1986 Ford F150 XL from North America - Comments

The truck hasn't run well since I've purchased it. It barely passes smog, even with 20,000 miles on it. I've replaced numerous fuel components on it, over and over again. This includes fuel pressure regulator (sprayed gasoline all over engine compartment... luckily no engine fire. Very dangerous). Also multiple replacements of fuel pumps, secondary fuel filter, injectors, etc. Spark plug wires keep failing, I have to replace about every year. The computer chip has failed, was on recall, but truck had too many miles on it.

Dashboard literally fell to pieces after about 10 years. The speaker grille is now a big hole. The doors keep getting misaligned. The window molding started leaking in 1995 or so. The seatbelts failed in 1994. The visors both failed in 1994 or so. The are hanging crookedly. Poor design.

The truck leaks profusely in the rain. The headliner fell off in the late 90s. The seats are totally gone now, I'm sitting on foam rubber. The master cylinder keeps going out. The A/C has NEVER worked. Never. Ever.

I don't know why this truck gets good reviews. I use it for a work truck, and I can't afford anything better, but its been a big disappointment.

The truck has NEVER run smoothly. No one can fix it. The dealer can't even get it to run right. Idle is rough. Barely passes smog.

No intermittent windshield wipers.

I own an 86 F150 as well and have the same problems, big hole in the dash and visors that never stay up, which were replaced and do the same thing, the engine never runs smooth tuned up, new dist, carb, EGR valve everything, but it's a complete mess.

Maybe you guys are driving your trucks too hard. Mine has been from Spokane Wa to Minneapolis mn three times and I don't have wrecked interior or anything that you are talking about. general maintenance is what has kept my truck running smooth not just fixing things when they are broken.

Are you sure when you said it didn't pass smog at 20,000, that it wasn't actually 120,000 miles? These old Ford odometers, including my own on a 92 Ford, only have 5 digits.

Intermittent wipers are there. You turn the windshield wiper knob backwards.

Excellent truck just keeps running work buddy has 81 truck and will not quit. both have over 200,000 with only minor wear repairs.

What do I do about these problems...? I have been having the same problems for the last year, I have replaced the coil, battery, EGR, knock sensor, exhaust, alternator... etc and still the damn thing won't work.

I hear people talk about what's wrong with their trucks, but no one is saying how to fix it. I've been to 3 mechanics and still no answer. Can someone please just give me an answer... the damn thing has been towed more than driven.

I purchased my f150xlt as a last resort. I was gaming for a dodge ram 95 make. Lucked out on the auction. I have to say I'm utterly satisfied with it. My valve covers leak which will be about 150.00 to fix, but aside from that the truck starts up everytime. It's just now starting to rust, but the truck is in remarkable shape to be an 86'. Runs smooth, rides smooth, and gets up when I need it to. It's a Fantastic truck to own. The only other problem I have with it is the factory radio doesn't work with tapes until the truck heats up. Even the air conditioning and heat work just fine. A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why will it cost $150 to fix the leaking valve covers? On an '86 they are simple to remove, and a new set of valve cover gaskets only costs about $20. It's something that you could replace in a couple hours of leisurely work.

I have owned my own 85 and worked on my friend's 86'. Both had 302 autos 4x4. I had both runnin like a champ. As for interior stuff dash, headliner It is an 86 it is 22 years old if they sit in the sun all the time that is going to happen.

I have a 1986 Ford F150. It only runs smooth when it's in drive.

It's is my first truck. I paid 1600 for it about a year ago and they say it had 80,000 miles. Is there any real way to tell if the miles have rolled over. Please email me at dave5036@comcast.net if you know.

I am thinking about buying an 86 F150 XLT but don't know if it will fit in my garage. If anyone knows how long this truck is from bumper to bumper, please email me at garrettglaser@gmail.com. Thank you!

Well the guy that said he had all these problems with his truck, and had 3 mechanics look at it or whatever. I've personally had the problem, and so did my friend, and everybody says it's not the computer, but still I've changed mine and my buddy's, and they're still running strong at 290,000 miles.

But before you put anymore money in your truck, I would go to a junk yard and get one or pullin save. That's where I got mine, or if you've got the money, go price a new computer. But overall I would seriously consider changing that computer.

I have an 86 F150 302FI XLT Lariat (short bed) auto, 4x4. It seems like it's starving for fuel. Replaced the high pressure (inline) fuel pump and filter, fuel pressure reg., EGR valve and sensor, air bypass solenoid, air charge temp sensor, MAP sensor, and am about to replace the low pressure in tank pump and sending unit (s) (dual tanks). It will run normally but when you put your foot in the gas it wants to die. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.

FREAKING AWESOME TRUCK!!!

I have and '86 F150 Stepside with a 302 5.0 engine. It has 122,000 miles on it and runs like it has 22,000 on it. Of course the dash is going to start to crack on an old truck. These trucks hold up great with care, and as they age they will need to have certain parts replaced, but the 302 motor is hard to kill, the tranny is solid, and my truck turns heads everywhere it goes. Take care of your truck and you won't have issues.