Engine
4.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 81 of 107 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Fuel system
41 complaint records4 fire reports
"THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING FUEL IN ONE TANK TO FLOW INTO THE SECOND TANK, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Brakes
29 complaint records2 crash reports
"WHEN PULLING TRAILER BRAKES GIVE OUT AND RESULTING IN BRAKE LOST, REPLACE MODULATER VALVE UNDER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
14 complaint records6 fire reports1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME FROM THE WHEEL WELL AND HOOD THEN A FIRE STARTED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA99032 opened Nov 1999 | closed Dec 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | DUAL FUEL TANK CROSSFLOW/LEAKAGE - led to recall 01I008000 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... |
| RQ98008 opened May 1998 | closed Nov 1999 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FORD F-SERIES DUAL FUEL TANK LEAKAGE - led to recall 93V125000 THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE FUEL TRANSFER FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP.FROM THE INFORMATION GATHERED TO DATE, IT APPEARS THAT THERE CAN BE MULTIPLE CAUSES AND/OR A COMBINATION OF CAUSES FOR FUEL CROSS FLOW AND THAT THE RECALL... |
| EA93026 opened Oct 1993 | closed Feb 1994 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL LINE ROUTING - led to recall 94V040000 There is no summary currently available |
| EA93014 opened Jun 1993 | closed Jul 1994 | Electrical System | ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| EA93001 opened Jan 1993 | closed Aug 1993 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL EXPULSION - led to recall 93V125000 There is no summary currently available |
Show 6 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE92077 opened Sep 1992 | closed Jan 1993 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL EXPULSION There is no summary currently available |
| EA91044 opened Oct 1991 | closed Oct 1992 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES - led to recall 92V026000 === |
| EA91031 opened Jun 1991 | closed Nov 1991 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL EXPULSION - led to recall 91V146000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE91090 opened Jun 1991 | closed Oct 1991 | Equipment | SPARE TIRE FIRES There is no summary currently available |
| PE91077 opened May 1991 | closed Oct 1991 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES There is no summary currently available |
| PE91064 opened Apr 1991 | closed Jul 1991 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V071000 | Electrical System | THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT. | Normally free |
| 94V040000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 93V125000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 92V026000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. | Normally free |
| 90V101000 | Power Train | UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 89V141000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED FUEL LINE CONNECTORS HAVE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CROSSED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994043 1994-03-03 | Fuel System | 5,928 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.5 LITRE ENGINES. THE FUEL RETURN TUBE, WHICH CONNECTS THE FRAME FUEL RETURN LINE WITH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL, MAY CONTACT THE PINCH WELD FLANGE CONNECTING THE DASH PANEL TO THE FLOOR PAN. |
| 1992026 1992-03-10 | Brakes | 40,898 | NOTE: VEHICLES WITH 7.3 LITRE DIESEL AND 7.5 LITRE EFI ENGINES OVER 8500 LB. GVWR AND 4X4 MODELS WITH 5.8 LITRE EFI ENGINES. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98167 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION-E40D-NO 2-3 UPSHIFT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. *AK | |
| 98168 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN CONTROLS, SEPARATOR PLATES AND SEPARATOR PLATE GASKETS USAGE CHART. YD | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC |
Show 29 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 985A29 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, IRREGULAR FRONT LINING WEAR, AND BRAKE PULL. *YC | |
| 985A38 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | FRONT CALIPER PISTON BOOTS DAMAGED. *YC | |
| 985A12 Mar 1998 | Equipment | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 010198 Jan 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP "CAVITATION" EROSION IN THE CYLINDER WALL OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9747 Feb 1997 | Structure | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD | |
| 9748 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS- FEAD BELT COMES OFF- VEHICLES WITH 4.9L ENGINE. *JD | |
| 97310 Feb 1997 | Suspension | NOISE- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FRONT FRAME OR SUSPENSION BRACKETS- FRAME- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FASTENER REPLACEMENT. *JD | |
| 97215 Jan 1997 | Unknown Or Other | DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY VEHICLES TO BE USED AS A MASTER COPY - DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM ADISTRA. *TW | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| 96728 Mar 1996 | Power Train | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVERSE CLUTCH PISTON AND PISTON SEAL USAGE. *TT | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| 951515 Jul 1995 | Steering | STEERING GEAR-REPLACEMENT OF BENDIX, STEERING GEAR WITH NEW ROSS STEEERING GEAR. *SD | |
| 951112 Jun 1995 | Power Train | REVISED DESIGN TRANSMISSION REAR CASE BUSHING. *TW | |
| 951113 Jun 1995 | Power Train | DELAYED FORWARD ENGAGEMENT AND/OR HEAT STAINED FORWARD CLUTCH PLATES AFTER INSTALLING CENTER SUPPORT SERVICE. *TW | |
| BC2681950503 May 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LACK OF POWER OR NO START CONDITION MAY BE DUE TO EXHAUST RESTRICTION CAUSED BY A PLUGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND/OR MUFFLER. *TW | |
| 9597 May 1995 | Suspension | UNKNOWN | |
| 95912 May 1995 | Electrical System | UNKNOWN | |
| BC4225 Apr 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE A LACK OF POWER OR NO START CONDITION CAUSED BY A PLUGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR MUFFLER. *TW | |
| 95711 Apr 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LACK OF POWER OR A NO START CONDITION DUE TO AN EXHAUST RESTRICTION. *TW | |
| 9588 Apr 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | KNOCKING NOISE ON INITIAL START-UP. *TW | |
| 95524 Mar 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THERE MAY BE A CONCERN OF POOR PERFORMANCE, COOLANT IN THE OIL AND ENGINE KNOCKING AND/OR HYDRAULIC LOCK ON SOME VEHICLES. *TW | |
| 9568 Mar 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED OIL PAN GASKET. *TW | |
| 95619 Mar 1995 | Power Train | NEW DESIGN TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford F250 →