Model year guide

1986 Ford mustang

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Ford mustang is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1986 Ford mustang — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1986 Ford mustang at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints30
Combined20 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1986 Ford mustang recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07E064000 · 27/08/2007

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #87V139000 · 04/09/1987

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1986 Ford mustang common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1986 Ford mustang MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,175

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Ford mustang costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,875
Fuel only$15,875
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1986 Ford mustang trims & engines on record

Trims
LX
Engines
5.0L 8-cyl

1986 Ford mustang vehicles on record

1986 Ford mustang 1986 Ford mustang LX1FABP27M8GF136320

Other Ford mustang model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1990 1989 1988 1982

1986 Ford mustang — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Ford mustang have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1986 Ford mustang. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford mustang?

Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, tires.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford mustang get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1986 Ford mustang at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.