1985 Ford Econoline
Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 86 |
| 1993 | 67 |
| 1994 | 132 |
| 1995 | 73 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1999 | 84 |
| 2000 | 39 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
4 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle parked, fire developed underneath the dash. Owner received burns and vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-12
Tires
2 of 10 total reports mention: tires.
Service brakes
2 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Power train
1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl).
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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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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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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2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
Remedy: 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.
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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 Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V061000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 86V094000 · Steering
- Recall 87V111000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V113000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 87V144000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Ford Econoline 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 Econoline?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Econoline have?
- 6 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.