1987 Ford F150

○ Not enough data

1987 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-09-16T16:08:55.317Z

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 PER YEAR

1987: 89 complaints

View as data table

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

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 45%

45% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960306

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, 19960212

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960209

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 24%

24% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 21 distinct reports on file, 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. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20041222

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, 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, 20021106

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.

FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870515 — suspension

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.

Campaign 87V077000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19871005 — wheels

WHEEL LUG NUT CONE ANGLES DO NOT MATCH LUG NUT SEATING ANGLES.

Remedy: REPAIR TO PREVENT LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS.

Campaign 87V140000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19881207 — PE (closed 19890601)

FIRES

I 19890126 — DP (closed 19890801)

F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (21 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V077000 (suspension) has been completed.
Verify recall 87V140000 (wheels) has been completed.
Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.