Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

1994 Ford F-250: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1994 Ford F-250, most recently filed August 2006. Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 8campaigns 2 vehicle speed control · 2 air bag · 1 seat Source: NHTSA Complaints 123filed Owner reports, 1990–1999 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 14mpg combined $4,665/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4.9 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1994 Ford F-250. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 06V286000 Filed Aug 1, 2006

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/SUPPLEMENT

Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
Repair progress not yet reported1,200,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V286000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V388000 Filed Sep 7, 2005

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH

Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence
A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
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 RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
Repair progress not yet reported4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V388000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 96V064000 Filed Apr 16, 1996

FORD/INTERIOR SYSTEMS:TRACKS AND ANCHORS:FRONT

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: OVER HEATING OF THE SUPPORT WIRES COULD RESULT, AND MELTING, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLE IGNTION OF THE SURROUNDING MATERIALS COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported31,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V064000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V169001 Filed Sep 7, 1994

EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE:MECHANICAL

Parking brake · conventional
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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 IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Repair progress not yet reported835,791 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V169001
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V101000 Filed May 25, 1994

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

Electrical system · ignition · module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
IN A HEAVILY LOADED VEHICLE, WHILE IN THE CRUISE CONTROL MODE, THE THROTTLE MAY NOT REDUCE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE LOAD ON THE ENGINE IS DECREASED (SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE CRESTS A HILL.) THIS CAN RESULT IN INCREASED VEHICLE SPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL MODULE.
Repair progress not yet reported900 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V101000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V018000 Filed Jan 2, 1994

STRUCTURE:BUMPER ASSEMBLY

Structure · body · bumpers
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE U-CLIP STYLE NUTS THAT RETAIN THE FRONT BUMPERS TO THE FRONT BUMPER INNER ARMS CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR U-CLIP NUTS AND THE ASSOCIATED BOLTS.
Repair progress not yet reported370,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V018000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 93V184000 Filed Nov 10, 1993

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:AIR BAG

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH NONFUNCTIONAL AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MODULES INTENDED FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES OVER 8,500 BLS. GVWR.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE CORRECT AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
Repair progress not yet reported3,322 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 93V184000
Listed for 1994 Ford F-250. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 93V155000 Filed Sep 24, 1993

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:AIR BAG

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG CAN RESULT ININJURY TO THE DRIVER.
Remedy
INSTALL A REDESIGNED AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR.
Repair progress not yet reported1,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 93V155000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which F-250 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford F-250All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (123)

123 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

5involved a crash
24involved a fire
3injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 Ford F-250, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 123.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1994 compares with other F-250 years

Best and worst F-250 years →
111 107 119 130 123 184 176 304 56 581
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999
This year (1994)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 14 mpg combined

14
mpg combined
13
city
17
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,800
CO₂ tailpipe
635 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$4,665per year
$389per month
1,071gallons a year

Miles ÷ 14 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1994 Ford F-250 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4.9 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635
4.9 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635
5 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive12 / 17 / 14$4,800635
5 L 8-cyl · 5-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 14$4,800635
5.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive11 / 16 / 13$5,150684

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1994 F-250 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-250 years

Where to next

Which F-250 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1995 Ford F-250 report184 complaints · 3 campaigns →1993 Ford F-250 report130 complaints · 6 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1994 Ford F-250 FAQ

How many recalls does the 1994 Ford F-250 have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 06V286000 (vehicle speed control), 05V388000 (vehicle speed control), 96V064000 (seat), 94V169001 (brake), 94V101000 (electrical), 94V018000 (structure), 93V184000 (air bag), 93V155000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1994 Ford F-250 problems?

Owners filed 123 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (23), Service brakes (23), Engine and engine cooling (18) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1994 Ford F-250 get?

EPA rates the 4.9 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1994 F-250 compare with other years?

Among the 1990–1999 Ford F-250 model years at least five years old, the 1998 drew the fewest complaints (56) and the 1999 the most (581). The 1994 drew 123. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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