MYRModel Year Report

1985 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
1985 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:52.028Z

Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
26

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
9

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 26 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 26 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 26 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1985: 26 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

10 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25

Seat belts

3 of 26 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.

Fuel system, gasoline

3 of 26 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The owner was driving when she noticed that burning smell and driver pulled over and opened the hood and smoke and fire was everywhere. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-12

While driving auto, consumer noticed smoke, while attempting to get help and looked back the auto went in flames. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-14

Power train

3 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  2. I
    1986-04-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-12-01 Fires
  3. I
    1986-12-01Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Fires
  4. I
    1987-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-09-24 Seat track failure
  5. I
    1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
  6. I
    1987-09-03Defect petitionClosed 1988-04-27 Window shattering
  7. I
    1987-09-24Engineering analysisClosed 1989-11-16 Seat tracks
  8. I
    1988-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1988-08-24 Rear seat belt compliance
  9. I
    1988-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-11 Rear safety belt fit
  10. R
    1989-07-19Engine and engine cooling89V095000 External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.

    Remedy: Replace cracked cylinder heads (1984 models); replace rocker arm cover gaskets (1985 models).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    1989-11-13Seats89V170000 The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement on all models and a new seat track as necessary

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    Date not on fileVehicle speed control85V054000 The throttle lever may not return to idle position due to misalignment of the air conditioner shut off switch to the throttle lever pin.

    Remedy: Adjust shutoff switch and assure proper alignment to throttle lever pin.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V054000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 89V095000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 89V170000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 Ford Escort 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 Escort?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Escort have?
3 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.