Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1986 Ford F250: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

38 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

377,089 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1986 model year. Data updated: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 38 complaints (15.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior513.2%
Electrical and battery issues410.5%
Steering behavior12.6%
Fuel system concerns12.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
5
Tires
5
Electrical System
2
Electrical System:Ignition
2
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
2
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
2
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline5
Tires5
Electrical System2
Electrical System:Ignition2
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood2
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash2
Fuel System, Gasoline2

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 5; Tires: 5; Electrical System: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 2; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 2; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 3

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
5
1996
14
1997
2
1998
4
1999
2
2000
2
2001
3
2002
2
2010
4
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19955
199614
19972
19984
19992
20002
20013
20022
20104

1995: 5; 1996: 14; 1997: 2; 1998: 4; 1999: 2; 2000: 2; 2001: 3; 2002: 2; 2010: 4

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10345185 · 2010-07-25 (July 25, 2010)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 374,941 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345185 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345187 · 2010-07-25 (July 25, 2010)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 379,237 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345187 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345191 · 2010-07-25 (July 25, 2010)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 379,237 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345191 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10372317 · 2010-12-24 (December 24, 2010)

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 E…

Owner-reported narrative. 143,719 miles reported. Look up ODI 10372317 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 489300 · 1995-04-13 (April 13, 1995)

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER BED AREA. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 489300 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 503902 · 1996-05-06 (May 6, 1996)

ENGINE FIRE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 503902 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 504139 · 1996-05-04 (May 4, 1996)

ENGINE FIRE. *DSH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 504139 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 506131 · 1996-05-16 (May 16, 1996)

SMOKE CAME FROM DASHBOARD AREA. *DH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 506131 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

86V111000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting

Reported: 1986-08-14 (August 14, 1986)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1987-09-04 (September 4, 1987)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

38 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

10.5%Usable mileage4 / 38 records
86.8%Valid incident date33 / 38 records
100.0%Valid filing date38 / 38 records
86.8%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 38 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2005200620072008
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank:Selector Devices
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Tires:Tread/Belt
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
TiresToo few reports for a range379,237 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10345185 · 374,941 mi

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

Look up ODI 10345185 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345187 · 379,237 mi

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

Look up ODI 10345187 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345191 · 379,237 mi

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

Look up ODI 10345191 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range143,719 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10372317 · 143,719 mi

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 E…

Look up ODI 10372317 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2007000
2008000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2007000
2008000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineTiresElectrical SystemElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodElectrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashFuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch—00000
1
ODI 979424

WHILE DRIVING THE WIRE UNDER THE DASH NEAR THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING THE VEHICLE UP, WHITE SMOKE NOTICED. *AK

Look up ODI 979424 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline0—000000
Tires00—00000
Electrical System000—000
1
ODI 802588

AN ELECTRICAL AND FUEL LEAKAGE FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK

Look up ODI 802588 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition0000—000
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood00000—00
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
ODI 979424

WHILE DRIVING THE WIRE UNDER THE DASH NEAR THE IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING THE VEHICLE UP, WHITE SMOKE NOTICED. *AK

Look up ODI 979424 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Fuel System, Gasoline000
1
ODI 802588

AN ELECTRICAL AND FUEL LEAKAGE FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK

Look up ODI 802588 at NHTSA ↗

000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 752794

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…

Look up ODI 752794 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 802588

AN ELECTRICAL AND FUEL LEAKAGE FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK

Look up ODI 802588 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 965948

AUTO-TRAN: GAS PEDAL STICKS IN WIDE OPEN POSITION; VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD; RELEASE THROTTLE BY KICKING PEDAL. TT

Look up ODI 965948 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 143,719 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10372317 · 143,719 mi

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 E…

Look up ODI 10372317 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b