VehicleVerdict

1974 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1974 Ford F-250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1974 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1974 highlighted1,919 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 42 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 85 complaints1989: 141 complaints1990: 134 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 149 complaints1993: 183 complaints1994: 156 complaints1995: 238 complaints1996: 212 complaints1997: 348 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 417 complaints2001: 269 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 151 complaints2004: 201 complaints2005: 207 complaints2006: 332 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 255 complaints2009: 92 complaints2010: 109 complaints2011: 384 complaints2012: 423 complaints2013: 153 complaints2014: 236 complaints2015: 426 complaints2016: 427 complaints2017: 1,718 complaints2018: 616 complaints2019: 1,919 complaints2020: 351 complaints2021: 205 complaints2022: 152 complaints
F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1974 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1974 Ford F-250 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2100%

Does the 1974 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

74V240000SteeringDecember 9, 1974 · 10,664 units
74V091000SeatsJune 5, 1974 · 3,080 units

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PE00 020 ; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A BUMPING NOISE AND A LOUD BANG. TIRE PEELED AWAY FROM THE MAIN TIRE, AND T FLAP OF TIRE WAS SWINGING UP AGAINST THE VEHICLE. RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD EXPLODED. TIRE FIRESTONE FIRE HAWK#ATX 31X10.50R16.5 M/S #DOT VDXB AXD. NO INJURIES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 12, 1999

1974 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 1974 Ford F-250 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1974 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1974 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.