Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1980 Ford F-350 — 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
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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 THE TIRE SIDEWALL TO BE DAMAGED OR WEAKENED BY EXTENDED CONTACT WITH THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BOLT HEADS.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS AND ANY DAMAGED SPARE TIRES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
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", DUE TO EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE UPON FRONTAL IMPACT.
Remedy
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, A FUEL TANK SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE A PROTECTIVE FUEL TANK SHIELD. AS A RESULT THE 137 INCH AND 161 INCH WHEELBASE CHASSIS CABS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IF THE ABOVE VEHICLES UNDERGO FRONTAL IMPACT, THE DRIVE SHAFT FRONT UNIVERSAL JOINT MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Remedy
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, A MID-SHIP FUEL TANK SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED CHASSIS CABS WERE IMPROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS WITH A REFLECTIVE SURFACE AREA OF TWENTY SQUARE INCHES, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS". THIS REQUIRES VEHICLES WITH A GVWR OF MORE THAT 10,000 LBS. TO BE EQUIPPED WITH OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTY SQUARE INCHES OF REFLECTIVE SURFACE AREA.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL APPROPRIATE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Defect
THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE AN INSUFFICIENT OR CRACKED WELD. THIS CAN CAUSE THE PARK CAM END TO SEPARATE FROM THE ROD ITSELF, PREVENTING THE PARKING PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR WHEN THE SELECTOR IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD FREE OF CHARGE.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.