Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1987 Ford F-250 sits mid-pack among F-250 years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 146, with 2 recalls and 5 closed investigations.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (26% of the total).
51
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
5
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
14
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 | 25% | — flat |
| Brakes | 10 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
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
WHEEL LUG NUT CONE ANGLES DO NOT MATCH LUG NUT SEATING ANGLES.
Consequence
NUTS COULD LOOSEN IN SERVICE CREATING POTENTIAL FORWHEELS TO SEPARATE FROM TRUCK.
Remedy
REPAIR TO PREVENT LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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. *AK”
“ABS, BRAKE FAILURE, PEDAL FLOOR, LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS, ABS LIGHT CAME ON. *AK 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…”
“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.”
“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…”
“LIGHT WEIGHT DESIGN OS DRIVE TRAIN CAUSED TRANSFER CASE TO CRACK, DUE INABILITY TO SUPPORT WEIGHT OF MOTOR/TRANSMISSION. *SD”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 51 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 (13 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 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 5 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.