In this paper, the adaptive tracking problem for a class of strictly feedback nonlinear time‐delay systems with output constraints, actuator failures, and input dead zones is studied. First, in the design of controller, the absolute value function and integral term are introduced into the candidate functions to deal with nonlinear factors and distributed time‐varying delays in the system. In addition, an adaptive neural network controller is designed to ensure the stability of the controlled system, and the system tracking error can converge to the origin without violating the constraints. Finally, simulation results verify the feasibility of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]