Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1986 Ford F-250 sits mid-pack among F-250 years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 145, with 2 recalls and 4 closed investigations.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (36% of the total).
42
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
4
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
19
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 12% | — flat |
| Brakes | 4 | 10% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 5% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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 WHICH DO NOT MEET THE FMVSS INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NOSE SHIELD ON THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF OWNER'S HOME IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE CAB AREA. TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR ONE WEEK. BELIEVES FIRE TO HAVE STARTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALLED. *AK”
“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…”
“AUTO WAS LOCKED AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN THREE WEEKS, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTO BURST INTO FLAMES AND BURNED THE INTERIOR UP, NO INJURIES. *AK”
“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.*AK CONSUMER STEPPED ON BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. CONSUMER NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE…”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 42 NHTSA complaints, below the typical F-250 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Ford F-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.