MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:24.249Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
61
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1986: 61 complaints 1986 61 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 61 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 61 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990

1986: 61 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988141
1989210
1990254

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

36% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer was driving and the truck caught on fire . Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-24

Fuel system, gasoline

20% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and selector devices.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1986 Ford F150 with dual fuel tanks, fuel siphons from one tank to the other, tank overflows causing spillage on ground. Same problem with check valve on Ford F150 models during 1990 to 1993 resulted in a recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-13

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Structure

15% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

Seat belts

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and rear/other.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Lap belts in center of bench seat did not hold 6 year old daughter and adult passenger in place during an accident, resulting in injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09

Safety timeline

1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
  2. I
    1987-05-07Engineering analysisClosed 1987-09-24 Engine compartment fires
  3. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1988-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-01 Fires
  5. I
    1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 Ford F150 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 F150?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford F150 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.