1985 Ford Club Wagon
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint 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 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 17 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 17 |
| 1997 | 28 |
| 1998 | 28 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FUEL TANK SWITCH HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIME CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ON ONE OCCASION THE WAS A NOISE (EXPLOSION) WITH SMOKE AND A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 7 TIME. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20010702
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE RUBBER THAT ENCASES BALL STUD AND SOCKET JOINT (CONNECTS STEERING DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM) MAY DETERIORATE, CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT, AND MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE SEPARATI
Remedy: INSTALL NEW DRAG LINK ASSEMBLIES WITH STEEL BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS AT THE PITMAN ARM CONNECTIONS.
Campaign 86V094000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V144000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Ford Club Wagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V094000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V144000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Ford Club Wagon 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 Club Wagon?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank:selector devices, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Club Wagon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.