RoadVitals

1994 Ford F-150

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
676
Latest Nov 9, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
161
48 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 676 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Ford F-150, most frequently naming the brakes, fuel system and airbags categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 92 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

View all 13

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA05005ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Mar 22, 2005
Closed Aug 2, 2006

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 05V388000
RQ98006ClosedRecall Query

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Mar 18, 1998
Closed Aug 15, 2000

There is no summary currently available

AIR BAGSLed to recall 93V155000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 676
Brakes
Filed Nov 9, 2022

The contact owns a 1994 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the rear brakes locked up. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crossed three lanes. The contact stated he bumped the curb which caused the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11492855
Incident
Oct 28, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Mar 31, 2021

A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CAUSES A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAPACITY OF THE SECOND TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE

NHTSA ID
11405829
Incident
Mar 9, 2021
Mileage
200,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 27, 2020

SEPTEMBER 13TH I GOT INTO A SMALL ACCIDENT. I WAS PULLING MY TRAILER AND MY TRUCK RAN INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. JUST RIGHT SIDE WAS MINOR. TRUCK JUMP ON TOP ON A ANGLE. I WAS FREAKING OUT COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT OFF. SOMEBODY HAD TO CUT IT. IM GLAD I WASNT BURNING IN THE TRUCK. I LOVE THESE 94 MODELS. BUT [XXX]. I WAS GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE TO HWY 190 BUT HIT A CONSTRUCTION PIECE. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11361351
Incident
Sep 13, 2020
Mileage
250,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 21, 2020
Fire reported

TRUCK JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES ,NEXT TO MY HOUSE. STARTED ON DRIVERS SIDE AND BURNT FROM SEATS TO THE FRONT BUMPER BURNING THE WINDSHIELD DASH AND THE ENGINE. TOTAL LOOSE.THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING.

NHTSA ID
11350582
Incident
Jun 13, 2020
Mileage
127,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE FUEL PUMPS WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED THEM. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE MOTIVE POWER WHILE ABS, BATTERY, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SINCE THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH KING COTTON FORD 965 US-51, COVINGTON, TN 38019 WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11308242
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Mileage
130,000 mi
AirbagsFuel system
Filed Jan 27, 2020

THE GAS FROM THE FRONT TANK GOES TO THE BACK THING AND THE TRUCK HESITATES AND CUTS OFF. AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING

NHTSA ID
11302394
Incident
Jan 15, 2020
Mileage
385,000 mi
Filed Jan 21, 2020

THROTTLE WON'T RETURN. ONCE PEDAL IS PUSHED IT STAYS AT HIGH REVVING. PEDAL WILL STAY ON FLOOR. CABLE WILL PULL BUT WON'T RETURN SO IDLE IS STUCK HIGH.

NHTSA ID
11300684
Incident
Jan 20, 2020
Mileage
201,057 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD F-150. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MANEUVER OUT OF THE PARKING GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

NHTSA ID
11253268
Incident
Jul 15, 2019
Mileage
136,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

01194

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

01181

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-150 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026410—
202510012062.6
202418310068.1
202339612060.7
202257423268.2
202197429163.2
202070911164.2
20191,3029164.0
20182,26519266.3
20171,40118370.1
20162,01014467.5
20151,67114568.3
20141,5158262.6
20132,9703361.0
20121,7764458.8
20112,1846458.8
20108421042.6
20093242050.5
20083681151.0
20074887159.4
200658514263.9
20051,11214362.1
20042,02816460.6
200342211366.8
200282110366.2
20011,23619670.9
20001,07417474.6
19991,04418565.6
19981,381181165.5
19972,758261866.9
19963247267.6
19956267164.4
1994Viewing67613266.4
199358613260.0
19924709867.2
199130461268.8
199027551168.3
19892244567.8
19881392670.4
1987913271.1
1986611461.0
1985281260.8
1984151255.9
1983101159.8
1982500—
1981230—
1980340—
19792100—
19784100—
1977360—
1976020—
1975140—
1973010—
1968100—
1966100—
1955100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.