MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford F250

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:46.729Z

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
38
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

37% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 38 complaints 1986 38 1987: 38 complaints 1988: 62 complaints 1989: 103 complaints 1989 1990: 108 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 38 complaints 1986 38 1987: 38 complaints 1987 1988: 62 complaints 1988 1989: 103 complaints 1989 1990: 108 complaints 1990 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 38 complaints 1986 38 1987: 38 complaints 1987 1988: 62 complaints 1988 1989: 103 complaints 1989 1990: 108 complaints 1990 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008

1986: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19831
198410
198521
198638
198738
198862
1989103
1990108
20050
20060
20070
20080

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

37% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving my 1986 Ford f-250 6.9 l diesel extended cab 2WD , I had heard a sizzling sound coming from the center of the dash on the top. The truck all of a sudden stopped running and had no power to anything, it was completely dead.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-12-24

While driving the wire under the dash near the ignition caught on fire, burning the vehicle up, white smoke noticed. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-20

Engine compartment fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-16

Tires

13% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Belt of tire is separating (Tire feels out of balance, bulge is now evident in tread, 8/32's of original 15/32's of tread remain). This is second tire in set of four to separate (See ODI report # 10345185 for first).

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-25

I was driving at 55-60 MPH on two lane highway (No shoulder) when belt and tread of right rear tire peeled off suddenly without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-25

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE

Service brakes

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle caught fire under bed area.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-08

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-09-25Fuel system, gasoline86V111000 Trucks fail to meet requirement of FMVSS No. 301, fuel system integrity, in a 30 MPH front angular barrier test impact because of the omission of the nose shield on midship fuel tank.

    Remedy: Install nose shield on the midship fuel tank. Fuel tank.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/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
  6. I
    1994-08-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-28 Fuel injector pump fails

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V111000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 Ford F250 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 F250?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford F250 have?
2 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.