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1986 Ford EconolineProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1986 Ford Econoline, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints74 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 17, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Ford Econoline has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system22
Engine and engine cooling11
Fuel system, gasoline10
Power train11
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1986 Ford Econoline recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Exhaust system: emission control

Recall 87V-144 · Sep 9, 1987 · 188,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 87V-139 · Sep 4, 1987 · 3,600,000 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Econoline year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Econoline median. How we score

'67'69'71'72'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Econoline owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING TRUCK SHUT DOWN. TRUCK STARTED SMOKING FROM DASH, SHOWING REDNESS UNDERNEATH CONSOLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 984105 · May 6, 1996

Own a 1986 Econoline?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.