Check a VIN

1990 Ford F-350 problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Ford F-350 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical F-350 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
39
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
52
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1990 Ford F-350 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    15
  • Engine
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Transmission
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    3
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford F-350

Brake failure 5

Recalls 6

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 23, 1994 · 89,770 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Abrasion of the steel tube wall that eventually causes a fuel leak may result in a fire, if a source of ignition is present.
Remedy
Ford dealers will replace the fuel return tubes with flexible stainless steel braided/teflon tubes. Dealers will also inspect the fuel supply tubes.

Recall number 94V040000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported August 2, 1993 · 1,131,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 93V125000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/liningsReported March 3, 1992 · 467,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Increased stopping distances and inablility to holdvehicles on a steep grade results in increased risk of accident in the event ofa sudden stop or when constant braking is needed to maneuver through areas withsteep grades.
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.

Recall number 92V026000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported June 1, 1990 · 111,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Risk
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.

Recall number 90V101000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank: selector devicesReported August 15, 1989 · 1,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Incorrectly installed fuel line connectors have fuel supply and return lines crossed.
Risk
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.

Recall number 89V141000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 1990 Ford F-350

Defect investigations

Dual fuel tank crossflow/leakageOpened November 4, 1999, closed December 6, 2001

On july 14, 1993 ford filed a defect information report concerning fuel tank cross flow leakage on f-series light trucks and cab chassis built from july 22, 1989 through december 17, 1992.the remedy was to replace the fuel pressure regulator and install a check valve between each fuel supply line and fuel tank (2) to repair the supply side fuel cross flow problem (recall 93v‑125).odi opened rq98-008 on may 29, 1998 because of the large number of alleged remedy failures and reports of fuel cross flow on vehicles outside of the recall population.based onthe information received from ford on august 11, september 30, and december 15, 1998, and the increasing trend of remedy failures and out of scope crossflow reports, odi opened ea99-032 on november 4, 1999.the attached engineering analysis closing report fully describes the results of this investigation and reason for closing.the subject vehicles can experience fuel transfer from one tank to the other due to malfunctions in the fuel system.when fuel is pumped or returned to the non-operating tank (cross flow), the capacity of the non-operating tank can be exceeded, causing fuel to overflow past the filler cap, creating a fire potential.

EA99032

Hydraulic brake line cracks/leaksOpened January 25, 1994, closed April 29, 1994

There is no summary currently available

PE94004

Alternator belt failureOpened June 4, 1993, closed July 29, 1994

There is no summary currently available

EA93014

Fuel expulsionOpened January 7, 1993, closed August 20, 1993

There is no summary currently available

EA93001

Fuel expulsionOpened September 9, 1992, closed January 7, 1993

There is no summary currently available

PE92077

Loss of brake effectivenesOpened October 30, 1991, closed October 30, 1992

===

EA91044

Fuel expulsionOpened June 26, 1991, closed November 1, 1991

There is no summary currently available

EA91031

Spare tire firesOpened June 20, 1991, closed October 25, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91090

Loss of brake effectivenesOpened May 23, 1991, closed October 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91077

Transmission fluid firesOpened April 9, 1991, closed July 5, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91064

Trnsmssion park gear failOpened March 12, 1990, closed June 12, 1990

There is no summary currently available

PE90056

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Ford F-350 52

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 52 bulletins for the 1990 Ford F-350

What 1990 Ford F-350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Fuel system · 44,470 miles · CA

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 care off by dealer no matter how many times it comes up.*ak

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · GA

Vehicle was taken to dealer for recall repairs about 5 years ago. Vehicle had duel gas tanks. The recall was issued because one tank would pump gas into the other tank, and when it was full it would spill over, creating a fire hazard. After recall repairs were done the problem recurred. Consumer felt that the proper work for the recall was insufficiently done because of what was happening currently.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Tires · 1,500 miles · NV

While traveling, the consumer heard a loud popping noise. The consumer pulled over and saw the right front tire tread separated from the wheel. Firestone steeltex, lt 265/75r16. *ak *scc

Filed Feb 7, 2002 · Fuel system · FL

I am speaking on behalf of the owner, I am ted schore of ocala,fl pineywoods automotive 352‑629‑6727 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 number 94s80, I called the local ford dealer to arrange towing and for the recall to be performed and was told the recall had already been done by bay harbor ford in englewood florida. I called the 1-800 number given to me by the local dealer (dearborn?) and was told the it had indeed been done but they were not going to do anything about it now, I informed them that although they show it being done that it was not they pretty much said it was not fords problem and the customer would have to pay to have it repaired. Well my problem is this. The bay harbor ford has been paid to perform the recall but it has not been done. The old line was metal where the new recall was for a plastic line, the kit also had a vinyl trim piece to cover the pinch weld that rubbed the line in the first place. The kit number from ford was f4tz-9j332-a I was told it was on national back order but the parts man was able to get it through another ford dealer. I just wanted to inform you of this because it was a real fire danger and unsafe to drive. Ford"s attitude was just plain wrong. I would think that the dearborn office would have paid to have the truck towed to the nearest dealer, inspected, made note of the recall not being done, performed the recall and go after bay harbor ford, but in so many words I was told tough. I think I saved them from a big lawsuit as the customer hauls horses. Big dollar horses.

Filed Feb 1, 2002 · Fuel system · WA

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 it has not solved the problem. This is a ford motor co. Design flaw. I would like more information on how I can have this unsafe condition addressed. Thank you.

Filed Oct 15, 2001 · Engine · OH · fire

While driving emergency spare tire underneath vehicle caught on fire. Fire was caused by exhaust pipe being too close. Manufacturer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Feb 20, 2001 · Fuel system · UT

93 v 125 000/fuel tank assembly: vehicle experienced a portion of unused fuel from one tank to be returned to second tank. When this occurred second tank exceeded, causing fuel spillages. Spilled fuel could result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that VIN showed that recall repairs were done on this vehicle. But problem has reoccurred, and dealer refused to help in this matter. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter:

Filed Nov 21, 2000 · Tires · AZ

This particular tire exploded @ about 60 MPH on my truck .I had a 5th wheel trailer on behind at the time . It caused 1150.00 dollars damage to the truck. This is the 7th or eighth tire of the same brand &type that I had go bad. The others had the belts come loose and start viberating. I would take them back to a sears store and they would give me an adjustment and charge me 75% of a new tire and put the same type back on. I would question them about the safty of the tire & they would just shake their heads. The first two tires were bought in farmington nm. On the28th of july 1998.the last two were bought the 19 of oct.1999 . Two more were removed the 6th of sept. 2000 but were replaced with different type . Iwas told the quit making it in my size. I still have three in my posession . One is blown and they want me to send it to pirelli for evauation. Sears wants to pass the buck to pirelli . It is my contention the tires are diffenetly dangerous to the public. I was very lucky to have been able to bring my truck under control . I might add that these tires that have lost their belts have been on all for corners of the truck when they went bad. Thank you for your time.*ak (dot number: chor524 tiresize: 235 85 r16)

Filed Nov 15, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

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.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Electrical · AK

Back of the fuse box melted, and consumer lost electrical power.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Ford F-350 before you buy

Compare the 1990 Ford F-350

Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092011201220132014

Questions about the 1990 Ford F-350

Is the 1990 Ford F-350 reliable?

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1990 Ford F-350, fewer than a typical F-350 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford F-350?

Brakes, with 15 complaints. Next is engine (9).

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford F-350 have?

6 recalls, covering electrical system, fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford F-350 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 92V026000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford F-350 have bad brakes?

The Ford F-350 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (78 complaints), 2000 (42 complaints) and 1995 (41 complaints).

Share your experience with the 1990 Ford F-350

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1990 Ford F-350?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN