1986 Ford F-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 36%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Ford F-150, 36% of the 61 complaints for this model year. 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2001-09“While driving vehicle, catalytic converter caught on fire due to control module on distributor malfunctioning, fuel pumped into exhaust system, put flames out w/extinguisher.”
NHTSA complaint #805555, filed 1996-12“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“Turned on ignition, smoke started coming from under dash, checked underhood, all wiring burnt; caused by main wires rubbing against steel frame of dash.”
NHTSA complaint #984338, 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 this point vehicle has not been fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #985810, filed 1996-06Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 23 | 21% |
| 2024 | 40 | 21% |
| 2023 | 85 | 20% |
| 2022 | 126 | 21% |
| 2021 | 130 | 13% |
| 2020 | 88 | 12% |
| 2019 | 100 | 7% |
| 2018 | 172 | 7% |
| 2017 | 136 | 9% |
| 2016 | 190 | 9% |
| 2015 | 176 | 10% |
| 2014 | 163 | 11% |
| 2013 | 324 | 11% |
| 2012 | 173 | 10% |
| 2011 | 235 | 11% |
| 2010 | 166 | 20% |
| 2009 | 46 | 14% |
| 2008 | 29 | 8% |
| 2007 | 42 | 9% |
| 2006 | 60 | 10% |
| 2005 | 73 | 7% |
| 2004 | 99 | 5% |
| 2003 | 47 | 11% |
| 2002 | 106 | 13% |
| 2001 | 137 | 11% |
| 2000 | 191 | 18% |
| 1999 | 85 | 8% |
| 1998 | 87 | 6% |
| 1997 | 198 | 7% |
| 1996 | 56 | 17% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 88 | 13% |
| 1993 | 34 | 6% |
| 1992 | 48 | 10% |
| 1991 | 50 | 16% |
| 1990 | 37 | 13% |
| 1989 | 52 | 23% |
| 1988 | 49 | 35% |
| 1987 | 37 | 41% |
| 1986 | 22 | 36% |
| 1985 | 10 | 36% |
| 1984 | 7 | 47% |
| 1983 | 3 | 30% |
| 1982 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford F-150
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford F-150
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology