1990 Ford F-150
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 304 |
| 1992 | 470 |
| 1993 | 586 |
| 1994 | 676 |
| 1995 | 626 |
| 1996 | 324 |
| 1997 | 2758 |
| 1998 | 1381 |
| 1999 | 1044 |
| 2000 | 1074 |
| 2001 | 1236 |
| 2002 | 820 |
| 2003 | 421 |
| 2004 | 2027 |
| 2005 | 1112 |
| 2006 | 584 |
| 2007 | 487 |
| 2008 | 368 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 840 |
| 2011 | 2179 |
| 2012 | 1771 |
| 2013 | 2956 |
| 2014 | 1497 |
| 2015 | 1638 |
| 2016 | 1976 |
| 2017 | 1379 |
| 2018 | 2218 |
| 2019 | 1270 |
| 2020 | 677 |
| 2021 | 934 |
| 2022 | 554 |
| 2023 | 382 |
| 2024 | 178 |
| 2025 | 97 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND INSIDE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. ALSO, WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE AND OPENING THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL POURED OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190822
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-150. WHILE FILLING UP THE FRONT FUEL TANK, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FROM THE FRONT ENTERED THE REAR FUEL TANK, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR FUEL TANK TO OVERFLOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180112
5 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TRUCK HAS 9000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT NOW, BUT I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND (1) WHY THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER A CARPORT? (2) FUEL GAUGE ON FRONT TANK ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WHEN ITS FULL?
NHTSA ODI report, 20150415
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME SMELLED GAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK. I HAVE DUEL TANKS ON MY TRUCK. I JUST FILLED THE FRONT TANK, AND ONLY WENT 10 MILES AND NOTICE THE TANK WAS ON LITTLE OVER HALF FULL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140817
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A FUEL LEAK PROBLEM. FUEL WAS RUNNING FROM THE FRONT TANK TO THE BACK TANK, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FUEL TUBE AND SPILL ON THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040308
1 of 21 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TRUCK HAS 9000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT NOW, BUT I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND (1) WHY THE WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER A CARPORT? (2) FUEL GAUGE ON FRONT TANK ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WHEN ITS FULL?
NHTSA ODI report, 20150415
1 of 21 total reports mentions: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
FNT RECLNING SEAT BCK FAIL
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Ford F-150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Ford F-150 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford F-150?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Ford F-150 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.