Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1984 Ford F-350 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
4
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 50% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 50% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE SECONDARY THROTTLE SHAFT MAY, WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE, BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MAY STICK IN A PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS STICKING COULD RESULT IN A FASTER SPEED THAN INTENDED, POSSIBLY RESUTLING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
THE PRIMARY TO SECONDARY THROTTLE CLOSURE LINK ON THE CARBURETOR WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER MAY BE PUNCTURED IN A COLLISION. CRASH TESTS IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION REVEALED FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy
A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE CANISTER WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH BOLTS OF AN INCORRECT SIZE FOR ATTACHMENT OF THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNTS TO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS WILL LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY FALL OFF AND THE ENGINE MAY COME OFF ITS FRONT ENGINE MOUNTS. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL LINE BECOMING DAMAGED OR SEPARATED IN CONDITIONS SUCH AS DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROADS OR IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
UPON INSPECTION, DEALER WILL REPLACE MOUNT BOLTS WITH BOLTS OF THE PROPER SIZE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”
“DATE OF TIRE FAILURE IS THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THREE PREVIOUS TIRE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED AT ABOUT SIX TO NINE MONTH INTERVALS. WHILE EACH OF THESE TIRES HAD BEEN USED CONSIDERABLY, THE TIRE FAILURE IN EACH CASE HAS BEEN IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE IN EACH CASE HAS BEEN A SEVERE AND DRAMATIC BLOWOUT.…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 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 4 investigations 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.