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
- 21
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 306 |
| 1992 | 479 |
| 1993 | 588 |
| 1994 | 700 |
| 1995 | 626 |
| 1996 | 324 |
| 1997 | 2,758 |
| 1998 | 1,381 |
| 1999 | 1,044 |
| 2000 | 1,076 |
| 2001 | 1,236 |
| 2002 | 821 |
| 2003 | 423 |
| 2004 | 2,029 |
| 2005 | 1,112 |
| 2006 | 585 |
| 2007 | 488 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 843 |
| 2011 | 2,189 |
| 2012 | 1,781 |
| 2013 | 2,993 |
| 2014 | 1,536 |
| 2015 | 1,726 |
| 2016 | 2,079 |
| 2017 | 1,452 |
| 2018 | 2,318 |
| 2019 | 1,337 |
| 2020 | 738 |
| 2021 | 1,030 |
| 2022 | 599 |
| 2023 | 416 |
| 2024 | 194 |
| 2025 | 106 |
| 2026 | 11 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
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, 2019-08-22
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, 2018-01-12
Fuel system, gasoline
6 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
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, 2015-04-15
Also filed under Visibility
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, 2014-08-17
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, 2004-03-08
Power train
4 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1990 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the gear shifted out of the park position intermittently while parked on an incline. Whenever the vehicle shifted out of gear, it rolled forward until the emergency brake was engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-30
Extensive squealing at all speeds before and after driveshaft problem. Serious vibration coming from transfer case/transmisssion at high speeds.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-02
Electrical system
3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
The wiring harness/alternator plug connection is known to show repeated instances of burning,arcing,melting and vehicle fires. I found out about this after this part caused a small fire in our F150 Ford 1990 truck on Saturday, May 10, 2003.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12
The ignition switch was recalled in 1996 because it was a fire danger. The switch was replaced at that time. On July 28, 2000 the ignition switch again caught on fire. At that time champion Ford refused to replace it under the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-24
Wheels
1 of 21 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1992-04-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-27 Fnt reclning seat bck fail
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Ford F-150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.