1992 Ford F-350 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report tire separations, blowouts and explosions, and some of these damaged fuel lines or resulted in fires. Fuel moving or overflowing between the two tanks is the next most common theme and is linked to recall 93V125000, while drive belt or tensioner failures removed power steering and power brake assist. Complaint trends for this model year are stable.

1. 1
   Tires

   Tire separation, blowouts and tire explosions

   • 8 complaints (15%)
   • typically at 7.1 yrs old
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2002

   Owners describe tires that separated, including bead, tread or belt separation, and tires that blew out or exploded while driving or towing. Some complaints describe a tire explosion that severed a fuel line or resulted in a fire that burned the truck. Some owners report repeated failures of original equipment tires, and a tire shop suspected belt separation after a front tire shook the truck. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, though some describe tire separation after only 3,000 to 5,000 miles and others describe failures within months of purchase.

   What to check: Ask whether the tires are the original equipment type and check their date codes and sidewalls for bulges or separation. Confirm that the tire size and load rating match the vehicle's specification before buying.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Front tires put on by dealer when I bought it 03/03/2000 on 06/13/2000 right front tire began to jump up and down and shake the entire truck. Tire store stated problem was due to possible belt seperation with-in the tire. I did not replace them with the same brand tires. I have not replaced the rear tires yet. Front alignment was check and determinded not to be a factor in the tire failure.( DOT number: tire size: lt-225-16 )”

   NHTSA complaint #730115, filed 2000-09

   “Tires separated at the bead joint on each tire after only 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Exploded through the tread causing damage to vehicle. Have used these tires for years without mishap until about two years ago. Problem started about two years ago. Concerned about the safety of these tires on other less stable vehicles.”

   NHTSA complaint #751310, filed 2001-08
2. 2
   Fuel system

   Fuel overflow or spillage between the two tanks

   • 9 complaints (17%)
   • median 87,500 mi at 19.2 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1997–2017

   Owners describe fuel moving between the two tanks during refueling or while the engine runs, leading to overflow, spillage and fuel on the ground. Some complaints say the recall repair was carried out but the problem returned, or that the recall had already expired before the repair was offered. A complaint notes that spilled fuel can ignite when exposed to a source of ignition. Mileage is stated only in some complaints, at about 45,000 and about 130,000 miles.

   Recall 93V125000

   What to check: Ask the dealer whether recall 93V125000 has been completed on this vehicle and whether its VIN is covered. During refueling, check whether fuel moves into the other tank or spills, and look for fuel odor or leaks under the truck.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When filling fuel tank, one tank would overflow into other tank and cause a spillage from that tank. Fuel tank repaired under recall a second time as goodwill gesture. Currently, service manager refusing to do repairs again. 2nd owner.”

   NHTSA complaint #884733, filed 2001-03
3. 3
   Steering

   Drive belt or tensioner failure and lost power assist

   • 12 complaints (23%)
   • typically at 4.4 yrs old
   • filed 1995–2002

   Owners describe drive belts that broke, slipped or flew off, which removed power steering and power brake assist, and in some cases the owner nearly had an accident. Some complaints trace the failure to a worn tensioner or bronze bushing, which let the belt slip off into the fan. Owners report belts that failed again and again, and a fan belt that came off soon after a dealer installed a water pump. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, and most were filed in the mid to late 1990s.

   What to check: Ask whether the drive belts and belt tensioner have been inspected or replaced, and check the tensioner for play or noise. During a test drive, confirm that power steering and brake assist work normally.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Consumer had a water pump put on at the dealers. On the way home in the middle of traffic, fan belt came off, resulting in no steering and brakes. Consumer felt this was dangerous since vehicle lost fan belt five times earlier. Took vehicle to dealer, and had to pay for belts. Dealer said there was a problem with belts on these vehicles.”

   NHTSA complaint #859680, filed 2000-04

   “When traveling the power assist belt came off, causing loss of power steering/power brakes and loss of vehicle control, resulting in a near accident. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further details.”

   NHTSA complaint #825177, filed 1998-07
4. 4
   Brakes

   Soft or sinking brake pedal and parking brake slip

   • 14 complaints (27%)
   • typically at 6.2 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2002

   Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor or becoming very soft, with the vehicle not stopping as expected, especially on declines. An owner had to downshift and use the emergency brake to stop, and the brake calipers were replaced, but the problem still existed. A parking brake pawl that does not line up with its ratchet was reported to let the vehicle move freely, and in some cases brake assist was lost when a belt failed. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, and they were filed in the mid to late 1990s.

   Recall 94V169001

   What to check: Ask whether the brake calipers, pedal and ABS have been inspected, and whether the parking brake holds the truck on a slope. During a test drive, check the pedal feel and stopping distance in a safe, controlled stop.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and vehicle does not stop. Owner has to downshift and use emergency brake to stop. Brake calipers had to be rplaced and defect still exists. Defect mainly occurs on declines.”

   NHTSA complaint #829677, filed 1998-10

   “Abs brakes, when brakes are applied, experienced extended stopping distance, and brake pedal became very soft. In for repairs, will provide repair voucher.”

   NHTSA complaint #810313, filed 1997-03

Buying note. For this model year, ask whether the fuel tank check valve recall 93V125000 has been completed for the vehicle's VIN, since some complaints describe recall repairs that had expired. Also check the tires' age and condition, and inspect the drive belts and tensioner before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 27 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.