1986 Ford E150
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 30 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical circuit to iar alternator gets too hot start to arc and shorts out. Resulting in vehcile fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-28
After parking car, noticed white smoking coming from the front end of the car, then noticed fire, possibile electrical short.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-18
Vehicle speed control
2 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
The throttle stuck, which caused unwanted sudden acceleration. On one occasion the throttle body was dirty and on another occasion, with the cruise control on, the vacuum line malfunctioned.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-07
The cruise control vacuum line had kinked while thr cruise was on, the throttle body had stuck, and the brake pedal had become inoperative. Scc
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-28
Tires
2 of 9 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Steering
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing linkages.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1986-11-04Engineering analysisClosed 1987-04-29 Filler neck spurt
-
I
1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
-
I
1987-04-30Engineering analysisClosed 1987-10-23 Fuel expulsion
-
I
1988-05-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-01 Fuel tank overpressurizati
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Ford E150 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford E150?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Ford E150 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.