1992 Ford F-150 Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 1992 Ford F-150 most often describe fuel moving between the dual tanks until one tank overflows and fuel spills or pours from the filler cap, usually on trucks with two tanks. The second most common theme is a parking brake that slips over its teeth and will not hold. Many complaints also concern fuel leaks from the tank itself and a door latch or cable that stops working, especially in freezing weather.

1. 1
   Fuel system

   Fuel overflowing from one tank into the other (dual tanks)

   • 159 complaints (34%)
   • median 129,538 mi at 15.7 yrs old (22 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $538 (median of 7 quotes)
   • filed 1995–2014

   Owners with dual fuel tanks describe fuel moving from the tank in use into the other tank, which then overfills and pushes fuel out of the filler cap or onto the ground. Complaints commonly point to a check valve inside the fuel pump assembly that no longer closes, and several say the problem returned after a recall repair. Owners who contacted the manufacturer report being told the truck was outside the recall or warranty period, or that no repair history could be found. Complaints span roughly 30,000 to more than 200,000 miles, with many in the 100,000 to 160,000 mile range.

   Recall 93V125000

   What to check: On a dual-tank truck, ask whether the check valve or fuel pump assembly has been replaced, and check for fuel smell or wetness around both filler caps after driving on each tank. Note that the recall coverage period has long since passed for most of these trucks.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “(my Ford F-150 - truck - v.I.n-#1ftex15yonkb68349) the truck was stalling and I had the fuel filter changed on 03/01/04-thinking that it was the problem, but the truck kept turning off. I was putting gasoline in the back tank and then the front tank started overflowing so on 03/11/04 I took the truck back. They checked why this was happening and the mechanic found out that the truck had been on recall for check valves, which I was never notified. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10062610, filed 2004-03, 314,003 miles

   “1) in 1992 we purchased a brand new 1992 f150 Ford p.u. With duel fuel tanks, gas engine. We are the original and only owners. We had fuel tank problems in april 1994. We took the vehicle to the dealership for repair on 4-27-94 where concern #93568 and concern code #n99 was noted on worksheet and comments of repair were r&r fuel pressure regulator...skid plate tanks. Installed check valves. Check for leaks - ok. 2) in may 2005 we experienced fuel overflow from the rear tank filler cap. When the filler cap was removed fuel gushed out. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10125707, filed 2005-06, 75,853 miles
2. 2
   Fuel system

   Fuel tank leaks and corroded tank straps

   • 130 complaints (28%)
   • median 126,076 mi at 17.2 yrs old (23 state mileage)
   • owner-quoted repair $538 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 1995–2017

   Owners describe fuel leaking or spewing from the tank or filler neck, sometimes only when the tank is filled to capacity, and sometimes while parked. Some complaints note the tank strap corroded through and hung loose near the tank, and others say a dealer recommended replacing the tank. Several owners link the leak to campaign 93V125000 but were told their vehicle was not included or the repair was no longer authorized. Reported from about 51,000 to 230,000 miles, often right after a full fill-up.

   Recall 93V125000

   What to check: Look underneath at the tank, straps and filler neck for rust, seepage or a fuel smell, and fill the tank fully during a test drive to check for wetness.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While undergoing a routine state inspection, it was discovered that the fuel tank on the left side of the vehicle had a rear tank strap failure. The strap is corroded completely through and is hanging down near the fuel tank. The fuel tank has not fallen down as the defect was discovered, but the vehicle is not drivable until the strap is replaced.”

   NHTSA complaint #10416740, filed 2011-08, 51,067 miles

   “Vehicle leaked fuel. The fuel pressure valve was replaced by the dealer, after. A recall on demand by the manufacturer. Vehicle still leaked fuel onto the highway. Dealer wanted the consumer to pay for a diagnostic test in order to repair it again.”

   NHTSA complaint #10094941, filed 2004-11, 121,206 miles
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Engine-compartment and wiring fires

   • 92 complaints (20%)
   • median 145,000 mi at 14.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • 38 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2010

   A small number of owners describe fires that started while the truck was parked or shortly after driving, with damage traced to wiring, the alternator or electrical components. Complaints describe melted harnesses and burned connectors, and one owner notes a fire inspector's mention of a cruise-control switch concern on other F-150s. One complaint describes intermittent no-start due to a corroded solenoid connection that needed frequent cleaning. Scattered across mileage, including one high-mileage truck and one around 150,000 miles.

   What to check: Inspect wiring harnesses, the alternator and the cruise-control servo area for chafing, melted insulation or corrosion, and ask about any past electrical repairs.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My 1992 Ford F-150 caught fire while parked in my driveway. The entire engine compartment burned for 10-30 minutes before the exploding front tire drew our attention. The fire inspector told us other F-150 models were suspected of having a cruise control switch/fire problem, but there is no recall at Ford for this model/year.”

   NHTSA complaint #10159335, filed 2006-06, 133,000 miles

   “I was driving my Ford F-150 1992 and I stopped at lowes. I cut my truck off and proceeded into the store. I come back outside and my truck was on fire. Several employees attempted to put out the fire but it did not work. The fire department had to come and put it out. They then stated that it was due to an electrical problem and filled it as that. My work is now gone due to that and I don't know what to do. If possible please help me because I don't know what to do. My truck is my money maker and now it is gone.”

   NHTSA complaint #10165321, filed 2006-08, 145,000 miles

Buying note. Check the dual-tank fuel system carefully, since it accounts for most complaints on this model year, and confirm the parking brake actually holds. Given the age, expect corrosion in tank straps, door latches and rear spring hangers, and have any truck inspected underneath before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.