1987 Ford F-150 problems

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The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

1987 Ford F-150

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Common 1987 Ford F-150 problems

The 1987 Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck, but it has some common problems that owners have reported. One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, with several complaints about various engine problems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to severe problems that affect the vehicle's performance and safety.

One of the common engine problems with the 1987 Ford F-150 is the alternator belt. Owners of 1990 to 1994 model F-150s have reported chirping or squealing noises from the engine, which is an indicator of trouble with the pulley for the air conditioner or the power-steering. This issue is particularly common in 1990 to 1994 model F-150s, and it can lead to significant engine problems if not addressed promptly.

Another common engine problem with the 1987 Ford F-150 is related to the automatic transmission. If the TR/MLP sensor is faulty, the transmission is liable to fall out of alignment, causing the engine to flare as the truck shifts into fourth gear. This issue is most commonly reported in 1994-1995 model F-150s, but it can also occur in other model years.

In addition to engine problems, the 1987 Ford F-150 has also had issues with the alternator belt, ball joints, and suspension. For example, on 1990-1996 Ford F-150s, the ball joints have been particularly vulnerable to water exposure, which can cause them to expire prematurely. This issue can lead to significant suspension problems if not addressed promptly.

The 1987 Ford F-150 has also had issues with hard starting, which has been linked to faulty harness wiring in the power control module. This issue can cause the engine to crank and stall or fail to start altogether, which can be a significant inconvenience for drivers.

Finally, the 1987 Ford F-150 has had issues with recalls. For example, there have been recalls related to fuel lines, fuel pressure, vibration, and engine movements, which can cause loss of fuel and create a fire hazard.

In conclusion, the 1987 Ford F-150 has several common problems that owners have reported, including engine problems, issues with the alternator belt, ball joints, and suspension, and recalls related to fuel lines, nuts that could loosen in service, and separation of accelerator linkage and return springs. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to severe problems that affect the vehicle's performance and safety. Therefore, it is essential for 1987 Ford F-150 owners to be aware of these common problems and take appropriate steps to address them promptly.

1987 Ford F-150 engine

What years did the F-150 have engine problems?

What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.

Which year of F-150 is most reliable?

With a reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the highest-rated F-150 model by J.D. Power, meaning it is also the most reliable Ford F-150 available. What makes the 2022 F-150 even more impressive is that you won't have to sacrifice modern features for reliability.

What year Ford F-150 is the best to buy?

Best Ford F-150 Trucks to Buy Used

  1. 2018 Ford F-150. The 2018 Ford F-150 is recognized as the most modern model on the market but comes with a heftier price tag. ...
  2. 2012 Ford F-150. ...
  3. 2019 Ford F-150. ...
  4. 2009 Ford F-150. ...
  5. 2015 Ford F-150.

What engine is in a 1987 Ford F-150?

Powertrain and chassis

NameProductionEngine type/Displacement
5.8 Windsor1988–1991351.9 cu in (5,766 cc) V8
460 V81987460 cu in (7,538 cc) V8
460 V81988–1991460 cu in (7,538 cc) V8
International 6.9L IDI V81987420 cu in (6,883 cc) Diesel V8

What years did the F-150 have engine problems?

What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.

Which year of F-150 is most reliable?

With a reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the highest-rated F-150 model by J.D. Power, meaning it is also the most reliable Ford F-150 available. What makes the 2022 F-150 even more impressive is that you won't have to sacrifice modern features for reliability.

What engine is in a 1987 Ford F-150?

Powertrain and chassis

NameProductionEngine type/Displacement
5.8 Windsor1988–1991351.9 cu in (5,766 cc) V8
460 V81987460 cu in (7,538 cc) V8
460 V81988–1991460 cu in (7,538 cc) V8
International 6.9L IDI V81987420 cu in (6,883 cc) Diesel V8

What year Ford F-150 is the best to buy?

Best Ford F-150 Trucks to Buy Used

  1. 2018 Ford F-150. The 2018 Ford F-150 is recognized as the most modern model on the market but comes with a heftier price tag. ...
  2. 2012 Ford F-150. ...
  3. 2019 Ford F-150. ...
  4. 2009 Ford F-150. ...
  5. 2015 Ford F-150.

1987 Ford F-150 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford F-150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Ford F-150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford F-150.

2017-01-26

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-01-26
  • VIN: 2FTDF15Y2HC
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: PROBLEM WITH THE DUEL FUEL TANKS, AFTER FILLING THE REAR FUEL TANK I STARTED SMELLING GAS FUMES WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK AND GAS WAS LEAKING FROM BENEATH THE TRUCK . WHEN I OPENED THE FRONT TANK GAS CAP , FUEL SPEWED OUT AS IF IT WAS UNDER PRESSURE. AT THAT TIME I WAS OPERATING ON THE REAR TANK. I OPENED THE REAR GAS TANK CAP AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND AN EXTENDED SAFETY " RECALL " WAS ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. IT SEEMS THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED AND NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH AGAIN BY " FORD " AS , ONCE AGAIN THE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK FOR MY GRANDSONS FIRST VEHICLE AND IT ONLY HAS 114,450 MILES ON IT. I ONLY DRIVE FORD PRODUCTS. *TR
2013-06-25

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-04-30
  • VIN: 1FTEF14N6HN
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVING HOME, ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. GAS SPILLING FROM FRONT GAS CAP. I HAVE HAD THIS IN FOR REPAIRS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE STARTS AT TIMES BUT SEEMS TO BE FLOODING ITSELF OUT AND GAS CONTINUES TO SPILL FROM FRONT TANK. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RATHER SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE BUT FORD WANTS $900 TO FIX. NOTE: THEY HAVE ALREADY CHARGES ME $200 FOR A REPAIR THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT REQUIRE. *TR
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Ford F-150 problems:

1987 ford f150 common problems and lowering - Ford Truck ...
1987 ford f150 common problems and lowering - Ford Truck ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1381016-1987-ford-f150-common-problems-and-lowering.html

May 28, 2015 ... Cab corners, radiator support mounts, and the wheel well arches are a few spots to check for rust. They always seem rot out on these trucks.

Common Ford F-150 Problems to Know | Ford Truck Issues
Common Ford F-150 Problems to Know | Ford Truck Issues
https://raybuck.com/common-ford-truck-issues/

Jun 25, 2018 ... 1997-2003 Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks; 1987-1996 Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks; Evolution of Ford Pickup Trucks (1948-1986). Common Issues With 2015- ...

buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - Ford ...
buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - Ford ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1117933-buying-an-86-96-f150-250-common-problems-to-look-for.html

Nov 25, 2011 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - ok, i'm looking for a clean 86-96 ...

1987 F150 Fuel Injection Problems - Ford F150 Forum - Community ...
1987 F150 Fuel Injection Problems - Ford F150 Forum - Community ...
https://www.f150forum.com/f10/1987-f150-fuel-injection-problems-58208/

Jul 8, 2010 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 - 1987 F150 Fuel Injection Problems - I got a '87 F150 about 3 months ago from a neighbor who rarely used it.. has only 80K ...

1987 F150 (5.0L 302 V8) two problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts
1987 F150 (5.0L 302 V8) two problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1099387-1987-f150-5-0l-302-v8-two-problems-rough-idle-now-wont-crank.html

Sep 14, 2011 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 1987 F150 (5.0L 302 V8) two problems - rough idle + now won't crank - Apologies, ...

Other years of Ford F-150

ford f-150 1989 photo
F-150 1989
Ford

14

0

0

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ford f-150 1990 photo
F-150 1990
Ford

21

0

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford f-150 1991 photo
F-150 1991
Ford

337

6

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford f-150 1992 photo
F-150 1992
Ford

546

9

12

  • 5
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  • 1
ford f-150 1993 photo
F-150 1993
Ford

715

13

15

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford f-150 1994 photo
F-150 1994
Ford

841

13

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1987 Ford F-150 photo