1997-01-17 (January 17, 1997)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUSHING FAILED TWICE DUE TO DESIGN.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 513747 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 806666 · 1996-12-23 (December 23, 1996)

THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES BY THE DEALER AND WHEN OUT AGAIN DEALER WOULDN'T REPLACE IT . *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 806666 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 481196 · 1995-02-17 (February 17, 1995)

VEHICLE STALLED THEN EXPLODED, CAUSING INJURY.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481196 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 875008 · 2000-11-15 (November 15, 2000)

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH & VEHICLE STALLED. REAR FUEL TANK SPILLED GAS ALL OVER HIGHWAY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO FORD DEALER FUEL TANK FELL OFF. SHIELD THAT GUARDS THE TANK DROPPED & GAS LINES WERE DISCONNECTED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 875008 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 860301 · 2000-04-13 (April 13, 2000)

BACK OF THE FUSE BOX MELTED, AND CONSUMER LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 860301 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

7.7%Usable mileage3 / 39 records
82.1%Valid incident date32 / 39 records
100.0%Valid filing date39 / 39 records
82.1%Ordered incident and filing dates32 / 39 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
Component2005200620072008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

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.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

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, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector DevicesToo few reports for a range44,470 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10125621 · 44,470 mi

DT: THE CROSS OVER OF THE FUEL IMPROPERLY OVERFILLS THE SECOND TANK, SPILLING FUEL OUT OF VEHICLE. THERE WERE 2 SAFETY RECALLS OF THIS ITEM. BUT FORD WAS SAYING THAT ONE RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF BY A PREVIOUS OWNER. THE SECOND RECALL EXPIRED, AND FORD WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY THE CUSTOMER AND THE REPAIR FACILITY. FORD WAS STILL NOT WILLING TO HELP. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE CUSTOMER WAS HAVING IT REPAIRED AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. IF THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS PROBLEM IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CA…

Look up ODI 10125621 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

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2007000
2008000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2007000
2008000

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
ComponentService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation ComponentsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineFuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector DevicesEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust SystemFuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank AssemblyPower Train:Automatic Transmission
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components—0000000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip0—00000
1
ODI 500606

SEAT BELT FAILED.

Look up ODI 500606 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00—0
1
ODI 539458

ENGINE FAILED TWO TIMES DUE TO CONTAMINATION AS PER RECALL NOTICE.

Look up ODI 539458 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 875008

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH & VEHICLE STALLED. REAR FUEL TANK SPILLED GAS ALL OVER HIGHWAY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO FORD DEALER FUEL TANK FELL OFF. SHIELD THAT GUARDS THE TANK DROPPED & GAS LINES WERE DISCONNECTED. *AK

Look up ODI 875008 at NHTSA ↗

0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00
1
ODI 539458

ENGINE FAILED TWO TIMES DUE TO CONTAMINATION AS PER RECALL NOTICE.

Look up ODI 539458 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System00000—00
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly00
1
ODI 875008

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH & VEHICLE STALLED. REAR FUEL TANK SPILLED GAS ALL OVER HIGHWAY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO FORD DEALER FUEL TANK FELL OFF. SHIELD THAT GUARDS THE TANK DROPPED & GAS LINES WERE DISCONNECTED. *AK

Look up ODI 875008 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0
1
ODI 500606

SEAT BELT FAILED.

Look up ODI 500606 at NHTSA ↗

00000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 10.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 963950

ABS, WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS. TT

Look up ODI 963950 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 972747

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING COMING DOWN A MOUNTAIN THE BRAKE FAILED . TT CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE NEEDS A HEAT SHIELD AND INSULATION ON BRAKE HOSES, A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON SOME FORD 350'S BECAUSE OF BRAKE AND FIRE PROBLEMS, HOWEVER THIS UNIT WAS NOT INCLUDED. *SLC

Look up ODI 972747 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 978345

WHEN APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL FADES GOING TO THE FLOOR . TT

Look up ODI 978345 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 5.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 481196

VEHICLE STALLED THEN EXPLODED, CAUSING INJURY.

Look up ODI 481196 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 875008

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH & VEHICLE STALLED. REAR FUEL TANK SPILLED GAS ALL OVER HIGHWAY. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO FORD DEALER FUEL TANK FELL OFF. SHIELD THAT GUARDS THE TANK DROPPED & GAS LINES WERE DISCONNECTED. *AK

Look up ODI 875008 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 757905

I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER, I AM TED SCHORE OF OCALA,FL PINEYWOODS AUTOMOTIVE [phone removed] THE CUSTOMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED IN BECAUSE OF A NO START (BATTERY WAS BAD) AND AFTER THE REPAIR AND RUNNING NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM THE BELL HOUSING AREA. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE FUEL RETURN LINE FROM THE PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE CONNECTION TO THE LINE FROM THE TANK, APPROX 12 INCHES LONG AND METAL. THE PINCH WELD ABOVE THE BELL HOUSING RUBBED THE LINE THROUGH. I CHECK FOR SERVICE BULLETINS AND RECALLS AND FOUND A RECALL…

Look up ODI 757905 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 757905

I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER, I AM TED SCHORE OF OCALA,FL PINEYWOODS AUTOMOTIVE [phone removed] THE CUSTOMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED IN BECAUSE OF A NO START (BATTERY WAS BAD) AND AFTER THE REPAIR AND RUNNING NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM THE BELL HOUSING AREA. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE FUEL RETURN LINE FROM THE PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE CONNECTION TO THE LINE FROM THE TANK, APPROX 12 INCHES LONG AND METAL. THE PINCH WELD ABOVE THE BELL HOUSING RUBBED THE LINE THROUGH. I CHECK FOR SERVICE BULLETINS AND RECALLS AND FOUND A RECALL…

Look up ODI 757905 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b