VehicleVerdict

1973 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1973 Ford F-250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1973 compare to other F-250 years?

See all F-250 years to avoid →

Does the 1973 Ford F-250 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

73V118000Seat BeltsMay 21, 1973 · 11,301 units
73V048000TransmissionFebruary 27, 1973 · 30 units
73V037000BrakesFebruary 16, 1973 · 7,441 units
72V254000SteeringOctober 25, 1972 · 128 units
72V240000SteeringSeptember 29, 1972 · 1,033,800 units

1973 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 1973 Ford F-250 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1973 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1973 Ford F-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.