1986 Ford F-150 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 15%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1986 Ford F-150, 15% of the 61 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 1998-12“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“Ongoing problem with engine stalling while traveling from 50 or more MPH. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and was unable to locate cause.”
NHTSA complaint #888542, filed 2001-05“While traveling at any speed vehicle would stall without any indication intermittently. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #898280, filed 2001-10Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 19 | 2% |
| 2020 | 11 | 1% |
| 2019 | 62 | 5% |
| 2018 | 88 | 4% |
| 2017 | 70 | 5% |
| 2016 | 30 | 1% |
| 2015 | 25 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 1% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 17 | 1% |
| 2011 | 33 | 2% |
| 2010 | 31 | 4% |
| 2009 | 10 | 3% |
| 2008 | 22 | 6% |
| 2007 | 41 | 8% |
| 2006 | 77 | 13% |
| 2005 | 111 | 10% |
| 2004 | 167 | 8% |
| 2003 | 69 | 16% |
| 2002 | 196 | 24% |
| 2001 | 234 | 19% |
| 2000 | 135 | 13% |
| 1999 | 219 | 21% |
| 1998 | 174 | 13% |
| 1997 | 529 | 19% |
| 1996 | 23 | 7% |
| 1995 | 71 | 11% |
| 1994 | 52 | 8% |
| 1993 | 52 | 9% |
| 1992 | 37 | 8% |
| 1991 | 17 | 6% |
| 1990 | 21 | 8% |
| 1989 | 13 | 6% |
| 1988 | 11 | 8% |
| 1987 | 9 | 10% |
| 1986 | 9 | 15% |
| 1985 | 4 | 14% |
| 1984 | 2 | 13% |
| 1983 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford F-150
22 complaintsFuel system
10 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