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
- 20
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 20 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 20 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 34 |
| 1988 | 53 |
| 1989 | 85 |
| 1990 | 57 |
| 1991 | 33 |
| 1992 | 39 |
| 1993 | 41 |
| 1994 | 94 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2021 | 228 |
| 2022 | 385 |
| 2023 | 229 |
| 2024 | 82 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show 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, 1996-02-09
Fuel system, gasoline
4 of 20 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and auxillary tank.
Show complaint excerpts
Had a gas leak cause by faulty carburetor which caused a fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-22
Tires
2 of 20 total reports mention: tires.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Seats
2 of 20 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing head restraint.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1984-12-21Fuel system, gasoline84V162000 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.
-
I
1987-01-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-30 Front brk caliper seizure
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V162000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Bronco have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.