1994 Ford F-150: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Ford F-150: 6 recalls, 676 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 7 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #93V155000 · 1993 · 1,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The design of the air bag diagnostic monitor causes the driver's side air bag to deploy when the passenger door is slammed while the ignition key is turned to the start position.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bag can result ininjury to the driver.
The fix: Install a redesigned air bag diagnostic monitor.
Airbags Vehicle recall #93V184000 · 1993 · 3,322 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with nonfunctional air bag diagnostic modules intended for certain vehicles over 8,500 bls. Gvwr.
Why it matters: The air bag supplemental restraint and the air bagwarning light will not function. This could result in reduced occupantprotection in the event of a collision that should activate the air bagsupplemental restraint system.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, install the correct air bag diagnostic module.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #94V018000 · 1994 · 370,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The u-clip style nuts that retain the front bumpers to the front bumper inner arms can fracture.
Why it matters: If one of the u-clip nuts fractures, the bumper will loosen and rattle causing fracture of the remaining u-clip nuts, resulting in separation of the bumper from the vehicle. If the bumper were to detach from the vehicle while it is being driven, a vehicle collision could result.
The fix: Inspection and replacement of the four u-clip nuts and the associated bolts.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #94V169001 · 1994 · 835,791 vehicles
What's wrong: The parking brake control self-adjust pawl does not line up properly with the self-adjust rachet causing the pawl to slip over one or more teeth in the rachet.
Why it matters: When the above occurs, it can result in parking brake system ineffectiveness. The parking brake will not hold the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll freely, if the transmission is not left in gear.
The fix: A wedge will be installed which will serve to lock the parking brake self-adjust mechanism pawl into engagement with the rachet. Also, owners will be advised to release and reapply the parking brake whenever tooth skip occurs and will be reminded to always turn off the engine and leave the vehicle…
Seats Vehicle recall #96V064000 · 1996 · 31,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 support wires.
Why it matters: Consequence of defect: over heating of the support wires could result, and melting, smoke, or possible igntion of the surrounding materials could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seats on the affected vehicles. If no damage is found, the driver seat wire harness will be covered with a protective convolute tubing, wrapped with electrical tape and the harness will be rerouted. If damage is found, the wire harness will be replaced.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.
The fix: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to…
7 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seats Equipment recall #96E010000 · 1996 · 2,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
Why it matters: If this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching bolts torqued to a higher specification. These corrections will be made to both…
Tires Tire recall #00T005000 · 2000 · 14,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. Operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Why it matters: If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 101 mention a fire, 48 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (138): the most common themes are noise or vibration (33), brake failure / soft pedal (23).
- Fuel system (100): the most common themes are leaks (41), fire / smoke (23).
- Airbags (94): the most common themes are fails to deploy (31), warning light on (16).
- Electrical (88): the most common themes are fire / smoke (48), electrical failure (31), warning light on (9).
The 1994 Ford F-150 has 676 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 37 F-150 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 1025). Complaints peaked in 1995 (94 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 132,835 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (586 complaints, 7 recalls), 1995 (626 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Ford F-150.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Ford F-150, plus 7 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners have filed 676 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (138), fuel system (100), airbags (94).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Ford F-150 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.9 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Ford F-150 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.