1986 Ford F-250 Problems
- Complaints
- 38filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 377,089miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford F-250. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (34% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and tires (5). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 377,089 miles. Of all complaints, 16 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns 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 system13 34%
- Engine cooling5 13%
- Tires5 13%
- Brakes4 11%
- Fuel system3 7.9%
- Seat belts2 5.3%
- Body and structure2 5.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.3%
- Steering1 2.6%
- Suspension1 2.6%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving my 1986 Ford F-250 6.9 l diesel extended cab 2wd , I had heard a sizzling sound coming from the center of the dash on the top. The truck all of a sudden stopped running and had no power to anything, it was completely dead. While the truck was in motion I quickly identified a place to pull over on the side of the road and make a complete stop without accident. White smoke had come from the center of the dash by the radio and built in clock, just as the truck had lost power and stopped running. Obviously something to do with a electrical fire and the ignition wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10372317, filed 2010-12, 143,719 milesTires: “I was driving at 55-60 MPH on two lane highway (no shoulder) when belt and tread of right rear tire peeled off suddenly without warning. Tire did not lose pressure immediately so I was able to drive approximately 50 yards to nearest turn off, pull off roadway, and put my spare on. On coming and following traffic had to swerve (some off of road) to avoid pieces of disintegrating tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10345185, filed 2010-07, 374,941 milesBrakes: “While driving down highway, brake line ruptured, resulting in complete loss of brakes. Consumer avoided an accident. Vehicle checked by dealer who advised consumer that brake line had rusted. Consumer stepped on brakes and the pedal went all the way to floor. Consumer noticed brake fluid on the ground. The line had ruptured on the drivers side midway the chassis.”
NHTSA complaint #8015278, filed 2002-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 374,941 and 379,237 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-250 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 12 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 12 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
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-250 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 86V111000Aug 14, 1986Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford F-250 1985–1986
Trucks fail to meet requirement of fmvss no. 301, fuel system integrity, in a 30 mph front angular barrier test impact because of the omission of the nose shield on midship fuel tank. Consequence of defect: in case of an accident, fuel spillage in the trucks…
Recall details for the 1986 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford F-250.
Other model years of the Ford F-250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 142 | 81,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 95 | 77,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 266 | 78,750 | 1 | 4 | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 248 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 73 | 75,666 | 0 | — | — | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 54 | 67,703 | 0 | — | — | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 197 | 70,000 | 7 | — | — | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 60 | 42,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 221 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 144 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 154 | 39,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 116 | 75,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 220 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 326 | 75,768 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 581 | 99,000 | 14 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 56 | 115,738 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 304 | 115,604 | 10 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 176 | 125,940 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 184 | 129,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 130 | 160,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 119 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 107 | 102,000 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 111 | 119,052 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 112 | 98,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 62 | 144,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 38 | 377,089 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | 208,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (34% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1986 Ford F-250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford F-250 get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford F-250 (F250 Pickup 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 377,089 miles and the middle half falls between 374,941 and 379,237 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.