Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1987 Ford F-350 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
8
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
7
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 38% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 13% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 13% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 13% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.
Consequence
SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE VEHICLE FRAME OR STEERINGGEAR CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy
MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLES LEFT REAR TIRE BROKE OFF WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AND CAUSED REAR BRAKE DRUMS TO CRACK,(NO TIRE INFOR GIVEN). (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*YH ”
“RECALL CAMPAIGN; MY TRUCK WAS PART OF THE RECALL, WHICH HAD BEEN COMPLETED. UNFORTUNATES NEITHER DEALER OR MY RECORDS SUPPORT THAT MY TRUCK WAS SERVED. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN THE CONSUMERS STEERING FAILED IN HER VEHICLE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 88V015000 *TC”
“WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE TURN SIGNAL TO TURN LEFT AND STEERING WHEEL IS A LITTLE TO RIGHT, THE TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT GO DOWN OR STAY DOWN. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK”
The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.