1993 Ford F-250 problems & reliability
130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 Ford F-250, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (4 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1993 Ford F-250 vehicles were involved in 10 fatal crashes with 5 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 36 | 28% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 29 | 22% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 24 | 18% |
| Power Train | 17 | 13% |
| Steering | 10 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 7 | 5% |
| Suspension | 7 | 5% |
| Tires | 4 | 3% |
| Equipment | 3 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-250. While the contact was fueling the vehicle, the fuel cap shrank and fuel spewed from the fuel tank. The failure occurred whenever he attempted to fuel the front tank first. As the fuel traveled to the rear tank, it spewed out. The contact stated that the failure was a fire…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Aug 1, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, he noticed that the speedometer and cruise control failed to operate. In addition, the abs warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated until the engine was turned off…”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Sep 6, 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford f-250 equipped with cooper dean mud terrain radial sxt tires, size 285/75/16. The contact stated that there were blisters between the lugs. The front passenger tire had wires protruding, which was causing tread separation. The manufacturer advised the contact that the tires were not…”
Tires · filed Oct 4, 2011
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- DUAL FUEL TANK CROSSFLOW/LEAKAGE
Engineering Analysis EA99032 · opened Nov 4, 1999 · closed Dec 6, 2001 · led to recall 01I008000
- FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT
Engineering Analysis EA95012 · opened Mar 31, 1995 · closed May 28, 1996 · led to recall 96I003002
- PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA93020 · opened Jul 28, 1993 · closed Sep 23, 1994 · led to recall 94V169002
Technical service bulletins
88 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1993 Ford F-250. The 10 most recent:
New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
03148 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2003
Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt
002310 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 13, 2000
Transmission- e40d/4r100-1989-99-main controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart. Yd
98168 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2000
Transmission-e40d-no 2-3 upshift. Some vehicles may exhibit a no 2-3 upshift condition. *ak
98167 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2000
Vehicles may experience solid particle contaminants from prior transmission concerns or excess wear, may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system is not properly flushed, fluid in-line filter kit. *mjs
0038 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2000
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems. *tt
99196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt
99194 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1993 Ford F-250 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1993 Ford F-250?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.