1986 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford E-150. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (44% of the total), followed by tires (2) and vehicle speed control (2). Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 44%
- Tires2 22%
- Steering1 11%
Example complaints
Tires: “During texas trip, 1 tire went flat. Upon inspection and replacement, it was determined that the cause was tread separation. Following summer, other tires were showing similar breakdown (notelably deep cracks in the sidewalls). I went back to the tire dealer that had sold me the firestones and bought new tires (not firestones). I asked the dealer to inquire about the cracks with a firestone rep. I was never appraised as to the reps. Answer but was told by the dealer that next time I needed tires I would get a good deal on them. …”
NHTSA complaint #732891, filed 2000-09Vehicle speed control: “The throttle stuck, which caused unwanted sudden acceleration. On one occasion the throttle body was dirty and on another occasion, with the cruise control on, the vacuum line malfunctioned. In either case, pressing down on the brake pedal did not stop the vehicle. The only way to stop the vehicle was to turn off the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #10007321, filed 2003-03Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford E-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1986 Ford E-150 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE88054Fuel tank overpressurizatiClosed · May 16, 1988
- EA87019Fuel expulsionClosed · Apr 30, 1987
- PE87017Fuel leaks/firesClosed · Jan 28, 1987
- EA87002Filler neck spurtClosed · Nov 4, 1986
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford E-150.
Other model years of the Ford E-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 6,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 18,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 16,738 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 82,800 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 12 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 23 | 37,500 | 11 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 42,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 83,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 11 | 66,325 | 17 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 49,000 | 18 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 17 | 44,373 | 14 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 16 | 52,879 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 33 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 21 | 16,354 | 5 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 37 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 50 | 104,602 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 96,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 60 | 89,146 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 102 | 103,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 71 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 121 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 71 | 135,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 64 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 15 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 126,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 1989 | 31 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford E-150 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (44% of the total), followed by tires with 2.
Has the 1986 Ford E-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.