1994 Ford F-350 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA F-350 Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Ford F-350 have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 1994 F-350 Investigations
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Defect Investigation for the 1994 F-350
Vehicle Component: Electrical System*
Summary: EA05-005 is closed with Ford's actions in recalls 05V-017, 05V-388, and 06V-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with Texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds). The brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire. Ford is also including the entire population of 1998 Explorers. Ford has informed ODI that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 Explorers will continue after this investigation is closed. ODI believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in Ford's recalls. ODI will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires. The Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached closing report for details.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA05005 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on August 02 2006 and there was a recall ordered: #07V336000
* This defect investigation is filed under 21 related vehicle components.
FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT Defect Investigation for the 1994 F-350
Vehicle Component: Power Train*
Summary: An engineering analysis closing report is included.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA95012 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on May 28 1996 and there was a recall ordered: #96I003001
* This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS Defect Investigation for the 1994 F-350
Vehicle Component: Power Train
Summary: Ford has acknowledged a serious problem with the accessory drive belt system (serpentine belt) in the subject vehicles. Several service bulletins have been issued to address concerns related to belt tracking or wear. Ford maintains that the subject condition does not present an unreasonable risk to highway safety, arguing that the low incidence of failures alleging safety consequences (I. E., fires, fluid leaks, and/or accidents) is strong evidence in support of this claim. Ford has indicated receipt of 4,445 field reports and 46891 warranty claims concerning the subject condition. Ford maintains that the low number of reported hose ruptures and/or fires, relative to total belt failures, shows that the problem is a "durability concern" that presents very little risk to motor vehicle safety. Ford intends to address the problemin a service bulletin scheduled for publication the week of March 13, 1995. ODI has received several claims alleging that incidents of belt failure are causing collateral damage to adjacent fluid systems (E. G., power steering hose, coolant hose, and automatic transmission oil cooler hose). Release of these fluids within the engine compartment may result in a vehicle fire, if exposed to a sufficiently hot surface area. The autoignition temperature for transmission oil may be as low as 300 C (570 F), while power steering fluid and engine coolant are generally harder to ignite (closer to 500 degree C (900 degreef)). Damage to battery cable insulation has also been alleged as a consequence of serpentine belt failure. ODI has received four reports alleging failure of adjacent fluid system hoses from contact with a broken serpentine belt. One report involved an econoline rv cutaway chassis with a 7.3L V-8 navistar engine, used in the Transport of disabled children. An engine compartment fire destroyed the vehicle in November 1994. The fire is alleged to have been caused when the serpentine belt broke at highway speed and ruptured a transmission coller line. The report alleges finding belt fragments and traces of transmission fluid up the road from the fire scene, near where the driver had heard a "pop" just prior to the fire. The driver reportedly sustained minor burn injuries while evacuating passengers. Owner reports also allege some loss of vehicle control occurs with the belt failures, due to the loss of power assist capability to the braking and steering systems. The serpentine belt drives the power steering pump and the vacuum pump for the brake booster in the subject vehicles. As stated in Ford bulletin 93-23-27: Some diesel powered vehicles are experiencing drive belt tracking concerns. This is caused by front end accessory drive (fead) misalignment, which may result in the belt coming off the accessory drive pulleys. If this occurs, several warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle will lose alternator and a/C function and water pump circulation. In addition, steering efforts will increase and, after one or a few brake applications, brake efforts wil progressively increase. There are three ODI complaints and five Ford complaints, not included in the failure report summary of this resume, alleging that the reductionin vehicle control associated with acessory drive belt failure resulted in an accident. This investigation is being upgraded to further analyze the potential safety consequences of serpentine belt failure in the subject vehicles.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE94087 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on March 31 1995 and no recall was issued.
DEFECTIVE WIRING Defect Investigation for the 1994 F-350
Vehicle Component: Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Interconnecting Assembly(Wiring)
Summary: Defective wiring
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #DP94002 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on April 25 1994 and no recall was issued.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS Defect Investigation for the 1994 F-350
Vehicle Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Summary: There is no summary currently available
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE94004 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on April 29 1994 and no recall was issued.