1985 Ford Bronco
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 20 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 34 |
| 1988 | 52 |
| 1989 | 84 |
| 1990 | 56 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 37 |
| 1993 | 40 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2021 | 216 |
| 2022 | 344 |
| 2023 | 211 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE3 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION SWITCH, MORE SERVICE DONE HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE DAYS IN FOR REPAIR AND WHILE PARKED CAUGHT FIRE EA95-002 ACTIVE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960209
2 of 20 total reports mention: tires.
CRASH INJURY2 of 20 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
METAL BURRS AND SHARP EDGES ON FUEL RAILS MAY HAVE DAMAGED ADJACENT O-RING SEALS DURING ASSEMBLY. THE DEFECT COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN ENGINE IS OPERATING.
Remedy: FUEL RAILS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, WETNESS OR SEEPAGE OF FUEL AND, IF NECESSARY, FUEL RAILS AND RELATED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
Campaign 84V162000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT BRK CALIPER SEIZURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V162000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Ford Bronco reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Ford Bronco?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Bronco have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.