1986 Ford F250

○ Not enough data

1986 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:32:36.850Z

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

1986: 38 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	1
1982	0
1983	1
1984	10
1985	21
1986	38
1987	38
1988	62
1989	103
1990	108
2005	0
2006	0
2007	0
2008	0

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 37%

37% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, 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, 20101224

WHILE DRIVING THE WIRE UNDER THE DASH NEAR THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING THE VEHICLE UP, WHITE SMOKE NOTICED. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960220

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950316

TIRES 13%

13% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.

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). *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20100725

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, 20100725

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER BED AREA. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950608

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860925 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 86V111000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19870128 — PE (closed 19870526)

FUEL LEAKS/FIRES

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

I 19940819 — PE (closed 19941228)

FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 86V111000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

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