1990 Ford F-250 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 1990 Ford F-250 problems
The 1990 Ford F-250 has been reported to have several common problems, including electrical issues, brake problems, engine issues, and transmission problems.
Electrical issues are a significant concern in the 1990 Ford F-250, with minor electrical fires occurring due to a faulty rectifier plug on the alternator. Replacing this plug whenever the alternator is replaced is recommended to avoid this problem.
Brake problems are also common in the 1990 Ford F-250, with the master cylinder, rear brake valve, calipers, and hoses needing to be replaced twice. The rear brake lines have also been reported to be replaced twice, and the tank changing switch on the dash may quit, requiring a replacement switch from a 1991 F-250.
Engine issues are another area of concern in the 1990 Ford F-250. The engine is known to eat coils, with the front springs sagging and requiring replacement with one-ton springs. The PCV valve may also plug, causing the engine to blow out every sealing surface, requiring the distributor, oil pan, and valve cover gasket to be replaced. The timing chain may need to be replaced twice, and the engine may start to wear, requiring a rebuild. The engine is also known to be sluggish and have poor fuel mileage.
Transmission problems are also common in the 1990 Ford F-250, with the transmission needing to be rebuilt. The transmission may make whining and whirring noises, and the tail-shaft housing mounting tabs may break off, requiring bending all-thread around the housing and bolting down as a solution.
In summary, the 1990 Ford F-250 has several common problems, including electrical issues, brake problems, engine issues, and transmission problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may require frequent replacement of parts. Regular maintenance and checking for codes can help detect issues early on and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Are 1990 Ford F-250 reliable?
Very Reliable
Reliable and easy to maintain! Gas mileage and power could be better, but well worth the investment. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.
What are the bad years for the F-250?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include: 2002 Ford F-250. 2006 Ford F-250. 2008 Ford F-250.
What is the best year F-250 to buy?
The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016. The 2016 Ford F-250 for sale even ranks above the 2000 and 2001 models at Four Wheels Trend. The 2016 model has an outstanding maximum towing capacity, giving many owners the utility they need.
What years did the F-250 have the death wobble?
According to a recent class-action lawsuit filed in 2019, Ford F250 and F350 super duty trucks from 2005 to 2019 can experience the death wobble.
Are 1990 Ford F-250 reliable?
Very Reliable
Reliable and easy to maintain! Gas mileage and power could be better, but well worth the investment. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.
What are the bad years for the F-250?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include: 2002 Ford F-250. 2006 Ford F-250. 2008 Ford F-250.
Is the Ford F-250 reliable?
Ford F-250 is a great choice for hauling and pickup. They are reliable, tough, and trusted on any terrain. However, some of its model years were a great failure. With multiple complaints, they did not impress their buyers.
What is the best year F-250 to buy?
The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016. The 2016 Ford F-250 for sale even ranks above the 2000 and 2001 models at Four Wheels Trend. The 2016 model has an outstanding maximum towing capacity, giving many owners the utility they need.
1990 Ford F-250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ford F-250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Ford F-250 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ford F-250.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-06
- VIN: 1FTHF26H8LK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SWITCHED FROM THE FRONT FUEL TANK TO THE REAR FUEL TANK WHICH CAUSED THE REAR FUEL GAUGE TO READ EMPTY. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER FILLING THE REAR GAS TANK, GASOLINE STARTED LEAKING FROM THE FRONT TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-02
- VIN: 1FTHF26M8LN
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TWICE I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING DOWN A STREET I TRAVEL OFTEN WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE A VIOLENT SHAKING HAS OCCURRED IN THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY TRUCK, AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. THIS VIOLENT SHAKING, I HAVE BEEN TOLD, IS CALLED A DEATH WOBBLE AND VERY NEARLY SENT ME HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER CAR. AFTER THE FIRST TIME THE TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK AND TIGHTENED THE BOLTS THAT HOLD EACH SIDE OF THE INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION BECAUSE A COUPLE WERE MISSING AND THE OTHERS HAD LOOSENED. THE SECOND TIME THE SHAKING OCCURRED IT FELT AS IF IT BROKE BELTS IN MY TIRES AND NO LONGER RIDES SMOOTH. I CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK TODAY AND THE SHAKING HAS ALSO BROKEN THE STEERING STABILIZER OFF OF THE FRONT AXLE OF MY TRUCK. AFTER LOOKING AT RECALLS TODAY, IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR A 1989 F-250 FOR FRONT END COMPONENTS, BUT NO SUCH LUCK WITH MY TRUCK ALTHOUGH, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THEY HAVE THE SAME FRONT AXLE AND STEERING COMPONENTS. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR BACK FROM SOMEONE FROM FORD REGARDING ANY RECALLS THAT WOULD COVER FRONT END STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OF MY TRUCK. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-22
- VIN: 1FTHX26G4LK
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS FAILED AND CAUSED GASOLINE TO OVERFLOW INTO THE SECOND TANK. RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,586.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-23
- VIN: 1FTHX25G3LK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A DAYS AFTER SWITCHING ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, FUEL STARTED TO SPEW OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE CAP WAS RELEASE AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE FUEL SPILL COULD BE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RETURN VALVE WAS STUCK BETWEEN THE TANKS, WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO ENTER THE SECOND TANK AND OVERFLOW. AS A RESULT THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE, THE JUMPER AND THE ROLL-OVER VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V125000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,105.
Positive 1990 Ford F-250 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Ford F-250 problems:
1990 Ford F-250 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 1990 Ford F-250 Problems · Exhaust Manifolds Can Crack and Cause Leak · The tachometer sensor may fail · Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak · Front Brake ...
1990 F250 Constant Problems... HELP PLEASE! - Ford Truck ...
Jun 20, 2012 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 1990 F250 Constant Problems... HELP PLEASE! - Heres the run down, I bought the truck about a ...
What is your esteemed opinion on the 1989/1990 ford f-250 4x4 ...
Nov 20, 2012 ... Since this is a 1990 F-250 you will need to look at the rear spring shackles for rust and detioration. Common problem on this truck. Overall ...
buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - Ford ...
Nov 25, 2011 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - ok, i'm looking for a clean 86-96 ...
Q&A: 1990 Ford F250 ABS Light, DOM 4/90, Rear ABS - Need Brake ...
Aug 28, 2017 ... My name is James. This is a common problem on your F250 and is fixed by replacing the RABS valve, then bleeding the brake system in the rear.
Other years of Ford F-250
Are you having problems with your 1990 Ford F-250?
Ned Bogan 2024-10-28
It's great that the 302/5.0l engine in the 3/4 ton 4+4 truck can handle pulling your 25-foot pontoon boat, even though some may argue that it needs more power. And with the 5-speed, it performs well even when unloaded. Thank goodness for that!
Delmer Quigley 2024-10-15
I purchased this truck to tow my large pontoon boat during the summer and snowmobiles in the winter, among other things. At 136,000 miles, it performs exceptionally well without any strain. It has ample power and suspension to handle everything I've thrown at it. Considering the cost of a new F250, I believe it would be unwise to buy new when you can drive a classic and fantastic truck like this one. I acquired this truck from the original owner who took great care of it, just like I do. It has not been subjected to any rough treatment by teenagers, which is probably why it still drives so well. With the 460 V8, it is undoubtedly a gas guzzler, averaging only 11mpg, which is a bit of a bummer.
Buddy Rice 2024-09-04
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that the truck is an awesome vehicle! It can go anywhere and everywhere, which is pretty amazing if you ask me.