1986 Ford F350
Only 14 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 29 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
3 of 14 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Front tire on light truck blew out while driving appr. 40MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-26
Tire blow out on light truck while driving at approx 55 MPH this is a second occurrence with these tires. Cooper refuses to register the issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-26
Service brakes
3 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
A vehicle fire started under dash while driving. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information, and fill in vehicle mileage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-11
Visibility
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
Windshield wiper fail to clean windshield on driver's side.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-07
Steering
1 of 14 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1986-04-25Visibility86V048000 The outside rear view mirrors do not meet the 50 square inch minimum requirement of FMVSS 111-rearview mirrors.
Remedy: Replace outside rear view mirrors with unit magnification mirrors of 9" X 6" Reflective surface dimensions.
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I
1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
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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.
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I
1988-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-01 Fires
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I
1988-12-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-12 Antifreeze underhood fires
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I
1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires
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I
1989-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-17 Gearshift lever breaks
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I
1994-08-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-28 Fuel injector pump fails
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Ford F350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V048000 · Visibility
- Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Ford F350 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 F350?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Ford F350 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.