1990 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 13%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford F-250, 13% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Fire broke out in the dashboard.there was a recall regarding the ignition, however consumer was informed vehicle was not included due to the vehicle identification number.”
NHTSA complaint #10006840, filed 2003-02, 115,500 miles“Continuing stalling of the engine since shortly after I purchased the vehicle. The truck had only 27000 miles on it when I purchased it. I thought it needed a tune up. However, a complete tune up which I had at approximately 50,000 miles did not fix the occasional stalling. I was told after a diagnostic systems check that it was the EGR valve and I had that replaced. It did not solve the problem. Now, with the heat of the summer the problem is getting worse with it stalling whenever I slow down for curves, highway exits, etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #729713, filed 2000-08“After driving the vehicle, parked and turned off ignition, smelled smoke, checked underhood and alternator burst into flames. Put out two times. Called Ford and got no satisfaction. Owner found wires from wiring harness that were plugged into alternator, minor damage, owner remedied problem at his expense.”
NHTSA complaint #832528, filed 1998-12“Recall 96v071000. Ignition; the dealer kept the vehicle forseveral days. Also, kept the recall notice , and did not complete or remedy the problem of the recall. When the truck is returned, hard to obtain appointments for service.”
NHTSA complaint #823994, filed 1998-06“Truck died on busy interstate at 65mph. After 30 minutes of cool down time. Truck restarted and made it to auto store. Replaced ignition module. Okay now.”
NHTSA complaint #762339, filed 2002-05Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 7% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 18 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 36 | 23% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 24 | 7% |
| 1999 | 25 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 19 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 8% |
| 1991 | 15 | 14% |
| 1990 | 14 | 13% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 15 | 24% |
| 1987 | 11 | 29% |
| 1986 | 13 | 34% |
| 1985 | 6 | 29% |
| 1984 | 5 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford F-250
40 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTires
6 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford F-250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology