MYRModel Year Report

1987 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1987 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:07:10.353Z

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
89
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

45% 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 1987: 89 complaints 1987 89 1988: 141 complaints 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 1987: 89 complaints 1987 89 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 1987: 89 complaints 1987 89 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990

1987: 89 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

45% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was parked and the vehicle caught fire due to a short in the wiring harness.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-06

Warm up 5 minutes, then notice smoke around the vehicle, then notice flames inside the vehicle, possible due to ignition short. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-12

Electrical short in the ignition switch the vehicle caught fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-09

Fuel system, gasoline

24% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing selector devices and tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While the vehicle was parked with a passenger sitting in the vehicle, a fire started near the front fuel tank. The fire marshall could not determine the origin of the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-22

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer stated while driving, he noticed smoke coming from under the hood, consumer then pulled over and the vehicle became engulfed in flames.( Ohio traffic crash report #10-89-278)

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-06

Structure

6% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

FIRE

Service brakes

6% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-05-15Suspension87V077000 Front inner wheel bearings may not have been lubricated adequately at time of assembly.

    Remedy: Inspect and replace any bearing or race showing signs of galling or heat spots.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-10-05Wheels87V140000 Wheel lug nut cone angles do not match lug nut seating angles.

    Remedy: Repair to prevent loosening of lug nuts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  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

1987 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V077000 · Suspension
  • Recall 87V140000 · Wheels
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1987 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 1987 Ford F150?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Ford F150 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

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