1986 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
What could happen: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
The fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE COUPLINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FUELINJECTION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Ford F150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (24), Fuel system (12), Gasoline (12), Engine (9), Body / structure (9).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/18/2008 · Vehicle Speed Control · fire
MY 1986 FORD F-150 WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 150,000 MILES AND WAS PARKED NEXT TO MY HOUSE, NOT RUNNING, WHEN A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE TRUCK BURNED NEARLY BURNING MY HOUSE AND TRAILER, AS WELL AS ALL INSIDE IT AND SCARED MY SON AND I TERRIBLY. *TR
06/17/2003 · Steering
WHILE BACKING INTO THE GARAGE CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THE STEERING BOX ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. *AK
06/13/2003 · Fuel system
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. *NLM
02/19/2002 · Fuel system
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. *AK CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY MANUFACTURER TO GET TRUCK FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS THIS IS A DANGEROUS PART FAILURE. *TT
02/02/2002 · Electrical system
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
01/10/2002 · Electrical system
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
12/15/2001 · Brakes
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER FOUR TIMES, ONCE WITH A REBUILT CYLINDER AND THREE TIMES WITH NEW CYLINDERS. IT IS BECOMING A HAZARD THAT RECURRS EVERY YEAR AND A HALF TO TWO YEARS, AND IS ALSO BECOMING EXPENSIVE. THE LAST INSTANCE COST $180 TO REPAIR.*AK
10/26/2001 · Engine
WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK