1985 Ford F150
Only 28 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 28 complaints 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 | 3 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 10 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 28 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 89 |
| 1988 | 139 |
| 1989 | 210 |
| 1990 | 254 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN THE MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960529
4 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
3 of 28 total reports mention: tires.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON 04/10/03 THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED PARTIAL TREAD SEPARATION WHICH RESULTED IN A BLOW OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030414
3 of 28 total reports mention: structure.
2 of 28 total reports mention: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 84V162000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAKS/FIRES
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V162000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Ford F150 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 F150?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford F150 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.