Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

1987 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
29%of 38 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Ford F-250, 29% of the 38 complaints for this model year. 8 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.

“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 1997-04

“Ignition switch in the steering column appears to be potential fire hazard; steering column gets so hot, cannot touch with hands; sometimes doesn't activate.”

NHTSA complaint #983654, filed 1996-04

“Driver experienced an electrical system fire while vehicle was running caused by the ignition switch shorting, fire burnt the dashboard and steering wheel.”

NHTSA complaint #983023, filed 1996-04

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201496%
201322%
2012187%
2011114%
201045%
200912%
2008126%
200735%
2006188%
2005139%
20043623%
20031311%
2002149%
2001125%
2000247%
1999254%
199824%
1997196%
1996116%
1995127%
19941210%
199375%
199298%
19911514%
19901413%
19892018%
19881524%
19871129%
19861334%
1985629%
1984550%

Other parts of the 1987 Ford F-250

Brakes
9 complaints
Engine cooling
6 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1987 Ford F-250

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology