RecallMyCar

1986 Ford E250 Recalls, Complaints & Specs

3 safety recalls list the 1986 Ford E250. Check your own VIN below.

3
safety recalls
0
owner complaints to NHTSA
11–14
MPG combined (EPA)

3 safety recalls for the 1986 Ford E250

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Hoses/lines/piping/fittings (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 88V133000 Reported 14,975 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Extreme operating conditions could cause premature deterioration of the engine compartment heater hoses or engine bypass hoses.

    Remedy: Replace hoses and radiator caps; install high heat resistance aluminized stainless steel mufflers.

  2. Emission control (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 87V144000 Reported 188,000 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Vehicles are subject to excessive underhood temperatures and fuel system pressures in severe duty applications.

    Remedy: Install modification kits to minimize possibility of fuel expulsion and to shield underbody components from exhaust system heat.

  3. Connection (steering)

    NHTSA 86V173000 Reported 28,791 vehicles potentially affected FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Rubber that encases ball stud and socket joint (connects steering drag link and pitman arm) may deteriorate and cause metal to metal contact. Consequence of defect: complete separation of the drag link to pitman arm connection could occur resulting in loss of steering control.

    Remedy: Install new drag link assemblies with steel ball and socket joints at the pitman arm connections.

No owner complaints on file

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 1986 Ford E250. For context, the average model year in NHTSA's database has dozens; a zero can mean a reliable vehicle, a rare one, or both.

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 1986 Ford E250 Econoline (E250 Econoline 2WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined11–14 mpg
City / Highway10–14 / 12–16
FuelRegular
EPA classVans
Engine6/8 cyl, 4.9/5/5.8 L
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd; Automatic 4-spd

Compare Ford E250 model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Ford E250 model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1975 Ford E25040
1976 Ford E25010
1977 Ford E25010
1978 Ford E25051
1979 Ford E25041
1980 Ford E25011
1982 Ford E25020
1983 Ford E25050
1984 Ford E25052
1985 Ford E25042
1986 Ford E25030
1987 Ford E25020
1988 Ford E25002
1989 Ford E25027
1990 Ford E25023
1997 Ford E25010
1998 Ford E25010
1999 Ford E25010
2000 Ford E25010
2002 Ford E25010
2003 Ford E25010
2005 Ford E25010
2006 Ford E25011
2007 Ford E25010
2008 Ford E25010
2009 Ford E25010
2010 Ford E25010
2011 Ford E25010
2012 Ford E25010
2013 Ford E25010

Checking a specific 1986 Ford E250

How do I know if my 1986 Ford E250 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 3 campaigns currently list the 1986 Ford E250; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Ford dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 86V173000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Ford models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.