1985 Ford E350
Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 10
- Investigations
- 56
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 50MPH had tread separation on front right tire. Please provide size of tire and DOT #. Non original equipment. Ts on several other occasions, tire separated and another blewout while sitting in the garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-25
Electrical system
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short, smoke was coming under the dash and vent and vehicle would not shut off.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-30
Safety timeline
10 recalls · 56 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1986-06-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-11-04 Fuel spurting/fires
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1986-07-16Power train86V092000 Composite graphite driveshafts are subject to overheating while idling, which may result in the driveshaft twisting and shortening causing the slip yoke to disconnect from the…
Remedy: Install metal driveshaft.
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1986-07-16Steering86V094000 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…
Remedy: Install new drag link assemblies with steel ball and socket joints at the pitman arm connections.
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1986-11-04Engineering analysisClosed 1987-04-29 Filler neck spurt
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1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
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1987-04-29CClosed 1987-09-01 Filler neck spurt
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1987-04-30Engineering analysisClosed 1987-10-23 Fuel expulsion
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1987-07-02Fuel system, gasoline87V111000 Fuel leak at the top of the front fuel tank in the area of the vapor valve grommet. Grommet may split due to compressive load when installed in the fuel tank.
Remedy: Installation of a newly designed vapor valve grommet.
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1987-07-14Engine and engine cooling87V113000 Expulsion of fuel due to overpressurization.
Remedy: Modification of the base fuel venting and emission control system to reduce operating temperatures and fuel system pressures.
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1987-07-17Defect petitionClosed 1987-08-07 Ford E-350 ems vehicle fires
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1987-07-17Defect petitionClosed 1987-08-18 Ford E350 ems veh. Fires
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1988-02-03Engine and engine cooling87V144000 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.
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1988-05-12Defect petitionClosed 1988-11-16 Fires-coolant hose failure
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1988-09-14Engine and engine cooling88V133000 Extreme operating conditions could cause premature deterioration of the engine compartment heater hoses or engine bypass hoses.
Remedy: Replace hoses and radiator caps; install high heat resistance aluminized stainless steel mufflers.
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1989-02-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-02 Heater hose misrouting
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-04-19 Heater hose misrouting
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-21 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-03 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-27 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-03 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-27 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-28 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-01 Underhood fires
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1989-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-01 Heater hose routing
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1989-06-01Electrical system89V062000 Nylon ties that support the main wiring harness to the chassis could wear and break due to excessive vibration. Thus, wiring harness could fall on engine components and short circuit.
Remedy: Install retrofit rit of plastic-coated metal clamps, loom for positive battery cables and re-route wiring.
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1989-09-01Visibility89V140000 Heater hose may be incorrectly routed.
Remedy: Reroute and repair hose as necessary.
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1989-11-06Visibility89V139000 Heater hose may be incorrectly routed.
Remedy: Reroute and repair hose, as necessary.
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1994-08-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-28 Fuel injector pump fails
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Date not on fileFuel system, diesel85V061000 When frontally impacted into a fixed barrier at 30 MPH, as specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) no.
Remedy: Install a canister shield, a revised design drain rod shield, and modify fuel/water separator mounting bracket.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Ford E350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V061000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 86V092000 · Power train
- Recall 86V094000 · Steering
- Recall 87V111000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V113000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 87V144000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 88V133000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 89V062000 · Electrical system
- Recall 89V140000 · Visibility
- Recall 89V139000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Ford E350 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 E350?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford E350 have?
- 10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.