1986 Ford F150 problems
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.
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Common 1986 Ford F150 problems
The 1986 Ford F-150 has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are related to the engine, AC/heater, and exhaust system, which are the worst complaints according to CarComplaints.com.
One of the significant problems is engine issues. The engine may burn too much gas, leading to increased fuel consumption. In addition, there might be quite a bit of black smoke on full acceleration, which could indicate incomplete combustion or rich fuel mixture.
Another common problem is related to the AC/heater. Some owners have reported issues with the AC/heater system, which could be due to various reasons, such as a faulty compressor, leaking refrigerant, or issues with the heater core.
The exhaust system is also a common problem area for the 1986 Ford F-150. Some owners have reported issues with the exhaust system, such as leaks or excessive noise, which could be due to various reasons, such as worn-out gaskets, loose bolts, or damaged components.
In addition to these issues, there are some common problems related to the transmission. The transmission might fall out of alignment if the TR/MLP sensor is faulty, leading to flare-up issues when shifting between gears. This problem has been reported mostly in 1994-1995 model F-150s, but it could also occur in other models with similar transmission systems.
The alternator belt is another common problem area for the 1986 Ford F-150. On 1990 to 1994 model F-150s, the alternator belt has been the subject of numerous complaints. A telltale sign of trouble is when the engine makes chirping or squealing noises, indicating that the pulley for the air conditioner or the power-steering is askew.
The ball joints are also a common problem area for the 1986 Ford F-150. On 1990-1996 Ford F-150s, the ball joints have been particularly vulnerable to water exposure. If exposed, the ball joints are liable to expire prematurely, requiring replacement.
The hard starting problem is another common issue for the 1986 Ford F-150. Drivers have reported complaints of hard-starting on 1990-1996 model F-150s. Ford has attributed this issue to faulty harness wiring in the power control module, leading to symptoms such as vehicular stalling, hesitation, and failure to start.
Finally, the suspension system is also a common problem area for the 1986 Ford F-150. Owners of 1991 to 1994 Ford trucks have reported problems with the front suspension system due to weak leaf springs along the front of the vehicle. To fix the issue, newer, stronger leaf springs are required.
What years to stay away from F-150?
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
- 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. ...
- 2012 Ford F-150. ...
- 2019 Ford F-150. ...
- 2009 Ford F-150. ...
- 2015 Ford F-150.
What engine came in a 1986 Ford F-150?
1986 Ford F 150 truck, engine is a 4.9L 300 cid L6 .
What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?
The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.
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 came in a 1986 Ford F-150?
1986 Ford F 150 truck, engine is a 4.9L 300 cid L6 .
1986 Ford F150 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford F150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford F150
The NHTSA has received 73 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford F150. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford F150 vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTDF15N0GC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 1986 FORD F-150 WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 150,000 MILES AND WAS PARKED NEXT TO MY HOUSE, NOT RUNNING, WHEN A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE TRUCK BURNED NEARLY BURNING MY HOUSE AND TRAILER, AS WELL AS ALL INSIDE IT AND SCARED MY SON AND I TERRIBLY. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-27
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y7EL
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE BACKING INTO THE GARAGE CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THE STEERING BOX ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-13
- VIN: 1FTEF15N0GN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1986 FORD F150 WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS, FUEL SIPHONS FROM ONE TANK TO THE OTHER, TANK OVERFLOWS CAUSING SPILLAGE ON GROUND. SAME PROBLEM WITH CHECK VALVE ON FORD F150 MODELS DURING 1990 TO 1993 RESULTED IN A RECALL. DANGEROUS SITUATION COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION. *NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
- VIN: 1FTEX15N4GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER FILLING BOTH TANKS, FRONT TANK'S FUEL WOULD POUR INTO AND OUT OF REAR TANK. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. *AK CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY MANUFACTURER TO GET TRUCK FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS THIS IS A DANGEROUS PART FAILURE. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- VIN: 1FTCF15N6GN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-10
- VIN: 1FTEF14N8GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-12
- VIN: 1FTEF15N2GP
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER FOUR TIMES, ONCE WITH A REBUILT CYLINDER AND THREE TIMES WITH NEW CYLINDERS. IT IS BECOMING A HAZARD THAT RECURRS EVERY YEAR AND A HALF TO TWO YEARS, AND IS ALSO BECOMING EXPENSIVE. THE LAST INSTANCE COST $180 TO REPAIR.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-18
- VIN: 1FTDF15N2GK
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED 4 MODULAR REPLACEMENTS. TRUCK WOULD SHUT OFF COMPLETELY, WHICH RESULTED IN STEERING LOCK; INOPERABLE. REPAIRS WERE FROM ALAMEDA FORD, ALL STAR FOD, WINNER FORD; ALAMEDA FORD INDICATED THE PART THAT WEN INTO MODULATOR HA TO BE RE-INVENTED AS PREVIOUS PART NO LONGER MADE. 6/01/99 PICKED UP VEHICLE FROM REPAIR, LOUD CLINK IN ENGINE. TRUCK DELIVERED TO BROADWAY MOTORS FOR REPAIR, CONTACTED B.A.R. TO HAVE MATTER REVIEWED; 4/01 BROADWAY FORD CALLED TO INFORM TRUCK WAS BEING AUCTIONED OFF. OWNER HAD TO REPURCHASE TRUCK, REPAY FOR REPAIRS, APPLY FOR A NEW LISCENCE W/SMOG CERTIFICATE, ETC. IN 6/01 RETURNED VEHICLE TO BROADWAY FORD FOR GEAR BOX REPAIR. ALL REPLACE PARTS AND INVOICES ARE IN OWNER'S HANDS @ 9/24/01.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-05
- VIN: 1FTHF14NXGP
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL IS LEAKING FROM ONE TANK TO ANOTHER TANK, CAUSING AN OVERFLOW, AND ALLOWING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK ONTO GROUND DUE TO CROSSFLOW CONDITION, CHECK VALVE FAILUIRE.*AK *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-07-15
- VIN: 1FTEX15N2GK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE TRAVELING FROM 50 OR MORE MPH. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: 1FTCF15H3GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT ANY GIVEN TIME VEHICLE WILL JUST SHUTDOWN, LOSING ALL POWER. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. VEHICLE DROVE ROUGH/SLOW AND FAST SPEED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-16
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED AND HAD THE ENGINE REBUILT DUE TO LOW COMPRESSION, OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOW FUEL MILEAGE. THE TRUCK RUNS FINE, BUT WHEN IT GETS HOT IT HAS A TENDENCY TO STALL AND WILL NOT RESTART FOR QUITE A WHILE. I WAS IN OMAHA AND STOPPED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART, OVER THE RADIO CAME A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING, WITH MY FAMILY WITH ME THERE WAS NO PLACE I COULD TAKE THEM. THERE WAS HAIL BUT AND LUCKILY NO HAIL.. I LEFT MY FAMILY AND WENT TO GET OUR OTHER VEHICLE AND LEFT THE TRUCK. . I AM CURRENTLY OVERSEAS IN KOSOVO, SO I CAN NOT IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AT THIS TIME. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT ON THIS RECALL?*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-10
- VIN: 1FTEX15N9GK
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING DUE TO A LEAD BASE PAINT. OVER THE TIRE WELLS IS RUSTING OUT BECAUSE OF PAINT PEELING OFF.NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INSIDE HANDLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR KEEPS BREAKING OFF. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED HANDLE 3 TIMES, BUT IT KEEPS BREAKING OFF. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-16
- VIN: 1FTEF14N4GP
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-16
- VIN: 1FTEF14N4GP
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PAINT ON THE HOOD COWLING&THECAB HAVE FADED OUT DO TO POOR PRIMER &PAINT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: 2FTDF15Y4GC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FRAME RAIL AND REAR CROSS MEMBER BETWEEN FRAME RAILS ARE RUSTED DUE TO MATERIAL DEFECT. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-17
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKE ABILITY, RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-23
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y4GN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ALTERNATOR BELT REPLACED, AFTER REPLACEMENT ENGINE FIRE OCCURRED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FTEF14Y0GC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED AN UNKNOWN PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS SITTING ALONE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT AND INVESTIGATED. HOWEVER, A REPORT WAS NOT FINISHED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE9020. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-15
- VIN: 1FTDF15N1GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE TRUCK HAS DUEL FUEL TANKS AND THE FUEL DOES NOT SWITCH OVER FROM ONE TANK TO ANOTHER. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
- VIN: 2FTCF15Y6GC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING LINES FAILED.
1986 Ford F150 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford F150.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford F150 problems:
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How to troubleshoot problems with a 1986 Ford F-150?
Sep 8, 2011 ... How to troubleshoot problems with a 1986 Ford F-150? - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic.
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