1987 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 25%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,506miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the fuel system of the 1987 Ford F-150, 25% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,506 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Problem with the duel fuel tanks, after filling the rear fuel tank I started smelling gas fumes while driving on city streets. I pulled over to check and gas was leaking from beneath the truck . When I opened the front tank gas cap , fuel spewed out as if it was under pressure. At that time I was operating on the rear tank. I opened the rear gas tank cap and nothing happened. I understand that this issue has happened before and an extended safety recall was issued by the manufacturer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10947867, filed 2017-01, 114,450 miles“Driving home, engine started sputtering, strong smell of gasoline. Gas spilling from front gas cap. I have had this in for repairs and no one seems to know what is wrong with the vehicle. Vehicle starts at times but seems to be flooding itself out and gas continues to spill from front tank. I believe this to be a rather significant safety issue but Ford wants $900 to fix. Note: they have already charges me $200 for a repair that the vehicle did not require.”
NHTSA complaint #10521761, filed 2013-06, 128,013 miles“Dt: the contact states there is NHTSA recall 87v139000 concerning the fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. This vehicle is experiencing the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact has not repaired the vehicle at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10142620, filed 2005-11, 119,000 miles“While the vehicle was parked with a passenger sitting in the vehicle, a fire started near the front fuel tank. The fire marshall could not determine the origin of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10105231, filed 2004-12, 185,000 miles“I do believe thay have a problem with there gas tank's on Ford pick up trucks I own 1 my dad own's 1my brother own's 1 my son n law owned 1 and my nephew own's1 and thay all have the same prblem gas tank's on all of them leak truck's range from 1987through1996 I do think Ford motor should be held responsible for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #751809, filed 2001-09Related 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 1987 Ford F-150
37 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 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