1980 Ford F150
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1980
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1980: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 10 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 28 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 89 |
| 1988 | 141 |
| 1989 | 210 |
| 1990 | 254 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Wheels
1 of 3 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Show complaint excerpts
Lug nuts were too loose causing them to break off, esulting in wheel falling off. (Ohio state police report)
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-04-02
Suspension
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing upper ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
Multiple failures, drive link, bushings, bearings. Costly to repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-10
Exterior lighting
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Sometimes when driving at night the headlights go off and sometimes go on somtime took truck to repair shop can't find problem .
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-16
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1979-10-18Power train79V237000 The involved vehicles may have been produced with rear axle shafts (Right or left) that did not receive proper heat treatment of the bearing journals.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace both rear axle shafts at no cost to owner.
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1980-05-09Fuel system, gasoline80V044000 Certain vehicles were not equipped with a front protective shield for the mid-ship fuel tank. These vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel system integrity".
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install the required mid-ship fuel tank shield, without charge to owner.
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1980-09-17Fuel system, gasoline80V103000 The involved vehicles were manufactured without the midship fuel tank protective shields. As a result, they do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel system integrity"…
Remedy: The involved vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, a fuel tank shield will be installed at no charge to owner.
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1982-05-10Equipment82V024000 The reinforcement for the in-box spare tire carrier may have been attached using incorrect hex head bolts. If the carrier and reinforcement attaching bolts are incorrect, the potential exists for…
Remedy: Dealer will replace bolts and any damaged spare tires at no cost to owner.
Buy-smart checklist
1980 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 79V237000 · Power train
- Recall 80V044000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 80V103000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 82V024000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1980 Ford F150 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 1980 Ford F150?
- The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1980 Ford F150 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.