1986 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 16%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 1986 Ford F-150, 16% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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“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 2001-08“The truck has duel fuel tanks and the fuel does not switch over from one tank to another. The dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #822386, filed 1998-04Related recalls
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.Covers: Ford F-150 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 92 | 15% |
| 2021 | 94 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 24 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 28 | 2% |
| 2016 | 95 | 5% |
| 2015 | 81 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 5% |
| 2013 | 159 | 5% |
| 2012 | 119 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 5% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 22 | 7% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 54 | 11% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 74 | 4% |
| 2003 | 46 | 11% |
| 2002 | 86 | 10% |
| 2001 | 132 | 11% |
| 2000 | 152 | 14% |
| 1999 | 132 | 13% |
| 1998 | 201 | 15% |
| 1997 | 246 | 9% |
| 1996 | 53 | 16% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 113 | 17% |
| 1993 | 288 | 49% |
| 1992 | 245 | 52% |
| 1991 | 154 | 51% |
| 1990 | 146 | 53% |
| 1989 | 95 | 42% |
| 1988 | 28 | 20% |
| 1987 | 23 | 25% |
| 1986 | 10 | 16% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford F-150
22 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 31, 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