1987 Ford F250 problems

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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.

1987 Ford F250

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Common 1987 Ford F250 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1987 Ford F250, several common problems have been reported:

  • Transmission Issues: Owners have reported hard shifting, transmission overheating, fluid leaks, and even complete transmission failure. These issues can be caused by damaged gear synchronizers, low fluid levels, faulty coolers, worn-out components, or malfunctioning torque converters.
  • Ignition Module Failure: In the 1980 model year, the ignition module was known to fail, causing the engine to stall or not start at all. This problem could lead to reliability issues and inconvenience for owners.
  • Speedometer Cable and Carburetor Problems: In the 1981 model year, some trucks experienced issues with the speedometer cable and carburetor. These problems could result in inaccurate readings, non-functional speedometers, decreased power, and reduced fuel efficiency.
  • Brake Caliper and Automatic Transmission Concerns: The 1982 model year had issues with front brake calipers sticking, leading to uneven brake pad wear and reduced braking performance. Additionally, the automatic transmission was prone to slipping out of gear or shifting erratically.
  • Diesel Engine and Injection Pump Issues: In 1983, the diesel engine had problems with the injection pump, causing poor engine performance or failure to start. These issues could impact the reliability and functionality of the vehicle.
  • Electronic Fuel Injection System Failure: The 1984 model year had reported failures in the electronic fuel injection system, resulting in rough running or an inability to start. This problem could lead to significant inconvenience for owners.
  • Glow Plug and Fuel System Troubles: In 1985, the diesel engine faced issues with glow plugs, making it difficult to start in cold weather. Moreover, fuel system problems like clogged lines or failing fuel pumps could cause power loss and poor fuel efficiency.
  • Fuel System and Transmission Concerns: Some 1986 trucks experienced issues with the fuel system, leading to power loss and poor fuel efficiency. Additionally, the automatic transmission was prone to slipping out of gear or shifting erratically, especially in cold conditions.

These problems highlight the range of issues that owners of the 1987 Ford F250 have faced over the years, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

1987 Ford F250 engine

What years of f250 to avoid?

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 1987 f250?

6 engines

NamePowerDrivetrain
5.0 V8 EFI188 hk2WD
5.0 V8 EFI 4x4188 hk4WD
5.8 V8 H.O.213 hk2WD
5.8 V8 H.O. 4x4213 hk4WD

What is the MPG on a 1987 Ford F-250 7.3 diesel?

Based on data from 14 vehicles, 371 fuel-ups and 64,113 miles of driving, the 1987 Ford F-250 gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.14 with a 0.32 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 35 outliers (8.62%) removed.

What years of f250 to avoid?

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 1987 f250?

6 engines

NamePowerDrivetrain
5.0 V8 EFI188 hk2WD
5.0 V8 EFI 4x4188 hk4WD
5.8 V8 H.O.213 hk2WD
5.8 V8 H.O. 4x4213 hk4WD

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.

Is the Ford F-250 reliable?

Ford F-250 is a great choice for hauling and pickup. They are reliable, tough, and trusted on any terrain. However, some of its model years were a great failure. With multiple complaints, they did not impress their buyers.

1987 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
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford F250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford F250

The NHTSA has received 48 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford F250. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford F250 vehicles.

2004-10-20

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-31
  • VIN: 1FTHF26H5HN
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: BRIDGETONE, LT235/85R16, DOT: UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. AS RESULT THE BUMPER, TAIL PIPE AND FENDER WAS DAMAGED. *AK *JB
2004-10-14

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-13
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
2001-08-21

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-19
  • VIN: 1FTHX2517HK
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WITH NO WARNING, RT FRONT TIRE BLEW APART. LOUD, LOUD BANG AND TRUCK JERKED ONTO THE SHOULDER, UP OVER A 2 FOOT HIGH BERM, AND TOOK NEARLY 300 YARDS TO STOP. NOTHING SEEN IN THE ROAD THAT I MAY HAVE HIT, TIRES HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED 1 WEEK PRIOR. (WE ARE EXTREMELY WE DID NOT ROLL OVER) TIRE HAS 4-5 SLITS GOING FROM TIRE BEAD TO TIRE TREAD, AND LOOKS LIKE THE TIRE BLEW RIGHT ACROSS THE TREAD. I DO HAVE THE TIRE, AND RETRIEVED SEVERAL FEET OF TREAD. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER, AS I DON'T KNOW WHO MADE IT. OTHER DOT NUMBERS ON THE OTHER 3 TIRES ARE AS FOLLOWS (THE DOT # I GAVE EARLIER APPEARS TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER, DAMAGE TO THE NUMBER OCCURRED) DOT VDOR 8AC 315, VDOR 8AC 076, VDOR 8AC 076. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 5000 MILES ON THEM AND WERE PURCHASED AT THE EDWARDS AFB EXCHANGE, EDWARDS AFB CA. 93524, ON 01/05/97. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER FAILURES SUCH AS THIS, AND ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS TIRE? THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VDOR8AC245 TIRESIZE: L235/85R16) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2001-07-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-13
  • VIN: 1FTHX2514HK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE PROPERLY AND PLACED ME IN A HAZARDOUS DRIVING SITUATION. THIS CLUTCH IS HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED AND A DEALER REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I INVESTIGATED THE OPERATION OF THE CLUTCH AND FOUND THE CAB FIREWALL, WHERE THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER IS BOLTED TO IT, DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH TO SUPPORT THE CLUTCH OPERATIONAL STRESSES APPLIED TO IT. THIS FIREWALL HAD STARTED TO SEPARATE AND ALLOWED THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER TO MOVE WHEN IT WAS ACTUATED, THEREBY THE CLUTCH WAS NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE.*AK
2000-11-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FTHF26LXHP
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: I HAVE OWNED 2 F250 PICKUPS. ONE 1983 AND ONE 1987. THEY BOTH HAVE HAD 2EA FAILURES OF THE FUEL LINE TO CARBURATOR FLOAT BOWL FITTING. THE FLOAT BOWL PART NUMBER FROM FORD IS E5TZ 9510-MB. THE THREADED BORE OF THE FLOAT BOWL BECOMES BELL SHAPED OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES FUEL TO LEAK BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND FRONT FLOAT BOWL. THIS FUELS LEAKS ON THE HOT MANIFOLD. FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND SIMPLY RAISED THE PRICE ON THE REPLACEMENT PART TO EARN MORE PROFIT. IT USED TO BE LESS THAN $50 AND CURRENTLY IS OVER $80. I WILL SEND TWO SAMPLES OF THE PART SO YOU MAY SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT IS HAPPENING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE NO DOUBT AFFECTS THOUSANDS OF FORD F250'S. *AK
2000-07-20

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-14
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FTHX26L6HK
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER SEAT BROKE OFF FROM THE TRACKS AFTER REAR IMPACT AT 50 MPH. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND ITEM WAS NOT COVER UNDER A RECALL. NOTHING CAN BE DONE. *AK *ML
1999-11-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-31
  • VIN: 1FTHF2611HK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL TO GET STUCK IN THAT MODE. ALSO, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE COASTED, AND TURN OFF ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. . *AK
1999-04-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-31
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FTHF25H5HC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER 4 MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. FUEL LEAK INDICATED AS ENTIRE TRUCK AND ROAD WERE INFLAMED.
1998-08-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED DUE TO OVERHEATING OF FLUID, ALSO DAMAGING OTHER BRAKE COMPONENTS.
1998-08-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-28
  • VIN: IFTH25Y3HKA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER PULLED OFF GRAVEL ROAD ONTO A BLACK TOP WHEN THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL SMOG LOCKED UP. THER WAS NO WARNING AT ALL. *AK
1998-08-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FTHX2517HB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STEERING COLUMN BECOMES HOT DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.
1997-09-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-08
  • VIN: 1FTHX25L4HK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF GIVING THE DRIVER NO INDICATION. AFTER THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IT TAKES 5 HOURS FOR THE VEHICLE TO START.THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED . OWNER HAS REPALCED SEVERAL PARTS ON VEHICLE TRYING TO STOP THE SUDDEN CUT OFFS.
1997-09-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE, REPLACE MASTER CYLINDER SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL LOST THE BRAKES ANYTIME THEY GOT HOT.
1997-09-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE FAN BROKE AND A PIECE FLEW THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE.
1997-09-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE BLEW UP, REPLACE ENGINE.
1997-09-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: FAN BROKE AND A FIECE FLEW THRU THE HOO OF THE VEHICLE.
1997-09-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING COLUMN AND THE TURNING LIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AFTER A LOT OF WORK.
1997-09-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1987-09-09
  • VIN: 1FTHX26LXMK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: DRIVING IN MOUNTAIN AREA A TOWING TRAILER. BRAKES WOULD FAIL GOING DOWN HILL. TOOK TO DEALER TO HAVE CHECKED & FOUND NOTHING. HAD MASTER CYLINDER CHANGED & BRAKES STILL FAILED. WOULD KICK IN A BIT. BRAKES FAILED WITH OR WITHOUT TRAILER BEHIND. GOING ON 10 YEARS HAS VEHICLE IN YARD NOW. *AK *SLC
1997-04-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-14
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FTHF2610HK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERDASH WHILE PARKED CAUSED BY FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED BY OWNER; NOT INCLUDED IN FORD'S IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *AK
1997-03-11

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FTHF2519HP
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING COLUMN OVERHEATS.
1996-12-16

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FPHX26L1HK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPYLING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WILL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, SPEED SENSOR IN THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS BEEN REPLACED ALSO THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER WILL ADD REPAIR INFORMATION. *AK
1996-11-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-25
  • VIN: 1FTHX25LOHK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: ACCIDENTAL FIRE, RESULTED FROM AN UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAK EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOLLEY CARBURETOR.
1996-11-27

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-25
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FTHX25LOHK
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: FUEL LEAKING EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOLLEY CARBURETOR RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MJS
1996-08-02

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
  • VIN: 1FTHX251XHK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE CLUTCH CAME APART, PURCHASED TRUCK USED FROM SOMEONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
1996-07-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-03-23
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FTEF26Y9HK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE STEERING.*AK

1987 Ford F250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Ford F250.

1987-09-04
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
  • Summary: WHEEL LUG NUT CONE ANGLES DO NOT MATCH LUG NUT SEATING ANGLES.
  • Consequence: NUTS COULD LOOSEN IN SERVICE CREATING POTENTIAL FORWHEELS TO SEPARATE FROM TRUCK.
  • Remedy: REPAIR TO PREVENT LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS.
1987-09-04
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Ford F250 problems:

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Other years of Ford F250

ford f250 1988 photo
F250 1988
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80

3

0

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ford f250 1989 photo
F250 1989
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120

6

0

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ford f250 1990 photo
F250 1990
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115

7

3

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ford f250 1968 photo
F250 1968
Ford

1

1

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ford f250 1970 photo
F250 1970
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1

0

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ford f250 1974 photo
F250 1974
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2

2

0

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1987 Ford F250 photo