VehicleVerdict

1990 Ford F-800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1990 Ford F-800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other F-800 years?

F-800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted12 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 7 complaints
F-800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Ford F-800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 1990 Ford F-800 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

91V071000Speed ControlMay 1, 1991 · 1,400 units

Defect

THE THROTTLE CABLE WHICH RUNS FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO THE GOVERNOR ASSEMBLY HOUSING MAY HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE CABLE HOUSING INNER LINING. THIS COULD RESULT IN EITHER FRACTURE OR STICKING OF THE CABLE.

Consequence

IF THE THROTTLE CABLE FRACTURES, ENGINE SPEED WILL RETURNTO IDLE. IF THE CABLE JAMS OR STICKS, THE ENGINE WILL REMAIN AT THE SPEED ATWHICH IT WAS RUNNING WHEN THE JAMMING OCCURRED. A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT INLOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE GOVERNOR ASSEMBLIES, WHICH INCLUDE THE THROTTLE CABLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WE PUT NEW FIRESTONE TIRES ON THIS TRUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 01/27/1998, THEY BEGAN TO FAIL 10/10/1998, WE REPLACED THE ENTIRE SET BY ~ 04/09/1999. THE SET INSTALLED ON ~ 04/09/1999 BEGAN TO FAIL ~ 10/02/1999, BY MARCH 2000 WE WERE REPLACING THE FRONT TIRES, AND BY MAY OF 2000 WE COMPLETELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 10, 1998

1990 Ford F-800 — common questions

Is the 1990 Ford F-800 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1990 Ford F-800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Ford F-800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Ford F-800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.