Summary
The Ford L Series has 20 recalls spanning the 1972–1994 production run, with the most serious recent issue affecting 1994 models where air brake reservoir welds can split along their seams, releasing compressed air explosively and potentially injuring occupants while also triggering the rear spring brakes.
The 1994 model year also has a connector on the tilt-hood lamp wiring that lacks sealing plugs in unused cavities, which can allow moisture intrusion and electrical faults. On 1991 models, fuel tank cross-over line valves lack the required reminder labels, meaning service personnel may leave the valves closed and unknowingly starve the engine of fuel. The 1990 model year carries three steering-related recalls: the adjustable steering column can have an incorrectly torqued clamping bolt that lets the coupling separate or the splines wear smooth, and the intermediate steering shaft can have insufficient spline engagement and develop side-to-side play, either of which can lead to a complete loss of steering control.
Going back further, the 1989 model has a defective air check valve that can allow a pressure loss in the primary air brake reservoir to bleed over into the secondary reservoir, wiping out the entire service brake system without warning. On 1987 models with 6.6L or 7.8L diesel engines, the governor assembly can have a reversed retaining ring that falls free and disconnects the accelerator linkage and return springs. The 1984 model year has a hydraulic parking brake control valve that can activate on its own during momentary pressure fluctuations, locking the rear axle brakes unexpectedly and causing loss of control on loose or slippery surfaces. The 1982 LN7000 with a 3208 diesel has a starter cable that can contact a steel brake tube, wear through both the electrical insulation and the tube wall, and leak brake fluid while causing a short circuit.
The 1981 LTL9000 has a telescoping intermediate steering shaft that can bind from insufficient lubrication and shorten enough during normal cab movement to disengage from the steering gear entirely. A 1979 L9000 with a Detroit Diesel Allison transmission can have a forward clutch housing that was incorrectly machined, causing the vehicle to creep forward when the selector is in neutral; that same year, certain trucks built at the Kentucky Truck Plant can have cracked cast aluminum brake pedal levers that fracture under repeated use and prevent service brake application. The 1978 LNT9000, LT9000, LTL9000, and LTS9000 models with the optional Hendrickson RT440 tandem suspension can have incorrect adapter kits that deteriorate and fracture the beam-to-axle bolt. The 1975 model year has incorrectly sized front air brake chambers on L9000 and LT9000 trucks and a separate compliance issue with accelerator control systems. The 1973 C800, L800, and W9000 models with aluminum front wheel hubs can develop fatigue cracks in the wheel mounting flange or bearing area at high mileage. The earliest recall covers 1972 L Series trucks with adjustable driver seats whose seat belts may not meet Canadian safety standards for belt geometry and performance.
