1986 Ford F-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 120,500miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints for this model year cluster around two themes: electrical wiring and ignition fires, and the dual-tank fuel system, where owners describe fuel moving between the front and rear tanks and spilling. Many filings date from the 1990s and early 2000s but describe vehicles that were already well used at the time, and several report stalling or sudden shutdowns at highway speed. Structural and interior items like door handles and paint fading are also mentioned but are less safety-relevant.
- Electrical system
Wiring and ignition switch fires or smoke under the dash
- 12 complaints (20%)
- typically at 10.5 yrs old
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–1997
Owners describe smoke or flames from the steering column, under the dash, or along the wiring harness, sometimes while driving and sometimes shortly after turning the ignition. In some accounts the truck lost power or would not restart afterward, and inspection found melted ignition switch parts or burned insulation where harness wires had rubbed against the dash structure. Several complaints mention using an extinguisher or being unable to continue driving. Mileage is not stated in most of these filings; reports span older, heavily used trucks rather than a specific mileage window.
What to check: Look for a melted or scorched ignition switch, chafed or taped-over wiring under the dash, and any burnt smell; ask whether the harness and ignition switch have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Stopped at stop sign, windshield wipers came on voluntarily, started smoking, fire started coming from underhood;vehicle burnt completely within 8 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #984480, filed 1996-05“The iingition switch caught on fire while driving, causing the truck to cut off. While driving on the freeway, there was a loud pop, the headlights dimmed( night driving) and the cab of the pickup filled with smoke, immediately pulled over and shut off engine, waited a few minutes attempted to start vehicle, would not start, consumer had vehicle towed home, the next day upon viewing visible damage several burned spots all along the wire harness could be seen from just outside the firewall of the pick up all the way up to the alternator, at …”
NHTSA complaint #985810, filed 1996-06 - Engine cooling
Stalling or sudden shutdown while driving
Mentioned in 6 of 28 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine cutting out without warning at highway speeds or intermittently at any speed, sometimes with rough running beforehand and sometimes refusing to restart until it cools. Complaints mention repeated dealer visits where the cause was not found, and one describes steering lock following a shutdown. Mileage is rarely given in these filings; several involve highway-speed driving and warm-engine conditions.
What to check: Ask about any history of intermittent stalling or hard hot restarts, and have the ignition module, fuel delivery and wiring checked before relying on the truck for long trips.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought the truck used and had the engine rebuilt due to low compression, oil consumption and low fuel mileage. The truck runs fine, but when it gets hot it has a tendency to stall and will not restart for quite a while. I was in omaha and stopped, the vehicle stalled and would not restart, over the radio came a severe thunderstorm warning, with my family with me there was no place I could take them. There was hail but and luckily no hail.. I left my family and went to get our other vehicle and left the truck. . …”
NHTSA complaint #734072, filed 2000-10“Consumer was traveling 60mph on highway and vehicle shut off without prior warning. Vehicle drove rough/slow and fast speed. Dealership was aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #873097, filed 2000-10 - Fuel system
Fuel crossing between dual tanks and overflowing
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 85,000 mi at 17.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2003
On trucks with front and rear tanks, owners report fuel moving from one tank into the other, so that after filling, the rear tank overflows and fuel spills onto the ground. Complaints attribute this to a check valve or switching valve problem, and some note the tank selector does not transfer fuel when switched. Owners describe mechanics being unable to resolve the spill, and one filing references a later recall on the same check valve for other model years. Reported on trucks with dual tanks; the one filing that gives mileage lists about 85,000 miles.
What to check: On a dual-tank truck, fill each tank separately and watch for fuel appearing in or spilling from the other tank; ask whether the tank selector valve and check valves have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1986 Ford f150 with dual fuel tanks, fuel siphons from one tank to the other, tank overflows causing spillage on ground. Same problem with check valve on Ford f150 models during 1990 to 1993 resulted in a recall. Dangerous situation could result in fire or explosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10023051, filed 2003-06, 85,000 miles“After filling both tanks, front tank's fuel would pour into and out of rear tank. Took to mechanic, and problem could not be resolved. Consumer was advised by manufacturer to get truck fixed as soon as possible as this is a dangerous part failure.”
NHTSA complaint #8004155, filed 2002-02
Buying note. These are old trucks, so condition matters more than the model year itself: inspect the wiring and ignition switch closely, verify both fuel tanks behave correctly when filled and switched, and confirm the seat belts latch and hold. Ask for records of electrical, fuel-system and brake hydraulic work, since several complaints describe the same repair being repeated.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford F-150. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 120,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 system22 36%
- Fuel system10 16%
- Engine cooling9 15%
- Body and structure9 15%
- Seat belts6 9.8%
- Brakes5 8.2%
- Steering3 4.9%
- Other or unknown1 1.6%
- Suspension1 1.6%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Vehicle has experienced 4 modular replacements. Truck would shut off completely, which resulted in steering lock; inoperable. Repairs were from alameda Ford, all star fod, winner Ford; alameda Ford indicated the part that wen into modulator ha to be re-invented as previous part no longer made. 6/01/99 picked up vehicle from repair, loud clink in engine. Truck delivered to broadway motors for repair, contacted b.a.r. To have matter reviewed; 4/01 broadway Ford called to inform truck was being auctioned off. …”
NHTSA complaint #752536, filed 2001-09Fuel system: “Fuel is leaking from one tank to another tank, causing an overflow, and allowing excessive amount of fuel to leak onto ground due to crossflow condition, check valve failuire.”
NHTSA complaint #893289, filed 2001-08Engine cooling: “The consumer has experienced an unknown problem with vehicle. Vehicle was sitting alone and it caught on fire. The fire department came out and investigated. However, a report was not finished. The manufacturer has been contacted. This is in accordance with investigation number pe9020.”
NHTSA complaint #831532, filed 1998-12Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 85,000 and 156,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford F-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 12 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 13 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 14 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
3 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
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
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford F-150 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Recall details for the 1986 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford F-150.
Other model years of the Ford F-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | — | 8 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 109 | 5,330 | 14 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 195 | 8,750 | 11 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 418 | 29,700 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 602 | 27,882 | 23 | 5 | 20 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 1,040 | 48,000 | 29 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 742 | 38,000 | 11 | 4–5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,343 | 60,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 21 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 2,325 | 40,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,463 | 53,000 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,093 | 46,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,745 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 1,539 | 65,000 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,992 | 74,281 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 1,784 | 63,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 2,194 | 70,766 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 843 | 58,150 | 1 | — | 16 | 6 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 324 | 50,525 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 369 | 61,500 | 1 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 488 | 57,426 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 585 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 61,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 423 | 63,946 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 821 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 95,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 91,843 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 100,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 113,070 | 8 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 107,360 | 14 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 324 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 626 | 117,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 676 | 132,835 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 586 | 136,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 470 | 133,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 304 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 275 | 97,900 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 224 | 106,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 139 | 99,061 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 91 | 128,013 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 61 | 120,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 192,035 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 10 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford F-150?
Complaints for this model year cluster around two themes: electrical wiring and ignition fires, and the dual-tank fuel system, where owners describe fuel moving between the front and rear tanks and spilling. The issues reported most often: Wiring and ignition switch fires or smoke under the dash; Stalling or sudden shutdown while driving; Fuel crossing between dual tanks and overflowing.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford F-150 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford F-150 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 22 complaints (36% of the total), followed by fuel system with 10.
Has the 1986 Ford F-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford F-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford F-150 (F150 Pickup 2WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford F-150 reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 120,500 miles and the middle half falls between 85,000 and 156,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.