1987 Ford F350 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 F350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE COUPLINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FUELINJECTION.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.
What could happen: SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE VEHICLE FRAME OR STEERINGGEAR CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
The fix: MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 F350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V015000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.
Consequence: SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE VEHICLE FRAME OR STEERINGGEAR CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING/SUSPENSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CABS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Ford F350 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (3), Suspension (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/03/2004 · Suspension
RECALL CAMPAIGN; MY TRUCK WAS PART OF THE RECALL, WHICH HAD BEEN COMPLETED. UNFORTUNATES NEITHER DEALER OR MY RECORDS SUPPORT THAT MY TRUCK WAS SERVED. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN THE CONSUMERS STEERING FAILED IN HER VEHICLE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 88V015000 *TC
04/25/2002 · Wheels / tires
SERIAL # ANOR LT U460. TIRE HAS 10/32" TREAD, TREAD PEELED OFF LIKE A RECAP RIPPING OUT FRONT AND REAR SIDE PANELS, HAD TO BE TOWED FROM SCENE. WE HAVE THE TIRE AND THE PEELED OFF TREAD FOR INSPECTION. IT LOOKS AS THOUGH RUBBER WAS NOT PROPERLY BONDED TO CASING. WE CONTACTED U.S.ROYAL WHO DENIED RESPONSIBILITY. THIS COULD HAS BEEN A DISASTEROUS ACCIDENT HA…
09/05/2001 · Wheels / tires
THE VEHICLES LEFT REAR TIRE BROKE OFF WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AND CAUSED REAR BRAKE DRUMS TO CRACK,(NO TIRE INFOR GIVEN). (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*YH
02/08/2001 · Brakes
VEHICLE HAS AN UNUSUAL LONG BRAKING DISTANCE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES HARD, THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY.*AK
07/29/1998 · Lights
WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE TURN SIGNAL TO TURN LEFT AND STEERING WHEEL IS A LITTLE TO RIGHT, THE TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT GO DOWN OR STAY DOWN. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
10/27/1997 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE TRANSFER CASE GETS STUCK IN THE WRONG GEAR. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES. *AK
09/25/1997 · Wheels / tires
TRUCK LOST TWO RIGHT REAR TIRES, THE TIRES COLLIDED WITH VEHICLE.
02/13/1997 · Electrical system · fire
ELECTRICAL SHORT, UNDER THE DASH COMPARTMENT FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, VEHICLE INTERIOR BURNED