1987 Ford F-250 Problems
- Complaints
- 38filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles, 1 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, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 15 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford F-250. The part named most often is electrical system, with 11 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes (9) and engine cooling (6). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 135,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 1 an injury, 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 system11 29%
- Brakes9 24%
- Engine cooling6 16%
- Fuel system4 11%
- Steering3 7.9%
- Tires3 7.9%
- Seats1 2.6%
- Suspension1 2.6%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.6%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Vehicle caught on fire underdash while parked caused by faulty ignition switch. Ignition switch will be replaced by owner; not included in Ford's ignition switch recall.”
NHTSA complaint #811399, filed 1997-04Brakes: “Abs, brake failure, pedal floor, loss of effectiveness, ABS light came on. Consumer was having problems with hydraulic system front brake system was replaced, as well as the rear brake sytem and seal there was also a brake fluid leak from the brake failure, ABS light was stillcoming on, but that problem could not be duplicated.”
NHTSA complaint #983242, filed 1996-04Engine cooling: “Consumer states that while driving the vehicle will cut off giving the driver no indication. After the vehicle shuts off it takes 5 hours for the vehicle to start.the dealer has been contacted . Owner has repalced several parts on vehicle trying to stop the sudden cut offs.”
NHTSA complaint #816712, filed 1997-09Fuel system: “I have owned 2 f250 pickups. One 1983 and one 1987. They both have had 2ea failures of the fuel line to carburator float bowl fitting. The float bowl part number from Ford is e5tz 9510-mb. The threaded bore of the float bowl becomes bell shaped over time. This causes fuel to leak between the fuel line and front float bowl. This fuels leaks on the hot manifold. Ford knows of the problem and simply raised the price on the replacement part to earn more profit. It used to be less than $50 and currently is over $80. I will send two samples of the part so you may see for yourself what is happening. …”
NHTSA complaint #736773, filed 2000-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 135,000 and 135,000 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 1987 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 | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 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 | 13 | 12 | $5,600 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 13 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| 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 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 10 | 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.
- 87V140000Sep 4, 1987Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford F-250 1987, Ranger 1987, F-150 1987
Wheel lug nut cone angles do not match lug nut seating angles.
Recall details for the 1987 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE91090Spare tire firesClosed · Jun 20, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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 1987 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 11 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes with 9.
Has the 1987 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 1987 Ford F-250 get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Ford F-250 (F250 Pickup 2WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 14 city and 15 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 1987 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 135,000 miles and the middle half falls between 135,000 and 135,000 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.