Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1971 Ford F Series — 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
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND CHIP DUE TO HIGH STRESSES CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. THE CHIPPED PIECES OF THE BLADE COULD FLY INTO THE UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS. ALSO, THESE PIECES COULD FLY OUT FROM THE VEHICLE IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITH ONE OF ANOTHER DESIGN AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1971 FORD F-350. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO REAR FUJIAMI ENDURO TIRES, SIZE LT 235/85R16 EPLY (NA). WHILE DRIVING 35-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WANDER OVER THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE SLOWED DOWN TO LESS THAN 60 MPH FOR THE CONTACT TO REMAIN IN CONTROL. HE STATED THAT HE FEELS LIKE HE…”
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1971 Ford F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.