Vehicles / Ford / F-150 / 1993

1993 Ford F-150

586 federal complaints (753 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 72 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 40 model years of the Ford F-150 →
Engine
4.9L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
586
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Fuel system
309
Brakes
101
Engine & cooling
57
Power train
50
Speed control
42
Electrical system
40
Tires
37
Suspension
25
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

0 years old: 15 complaints01 years old: 17 complaints2 years old: 39 complaints3 years old: 40 complaints4 years old: 33 complaints5 years old: 38 complaints56 years old: 48 complaints7 years old: 50 complaints8 years old: 59 complaints9 years old: 15 complaints10 years old: 14 complaints1011 years old: 11 complaints12 years old: 13 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 17 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 9 complaints17 years old: 5 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 24 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 460 of 586 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 0 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 6 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 8 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 7 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 11 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 17 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 81 of 586 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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

309 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A FUEL LEAK. BUT VERY STRONG FUMES FLAW INTO THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED...."- 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

101 complaint records1 fire report7 crash reports
"BRAKES FROZE DUE TO TEMPERATURE BEING 50 DEGREES BELOW ZERO, CAUSING THEM TO LOCK UP SENDING VEHICLE INTO SNOW BANK. *SD..."- 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 →

Engine & cooling

57 complaint records5 fire reports
"THE POLLUTION CONTROL VALVE IS DEFECTIVE, ALLOWING EXHAUST GASES TO ESCAPE AND BE PULLED INTO THE TRUCK'S INTERIOR. *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 engine & cooling 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA99032
opened Nov 1999
closed Dec 2001Vehicle Speed ControlDUAL 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 1999Fuel System, GasolineFORD 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...

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
08V051000Vehicle Speed ControlFORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS,...Normally free
07V336000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.Normally free
00V424000Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DUAL FUEL TANKS. THE CARBON STEEL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR IN THE FUEL SYSTEM CAN WEAR OUT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.Normally free
94V169001Parking BrakeTHE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.Normally free
94V018000StructureTHE U-CLIP STYLE NUTS THAT RETAIN THE FRONT BUMPERS TO THE FRONT BUMPER INNER ARMS CAN FRACTURE.Normally free
93V125000Fuel System, GasolineA 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
93V089000Power TrainTHE TRANSFER CASES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE WRONG ELECTRIC SHIFT MOTOR. THE TRANSFER CASES CAN SLIP OUT OF THE 4 X 4 HIGH GEAR POSITION DURING COASTING IN FORWARD GEARS OR WITH POWER APPLIED IN REVERSE GEAR.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2008038
2008-02-06
Electrical8,869On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258.
2007258
2007-08-07
Electrical165,447On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28).
2000307
2000-12-29
Fuel System17,024On certain vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks, a carbon steel fuel pressure regulator in the fuel system may wear out during the life of the vehicle.
1993080
1993-06-01
Powertrain69NOTE: 4X4 VEHICLES ONLY. VEHICLES WITH THE TOUCH DRIVE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE EQUIPPED WITH PRIOR LEVEL ELECTRIC SHIFT MOTORS MAY SLIP OUT OF THE 4X4 HIGH-GEAR POSITION DURING COASTING IN FORWARD GEARS OR WITH POWER APPLIED IN...

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
002310
Nov 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
98167
Apr 2000
Power TrainTRANSMISSION-E40D-NO 2-3 UPSHIFT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. *AK
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
98168
Apr 2000
Power TrainTRANSMISSION- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN CONTROLS, SEPARATOR PLATES AND SEPARATOR PLATE GASKETS USAGE CHART. YD
0038
Feb 2000
Power TrainVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SOLID PARTICLE CONTAMINANTS FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR, MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FLUSHED, FLUID IN-LINE FILTER KIT. *MJS
0011
Jan 2000
Parking BrakeVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL WHICH GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH MINIMAL EFFORT- BRONCO AND F-SERIES BUILT THROUGH 4/22/1994 AND EXPLORER/RANGER BUILT THROUGH 5/13/94.
0012
Jan 2000
Parking BrakeINFORMATION REGARDING PARKING BRAKE CONTROL ASSEMBLY CONCERNS- BRONCO AND F-SERIES BUILT THROUGH 4/22/1994 AND EXPLORER/RANGER BUILT THROUGH 5/13/1994. *MJS
0013
Jan 2000
Parking BrakePROCEDURE FOR SERVICING PARKING BRAKE- SERVICE TIP- BRONCO AND F-SERIES BUILT THROUGH 4/22/1994 AND EXPLORER/RANGER BUILT THROUGH 5/13/1994. *MJS
0015
Jan 2000
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222
Oct 1999
Electrical SystemSUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99194
Sep 1999
Service BrakesINFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT
99196
Sep 1999
EquipmentINFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99129
Jun 1999
EquipmentEXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT
12905
Jun 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AXLE WIND UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HI OR LOW RANGE MODE. *TT
99816
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
99-8-15
May 1999
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
98246
Dec 1998
Electrical SystemFORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
982010
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC
9888
Apr 1998
Power TrainINFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9852
Apr 1998
TiresINFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9864
Mar 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A5
Mar 1998
Service BrakesHUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC
985A11
Mar 1998
Service BrakesSERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC
985A13
Mar 1998
Service BrakesTHE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC
985A37
Mar 1998
Service BrakesTHE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL MAY GO TO THE FOOR WITH LITTLE OR NO EFFORT DURING APPLICATION. *YC
985A12
Mar 1998
EquipmentRECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT
985A46
Mar 1998
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DRIFT OR PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE BRAKING. *TT
9845
Mar 1998
Service BrakesAVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC
9848
Mar 1998
EquipmentANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC
98419
Mar 1998
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) 62,628, AND/OR 1728. *YC
983074
Feb 1998
Power TrainCONCERNS WITH AXLE WIND-UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS. *TT
9814
Jan 1998
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT
98122
Jan 1998
VisibilityPERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT FOR DEFROSTER. *TT
98123
Jan 1998
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) 62, 628, AND / OR 1728 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
97050110621
May 1997
Child SeatPART NUMBER INFORMATION FOR THE USE OF A CHILD SEAT TETHER. *TW
BC2301970501
May 1997
Power TrainNEW CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER WITH A REDESIGNED LIP SEAL. *TW
9778
Mar 1997
Exterior LightingHEADLAMP- HEADLAMP HOUSING MELTS- AMBULANCE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES ONLY. *JD
9768
Mar 1997
Unknown Or OtherFUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD
97511
Mar 1997
Power TrainFLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
9747
Feb 1997
StructureFRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD
9748
Feb 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS- FEAD BELT COMES OFF- VEHICLES WITH 4.9L ENGINE. *JD
BC3287970206
Feb 1997
Power TrainTHE CLUTCH MAY BE HARD TO DEPRESS DUE TO DUST/CONTAMINATION ENTERING THE SLAVE CYLINDER. *TW
97310
Feb 1997
SuspensionNOISE- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FRONT FRAME OR SUSPENSION BRACKETS- FRAME- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FASTENER REPLACEMENT. *JD
962612
Dec 1996
Power TrainTRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246
Nov 1996
Electrical SystemWIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96249
Nov 1996
Power TrainTORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
BC0678961025
Oct 1996
Power TrainINFORMATION ON AODE/4R7W TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL & CASE REPLACEMENT. *TT
96221
Oct 1996
VisibilityWINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
96222
Oct 1996
Service BrakesBRAKES - ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96226
Oct 1996
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING - COMPRESSOR FAILURE - INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT OIL. *TW
BC0883961004
Oct 1996
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST LEAK &/OR NOISE DUE TO WARPED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. *TT
96728
Mar 1996
Power TrainSERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVERSE CLUTCH PISTON AND PISTON SEAL USAGE. *TT
BC0131960102
Dec 1995
Power Train4X4 FRONT AXLES MUST USE HYPOID 4X4 GEAR OIL P/N F1TZ-19580-A & HIGH TEMP 4X4 FRONT AXLE & WHEEL BEARING GREASE WHEN SERVICING. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO USE HEAVIER WEIGHT LUBES IN THESE FRONT AXLES.
95212
Oct 1995
Service BrakesTHE 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.
951713
Aug 1995
Electrical SystemGENERATOR-MOTORCRAFT 95AMP-FRONT BEARING CONCERN-FD1060/1460 ENGINES- VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 7/3/95. *SD
951714
Aug 1995
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE- 'KNOCKING' NOISE - WHEN OPERATING ENGINE AT 200-2300 RPM - FD1460 ENGINE
BC4321950705
Jul 1995
Power TrainVEHICLES EXPERIENCING OCCASIONAL HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT CONCERNS. *TW
951515
Jul 1995
SteeringSTEERING GEAR-REPLACEMENT OF BENDIX, STEERING GEAR WITH NEW ROSS STEEERING GEAR. *SD

Showing 60 of 72 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 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.
  5. 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 F-150 →