Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 6 | 1.5× | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 1997 | 6 | 1.2× | — | Brake | Average |
| 1995 | 2 | −47% | 4 | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median F800 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F800 problems
Latest Ford F800 recalls
Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Vehicle description: medium duty trucks and chassis-cabs. An automatic locking front wheel bearing adjusting nut was damaged during installation or removal by incorrect tools or an incorrect torque specification was used.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front wheel bearing adjusting nuts with castle nuts and cotter pins.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Vehicle description: medium duty trucks and school bus chassis-cowls equipped with automatic transmissions. The welds that attach the key to the top of the steering column mounted automatic transmission shift linkage May not adequately retain the key, allowing the transmission to be in a gear other than that indicated on the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column shift tube and, if so equipped, to have the dso park brake linkage adjusted.
Vehicle speed control
The hand throttle cable can wear the brass swivel block on the governor lever through which it passes.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised governor lever with a stainless steel swivel. Also letters will be sent to vehicle owners that have the same vehicles but do not have a Ford installed hand throttle advising them that they…
Electrical system › Wiring
A connector in the wiring where the tilt hood mounted lamps attach to the vehicle wiring harness was built without sealing plugs. Moisture, road salt or other contaminants can enter the connection resulting in crossed circuits, shorts or corrosion of the wiring of the connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connector and install sealing plugs in the open cavities. If the inspection reveals corrosion, a new connector will be installed.
Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection
The drag link installed can contact the front axle I-beam under certain extreme conditions. This drag link was not intended to be installed on "low profile" vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install the correct drag link on the vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F800 should you avoid?
None of the Ford F800 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Ford F800?
1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other F800 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford F800 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (4), brakes (4) and engine & cooling (4). Transmission complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F800 had?
6 recalls across 1995–1998. The model year with the most is 1995. See all Ford F800 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.