1995 Ford F-250 Problems
- Complaints
- 184filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles, 28 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1995 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems on high-mileage trucks, most often brake issues: cracked or warped front rotors, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor, and in some cases loss of power assist. Exhaust manifold leaks and fuel tank leaks on the dual-tank setup are also repeatedly described, and many complaints come from trucks well past 100,000 miles.
- Brakes
Front brake rotors crack or warp; pedal sinks
- 18 complaints (10%)
- median 495 mi at 10.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2013
Complaints describe front rotors cracking in two or three places, warped rotors felt as noise or vibration, and a brake pedal that travels to the floorboard. Several owners report the master cylinder being replaced, in some cases without resolving the problem, and one describes loss of vacuum assist from a failed pump. Others mention brake lock-up during hard stops. Reports appear across the mileage range shown, from trucks under 50,000 miles to ones above 200,000.
What to check: Inspect the front rotors for cracks or scoring and check pedal feel for a slow sink; ask whether the master cylinder or vacuum pump has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Drove truck into the garage, brakes worked fine. Next day started engine and noticed that brake warnng light did not go off. When backing out of garage, noticed that I had only about 10% of normal braking power. Brought truck to a slow stop and called local dealer. Truck was towed in. Dealer replaced a vacuum pump assembly, Ford part f4tz-2a451-a . Part cost $308.55, labor $101.99. Had this truck been in its normal service, towing a 9,000 pound travel trailer the results might have been tragic. I consider this a major design defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #769722, filed 2002-11“1998 Ford f150 truck (brakes locking whenever fast braking applied, Ford f250 same thing truck was wrecked last night due to this problem thanks god no one was killed ! 1997 Ford mustang same problem ,brakes lock when fast pressure is applied . Help these vehicles are going to kill somebody . Oh yes and on the f250 we now have a traffic ticket for failure to control speed and the truck is totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10314812, filed 2010-02, 300 miles - Fuel system
Fuel leaks from tank, cross-fill between tanks
- 9 complaints (5%)
- median 149,000 mi at 14.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2014
Complaints describe fuel leaking from the tank, sometimes found on the driveway, and in one case a hole worn where rocks were trapped between the tank and its straps. Owners of dual-tank trucks report fuel moving from one tank into the other and spilling, and a check valve inside the tank being identified as the cause. Dealers and the manufacturer generally declined assistance, according to the complaints. Mostly reported on trucks above 120,000 miles; leak circumstances range from parked to driving.
What to check: Check both tanks and their straps for rust, cracks or trapped debris, and look for fuel smell or stains after filling; on dual-tank trucks ask whether the tank selector valve or check valve has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1995 Ford f250. Consumer writes in regards to problems with leaking gas line, brakes, transmission and several other issues with vehicle. Consumer states unsatisfactory customer service from several dealerships. The master cylinder, air pump, brake pads, serpentine belt, brake lines, alternator, cruise control sensor, battery, headlight control and upper switch were all replaced. Also, the starter solenoid switch was replaced, as well as the oil pan, that was rusted. The tires were replaced, due to cracking.”
NHTSA complaint #10524433, filed 2013-07, 495 miles“Ea99032; dual fuel tank crossflow/leakage: a portion of the unused fuel from one tank to be returned to second tank. When this occurred the second tank exceeded, causing fuel spillages. Spilled fuel can result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not part of a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #854538, filed 2000-01 - Engine cooling
Exhaust manifold leak, fumes in cab
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a hissing exhaust noise and repeated manifold replacement, with one reporting three manifolds in the same truck. Complaints say broken or failed fasteners and warped manifolds let exhaust enter the cab, and some note the engine was built without manifold gaskets. Others mention turbo-related exhaust noise and loss of power. Reported at various ages, with several owners describing repeat failures over years of use.
What to check: Listen for a tick or hiss from the exhaust manifold on a cold start and look for sooty streaks at the manifold-to-head joint; ask whether the manifold or its fasteners have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Repeated Ford f250 exhaust manifold leaks. Problem persist on 1990 & newer Ford f250 pickup trucks. Health problems to persons is a definite concern. Emission environmental safety is a big concern. Ford motor company needs to be contacted and research this problem for possible health hazards and recalls. Throughout the various emission servicing companies, please note that this is commonly known problem with the 1990s & newer f250 fords. Personnally, I have replaced one manifold on my 1995 f250 Ford in sept of 97. …”
NHTSA complaint #701438, filed 1998-12“The exhaust manifold had a broken bolt which caused fumes to enter into the vehicle. Consumer has not been involved in any accident to cause the bolt to break. Exhaust manifold warped causing an exhaust leak which resulted in all exhaust to enter the vehicle's cab.”
NHTSA complaint #10113347, filed 2005-04, 120,000 miles - Suspension
Front axle and I-beam mounting bolts loosen
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe bolts holding the front axle or I-beam to the frame loosening, falling out or breaking, with the front wheel tilting and steering becoming unstable. Owners report vibration on uneven pavement and, in one case, a bracket failure that let the front axle move. Some say the dealer replaced the bolts; one owner noted the truck was remedied under extended warranty. Reported at highway speeds and while towing, on trucks of varied mileage.
What to check: Have the front axle and I-beam mounting bolts checked for torque and signs of movement, and road test on uneven pavement for vibration or wander.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer was pulling a 5th wheel trailer when the bar attaching the frame bolts of right front wheel came loose because all four bolts holding I-beam to frame came off. When pulling into a parking space, the top of the wheel was inward and the bottom was outward, dealer replaced the bolts.”
NHTSA complaint #810410, filed 1997-05“Extremely dangerous defect in this type of vehicle, center pivot of traction bar axle is held to main front cross memberm, bolts loosen and fall out or shear off, this causes complete loss of control of vehicle.tt”
NHTSA complaint #974628, filed 1995-11 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and clutch linkage problems
- 19 complaints (10%)
- median 78,955 mi at 10.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2013
Owners describe transmission lock-up after bearing or lubrication failure, poor shifting, and on manual trucks a clutch push rod that broke at the pedal and left the pedal on the floor. One complaint quotes a dealer technician saying the transmission was not strong enough for the diesel engine and was later redesigned. Others report flywheel failures and hub lock-up in four-wheel drive. Reports cluster from around 120,000 miles upward, with a few at lower mileage.
What to check: On manual trucks, check the clutch pedal for a firm feel and inspect the push rod; on automatic and diesel trucks, road test for slipping or delayed engagement and ask about prior transmission work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Recently when I got in my 1995 f250 w/manual transmission I depressed the clutch pedal to start it up & the pedal went to the floorboard & stayed there. What I found after inspecting the clutch pedal was that the end of the rod that goes into the master clutch cylinder broke (this is connected to the peddle). This rod appears to be plastic on the end & metal going into the master cylinder. My concern is that this seems to be a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093618, filed 2004-10, 122,900 miles“According to service tech at doersch Ford in green bay wi, they have replaced several transmissions on these pick up trucks. He also said Ford knows that this transmission was not strong enough for the diesel motor, and they have since redesigned the entire thing.”
NHTSA complaint #709469, filed 1999-08
Buying note. These are old, often high-mileage trucks, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on brakes, the front axle mounting, fuel tank condition and exhaust manifold leaks is worthwhile. Ask for service records covering those areas, since several complaints describe repeated repairs to the same part.
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.
NHTSA recorded 184 consumer complaints for the 1995 Ford F-250. 28 of the complaints include a mileage, and 11% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 129,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 17 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes41 22%
- Engine cooling34 18%
- Suspension24 13%
- Fuel system16 8.7%
- Electrical system12 6.5%
- Tires11 6.0%
- Body and structure9 4.9%
- Steering8 4.3%
- Vehicle speed control7 3.8%
Also reported: Seats (6), Air bags (4), Wheels (3), Other or unknown (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I replaced the rear brakes on my 1995 Ford f250. I put on new duralast brake shoes (part #358) from autozone. Afterwards, the emergency/parking brake failed. I took everything apart and took a while before I found the problem. At the top of the brake shoes there is a half circle where the front and back shoe meets and that is where the emergency/parking brake cam pushes the shoes apart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10667440, filed 2014-12, 400,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Transmission cooler plugged up. Local transmission shop told me this was a very common problem on Ford trucks. This could have been prevented had we known of the problem. We could have put an after market cooler on the truck. Now, I was informed that it will cost me over $2000.00 to fix fords mistake. The warranty has expired because of time, not milage so I guess I am stuck. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #747803, filed 2001-07Engine cooling: “1995 Ford f250 7.3l turbo diesel : cam position sensor failed after numerous, worsening experiences with erratic engine performance. Sensor replaced by dealer on 12/07/2006 with truck barely able to continue running. This corrected the problem at the time, but I am now occasionally experiencing the same symptoms again. I have subsequently discovered that this is a chronic problem with this navistar engine. Many Ford vehicles have been recalled as a result, but mine has not, despite numerous vehicles of my model year (1995) experiencing this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10222397, filed 2008-03, 157,900 milesSuspension: “Axle problems with travel trailer. Amount of carrying axles under these vehicles , not sufficient in size or strength to take the load or road punishment without failing. The consumer noticed that the vehicle did not pull properly. There was a side to side pull as it went down a down grade and would wander as it pulled down the road. This problem eventually increased to a violent whip. Upon inspection, it was noticed that there was a lot of uneven tire wear due to axle misalignment. The axles were found to support 8285 pounds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10099270, filed 2004-11Mileage when problems were reported
11% of the 28 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 98,000 and 166,666 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1995 Ford F-250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002, F-450 SD 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 05V388000Sep 7, 2005Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-250 1994–1999, F-150 1994–2002, Expedition 1997–2002 +3 more
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 96V064000Apr 16, 1996SeatsCovers: Ford F-250 1994–1995, F-150 1994–1995, F-350 1994–1995
The wire harness for the power lumbar feature on the seat is underneath the front seat cushion support wires. The support wires on the driver seat can contact and damage the insulation harness resulting in a high resistance electrical short through the…
Recall details for the 1995 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA05005Engine compartment firesClosed · Mar 22, 2005
- PE96052Separated front suspensionClosed · Aug 23, 1996
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1995 Ford F-250.
Other model years of the Ford F-250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 142 | 81,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 95 | 77,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 266 | 78,750 | 1 | 4 | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 248 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 73 | 75,666 | 0 | — | — | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 54 | 67,703 | 0 | — | — | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 197 | 70,000 | 7 | — | — | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 60 | 42,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 221 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 144 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 154 | 39,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 116 | 75,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 220 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 326 | 75,768 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 581 | 99,000 | 14 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 56 | 115,738 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 304 | 115,604 | 10 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 176 | 125,940 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 184 | 129,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 130 | 160,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 119 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 107 | 102,000 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 111 | 119,052 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 112 | 98,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 62 | 144,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 38 | 377,089 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | 208,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Ford F-250?
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems on high-mileage trucks, most often brake issues: cracked or warped front rotors, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor, and in some cases loss of power assist. The issues reported most often: Front brake rotors crack or warp; pedal sinks; Fuel leaks from tank, cross-fill between tanks; Exhaust manifold leak, fumes in cab.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1995 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 184 consumer complaints for the 1995 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1995 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 41 complaints (22% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 36.
Has the 1995 Ford F-250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1995 Ford F-250 get?
The EPA rates the 1995 Ford F-250 (F250 Pickup 2WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1995 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 28 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 129,000 miles and the middle half falls between 98,000 and 166,666 miles; 11% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.