1987 Ford F250

○ Not enough data

1987 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:07.373Z

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: 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	101
1990	107
2005	0
2006	0
2007	0
2008	0

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING CAUSED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH SHORTING, FIRE BURNT THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960418

DRIVER EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING CAUSED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH SHORTING, FIRE BURNT THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960418

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

A FIRE STARTED AT THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND WENT UP THE COLUMN. PLEASE DE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960424

TIRES 5%

5% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20041014

BRIDGETONE, LT235/85R16, DOT: UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. AS RESULT THE BUMPER, TAIL PIPE AND FENDER WAS DAMAGED. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040802

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

I 19910620 — PE (closed 19911025)

SPARE TIRE FIRES

I 19930604 — EA (closed 19940729)

ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE

I 19940819 — PE (closed 19941228)

FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V140000 (wheels) has been completed.
Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1987 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 1987 Ford F250?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Ford F250 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.