Summary
The Ford B Series has 18 recalls spanning 1971 through 1998, with the most serious recent issue affecting 1998 models where a faulty weld on the shift tube can allow the transmission to show the wrong gear position, potentially causing the vehicle to roll away when parked or lurch in an unintended direction when the accelerator is pressed.
The 1993 model year has a suspension concern where incorrectly sized wheel clamps on the front cast-spoke wheels can bend the attachment studs over time, eventually fracturing them and risking wheel failure while driving. On 1992 models, two separate engine issues exist: Cummins 5.9 and 8.3 litre diesel engines can develop a fractured throttle return spring, and a hand throttle cable can jam against a worn brass fitting on the governor, preventing the engine from returning to idle. The 1990 model year has a brake master cylinder that is the wrong size, generating less hydraulic pressure than designed and extending stopping distances for a given pedal effort.
Going further back, 1987 models have a battery junction block on the right front fender that is vulnerable to road splash and corrosion from road salts, risking electrical failure. The 1984 model has hydraulic brake booster hoses routed too close to exhaust heat shields, where they can chafe or overheat, rupture, and cause a sudden loss of brake assist. The 1983 model has headlamp dimmer switch wiring that can be pulled taut and disconnected by the driver's foot, causing the headlamps to go dark. On 1982 models, the left rear brake assemblies were built with adjusters meant for the right side, causing the adjustment mechanism to work in reverse and increase the gap between lining and drum as the brakes wear rather than maintaining contact.
The 1981 model year has two brake line issues: a missing retaining clip on the left front brake tube can allow it to chafe against the shock absorber and eventually leak fluid, and the master cylinder hose and tube routing on certain variants is positioned where continued chafing during use can wear through and cause complete loss of hydraulic braking. The 1980 model has a deteriorating primary electrical connector that can kill the engine without warning, simultaneously removing power steering assist and hydraulic brake boost. The 1976 model has front axle U-bolts that can fracture and separate; if both on the same side fail, the front axle can shift out of position and eliminate steering control. Early production from 1975 includes front spring hanger brackets with insufficiently set rivets that can work loose, as well as cooling fan blades that can fatigue-crack and separate at speed, damaging underhood components or injuring anyone near the open engine bay. The 1971 model year shares the same fan blade fracture concern with a cross-blade style fan.
