1986 Ford F250 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 1986 Ford F250 problems
The 1986 Ford F250 is a popular choice among truck enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some issues that owners of this model have reported:
- Ignition System Issues: Another common problem with the 1986 Ford F250 is related to the ignition system. A user on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums reported that their truck had no spark when it failed to start, suggesting a problem with the ignition system. This could be due to a faulty ignition module or a bad coil.
- Transmission Issues: The transmission is another common problem area for the 1986 Ford F250. A user on F150online Forums reported that the transmission is the most complained-about problem among trucks of this model. Specifically, the AOD transmission had some problems, while the C-6 transmission was almost bulletproof.
- Rust: Rust is a common problem with the 1986 Ford F250, particularly in areas with harsh winter conditions. A user on F150online Forums reported that rust was the most complained-about problem among trucks of this model.
- Emissions System Issues: The 1986 Ford F250 has a complex emissions system, which can cause problems for some owners. A user on 460Ford Forum reported that they wanted to eliminate as much of the emissions system as possible on their 1986 F250 with a 460 engine. This could be due to a faulty air pump or a clogged catalytic converter.
- Engine Issues: The 1986 Ford F250's engine can also cause problems for some owners. A user on Carsurvey.org reported that their 6.9L diesel engine burned oil and had trouble starting in cold weather. This could be due to worn piston rings, seals, or valves.
In summary, the 1986 Ford F250 has several common problems, including fuel system issues, ignition system issues, transmission issues, rust, emissions system issues, and engine issues. Owners of this model should be aware of these potential problems and take steps to maintain their vehicles properly to minimize the risk of these issues.
What are the worst years for f250 Super Duty?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:
- 2002 Ford F-250.
- 2006 Ford F-250.
- 2008 Ford F-250.
- 2011 Ford F-250.
- 2017 Ford F-250.
What years of f250 are most reliable?
The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability. However, they are probably too old for you to buy one now. The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016.
What engine is in a 1986 Ford F-250?
Powertrain details
| Ford F-Series engines (1980-1986) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Configuration | Notes |
| Ford Truck Six (300) | 4.9 L (300 cu in) I6 | Only available F-250 HD and F-350 |
| Ford Small Block V8 | 4.9 L (302 cu in) V8 | |
| Ford 351M V8 | 5.8 L (351 cu in) V8 |
What is high mileage for a Ford F-250?
Ford's F-Series pickups are the most popular truck in America, and Ford trucks have a reputation for reliability. Like with the Duramax and Cummins engines, these engines can often last up to 500,000 miles. However, anything over 350,000 miles is usually considered high mileage for a Powerstroke engine.
Is a 1986 f250 a good truck?
Great for towing or hauling
This truck is well built. It tows well, drives nicely and is easy to park. I have the 460 4x4 with a 4 speed manual trans. It does use a lot of fuel, however it does not use all that much more when towing.
What are the worst years for f250 Super Duty?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:
- 2002 Ford F-250.
- 2006 Ford F-250.
- 2008 Ford F-250.
- 2011 Ford F-250.
- 2017 Ford F-250.
What engine is in a 1986 Ford F-250?
Powertrain details
| Ford F-Series engines (1980-1986) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Configuration | Notes |
| Ford Truck Six (300) | 4.9 L (300 cu in) I6 | Only available F-250 HD and F-350 |
| Ford Small Block V8 | 4.9 L (302 cu in) V8 | |
| Ford 351M V8 | 5.8 L (351 cu in) V8 |
What years of f250 are most reliable?
The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability. However, they are probably too old for you to buy one now. The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016.
1986 Ford F250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford F250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford F250
The NHTSA has received 41 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford F250. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford F250 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHX2518GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY 1986 FORD F-250 6.9 L DIESEL EXTENDED CAB 2WD , I HAD HEARD A SIZZLING SOUND COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE DASH ON THE TOP. THE TRUCK ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED RUNNING AND HAD NO POWER TO ANYTHING, IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. WHILE THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION I QUICKLY IDENTIFIED A PLACE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND MAKE A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT ACCIDENT. WHITE SMOKE HAD COME FROM THE CENTER OF THE DASH BY THE RADIO AND BUILT IN CLOCK, JUST AS THE TRUCK HAD LOST POWER AND STOPPED RUNNING. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING TO DO WITH A ELECTRICAL FIRE AND THE IGNITION WIRING. I WAS LUCKY THE TRUCK DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE AND BURN UP. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET AND WONT BE FIXED UNTIL I FIND OUT MORE. DOES FORD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS?.... IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A PROBLEM FROM WHAT IM READING ABOUT OTHER INCIDENTS.... *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-18
- VIN: 1FTHF2518GN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH ON TWO LANE HIGHWAY (NO SHOULDER) WHEN BELT AND TREAD OF RIGHT REAR TIRE PEELED OFF SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. TIRE DID NOT LOSE PRESSURE IMMEDIATELY SO I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS TO NEAREST TURN OFF, PULL OFF ROADWAY, AND PUT MY SPARE ON. ON COMING AND FOLLOWING TRAFFIC HAD TO SWERVE (SOME OFF OF ROAD) TO AVOID PIECES OF DISINTEGRATING TIRE. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-25
- VIN: 1FTHF2518GN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BELT OF TIRE IS SEPARATING (TIRE FEELS OUT OF BALANCE, BULGE IS NOW EVIDENT IN TREAD, 7/32'S OF ORIGINAL 15/32'S OF TREAD REMAIN). THIS IS THIRD TIRE IN SET OF FOUR TO SEPARATE (SEE ODI REPORTS #10345185 & #10345187 FOR FIRST & SECOND). *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-25
- VIN: 1FTHF2518GN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BELT OF TIRE IS SEPARATING (TIRE FEELS OUT OF BALANCE, BULGE IS NOW EVIDENT IN TREAD, 8/32'S OF ORIGINAL 15/32'S OF TREAD REMAIN). THIS IS SECOND TIRE IN SET OF FOUR TO SEPARATE (SEE ODI REPORT # 10345185 FOR FIRST). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-29
- VIN: 2FTEF26N4GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, BRAKE LINE RUPTURED, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. CONSUMER AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER WHO ADVISED CONSUMER THAT BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED.*AK CONSUMER STEPPED ON BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. CONSUMER NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND. THE LINE HAD RUPTURED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE MIDWAY THE CHASSIS. *JG
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-07
- VIN: 1FTHF2513GK
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS BUMPER FAILED. BUMPER HAD BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 6 MONTHS PRIOR. CONSUMER HAS USED BUMPER AT LEASE 10 TIMES AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-10
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRE STARTED TO COME APART WHILE DRIVING THE OHIO TURNPIKE, SOUNDED LIKE RUMBLE STRIPS PRIOR TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *AK (TIRESIZE: 265 /16)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: 1FTHX25L7GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE HAD TROUBLE THE LAS 6 MONTHS TRYING TO TRACK DOWN THE PROBLEM WITH MY TRUCK AND IT ALL SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SYSTEMS. REPLACED IGNITION TWICE AND BIG BOX FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHING ON LEFT SIDE UNDER HOOD BY FIREWALL. IT STOPS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND WON'T STAY RUNNING AND MY SONS 81 BRONCO IS DOING THE SAME THING ALSO. THE OIL PRESSURE IS REAL LOW IN TOWN WHEN I STOP AND START. THE TRUCK DIES AND WON'T START FOR A WHILE. I HAVE SPENT OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW. RIGHT NOW THEY CAN'T GET MY SONS 81 BRONCO TO STAY RUNNING AND HAVEING TROUBLE GETTING IT TO START. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RECALL AND WHY DID FORD SKIMP ON MY FAVORITE VEHICLE. I NEVER HAD TROUBLE WITH MY 73 AND I DROVE IT FOR 15 YEARS. I WANT SOME ANSWERS. THANK YOU LEONA THOMASON. *AK (TIRESIZE: 16 INCH LT)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-18
- VIN: 1FTHF26L5GP
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD A BLOWOUT WITH THESE TIRES. FORTUNATELY THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES, ONLY DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. IF I WAS ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD, OR DRIVING ALONT THE COAST THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SERIOUS. BOTH TIMES VEHICLES HAD TO SWERVE INTO ADJACENT LANES TO AVOID TIRE DEBRIS (AND ME). I HAVE REPLACED ALL FIRESTONE TIRES AT MY EXPENSE. THESE TIRES ARE NOT SAFE. I HAVE A FULL SIZE CAMPER ON THIS TRUCK, AND WHEN A TIRE BLOWS DIRECTIONAL CONTROL IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN. IN OVER 400,000 MILES OF DRIVING I'VE HAD 2 BLOWOUTS. BOTH FIRESTONE STEELTEX AT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VDOR1WW485 TIRESIZE: 23585R16)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
- VIN: 2FTHF26L0GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER REPLACED BRAKE PADS FOR DISC BRAKES, BRAND:BENDIX. ADHESIVE USED ON PADS DID NOT ADHERE TO PADS, CAUSING STEEL SHIMS TO MOVE TOWARDS ROTOR. STEEL SHIMS WERE CUTTING INTO ROTOR. IN TIME ROTOR WILL BE CUT IN HALF. NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER AFTER 1 NOV 2000, WHO SAID THIS WAS NOT A COMMON COMPLAINT.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-28
- VIN: 1FTHF26L9GP
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FIRE WALL SHEET METAL BROKE APART AT THE SEAM CAUSING THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH INOPERABLE. YH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-12
- VIN: 1FTHF2612GP
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH INNER TIE ROD BROKE, AND THE TIRES CAME OFF, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-14
- VIN: 1FTHX26L5GK
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISING DOWN TWO-LANE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET. HIT BRAKE FOR UPCOMING STOP SIGN. WHEN BRAKE RELEASED, CRUISE CONTROL TRIED TO TAKE ME BACK TO 65 MPH. THE ONLY WAY TO RELEASE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TO HIT OFF BUTTON. NEED INFO ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THIS TIME. THANKYOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTEF26N9G1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH PUSHES HARD RESULTING IN CRACKED FLOOR BOARDS AND THE CLUTCH NOT RELEASING.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-15
- VIN: 2FTHF2614GC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I MOVED TO TENNESSEE IN 1990 FROM LANSING MICHIGAN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER .... HARPETH FORD-MERCURY INC. IN FRANKLIN TENNESSEE. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM.(THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WON'T BUCKLE UP)...SHOWED THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND TOLD HIM I THOUGHT THAT SEAT BELTS WERE AN MVSS ITEM. HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $93 FOR THE SEAT BELT AND 2 HOURS INSTALLATION. THIS WOULD COME TO TOTAL OVER $200 PLUS TAX. IS FORD RESPONSABLE TO FIX THE DEFECT OR SHOULD I GO AHEAD AND PAY IT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AT A DEALER IN MICHIGAN AND NOW LIVE IN TENNESSEE. CAN ANY DEALER FIX THIS? SHOULD THE DEALER HAVE KNOWN THAT SEATBELTS ARE MVSS AND FIXED THE VEHICLE OR SET UP AN APPOINTMENT? I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP. ALSO, HAS ANYBODY ELSE REPORTED THIS FAILURE? THANKS AGAIN, MIKE HURLEY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-12
- VIN: 1FTHF26H9GN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE GREASE SEAL HAS BLOWN OUT ON THREE OCCASIONS, CAUSING GREASE TO GET ON BRAKE SHOE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER ARE NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF25Y3GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF OWNER'S HOME IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE CAB AREA. TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR ONE WEEK. BELIEVES FIRE TO HAVE STARTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALLED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTEF25Y7GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT AND VERY DIFFICULT TO STRETCH ENOUGH, TO FASTEN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF2619GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF2618GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AN ELECTRICAL AND FUEL LEAKAGE FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF2517GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE WIRE UNDER THE DASH NEAR THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING THE VEHICLE UP, WHITE SMOKE NOTICED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- VIN: 1FTHX25L2GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTED AUTO UP, BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY INTO STREET NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE DASH. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF25L1GP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AUTO WAS LOCKED AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN THREE WEEKS, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTO BURST INTO FLAMES AND BURNED THE INTERIOR UP, NO INJURIES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF2614GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, IGNITION SWITCH LOCATED ON TILTED AREA OF STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING, CAUSE A POWER SURGE, RESULTIN IN UNDERHOOD FIRE. *AK
1986 Ford F250 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford F250.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: TRUCKS FAIL TO MEET REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS NO. 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY, IN A 30 MPH FRONT ANGULAR BARRIER TEST IMPACT BECAUSE OF THE OMISSION OF THE NOSE SHIELD ON MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE TRUCKS WHICH DO NOT MEET THE FMVSS INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL NOSE SHIELD ON THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford F250 problems:
1986 Ford F250 issues - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Dec 13, 2015 ... If it has a 2bbl then you probably have the TFI system, and they also have problems. If you have spark, then check to see if you have gas in the ...
1986 f250 460 issues | 460 Ford Forum
Jul 4, 2009 ... 1986 f250 460 issues ... it sounds like your timing chain is worn out... i would change it to either an aftermarket multi-keyway chain and set it ...
buying an 86-96 f150/250, common problems to look for? - Ford ...
Nov 25, 2011 ... You really want the 351 and an F250 honestly, because of the larger brakes and heavier duty suspension it will make towing your car MUCH easier.
thinking of buying a 6.9l 1986 F250, what to look for? | The Diesel Stop
Feb 24, 2006 ... The 1987 6.9 has the 7.3 glow plug system which is not a problem. Block cracking. Some unfortunate 6.9 blocks have been known to crack in the ...
Problems with 6.9L diesel 86 f-250 PLEASE HELP - Ford Truck ...
Dec 2, 2009 ... 1986 and older water seperator. Drivers side fender is right in the picture, fire wall is top. Pull ring is on top. Hard to see ...
Other years of Ford F250
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