VehicleVerdict

1974 Ford Ford Truck problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1974 Ford Ford Truck — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1974 compare to other Ford Truck years?

Ford Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1974 highlighted54 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 6 complaints1990: 8 complaints1991: 9 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 8 complaints1994: 21 complaints1995: 28 complaints1996: 22 complaints1997: 47 complaints1998: 29 complaints1999: 37 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 22 complaints2002: 54 complaints2003: 14 complaints
Ford Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1974 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ford Truck years to avoid →

What are the most common 1974 Ford Ford Truck problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Engine150%

Does the 1974 Ford Ford Truck have recalls?

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

81V008000TransmissionJanuary 12, 1981 · 21,000,000 units

Defect

THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND PASSENGER AREA HAD BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *SCC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 8, 2003 · fire

“MASTER CYLINDER MOFIFIED BY INSERTION OF FLARE FITTING ,NECCESSARY TO ASSIST IN LENGHTENING OF OPERATING SHAFT, CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 17, 1995

1974 Ford Ford Truck — common questions

Is the 1974 Ford Ford Truck reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1974 Ford Ford Truck have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1974 Ford Ford Truck. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Ford Truck years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ford Truck years to avoid are 2002, 1997, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Ford Truck 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.