VehicleVerdict

1986 Ford LTD problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1986 Ford LTD — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other LTD years?

LTD NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted18 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 15 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 3 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 1 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 2 complaints
LTD NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LTD years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Ford LTD problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System436%
Engine218%
Seats218%
Fuel System19%
Seat Belts19%
Body & Structure19%

Does the 1986 Ford LTD have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PURCHASED CAR USED, ON IMPACT, HIT FROM THE RIGHT REAR BACK, BOTH FRONT SEATS RECLINED BACKWARD PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 16, 1994 · crash

“RIGHT REAR PASSENGER POWER DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. LATCH COULD NOT BE MANUALLY LIFTED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

1986 Ford LTD — common questions

Is the 1986 Ford LTD reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 LTD problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), seats (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Ford LTD have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Ford LTD. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Ford LTD under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.