MYRModel Year Report

1985 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1985 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:07.067Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
28

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1985: 28 complaints 1985 28 1986: 61 complaints 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 28 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 28 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990

1985: 28 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988141
1989210
1990254

Known problem areas

Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

10 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

1985 Ford f-150 headlights failed and vehicle shut off. *kb when the vehicle shut off, the consumer drifted off to the right side of the roadway and struck a guard rail.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-23

Ignition switch fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-19

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Driving in town when the motor caught on fire. Please give more details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-29

Tires

3 of 28 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

INJURY
Show 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, 2003-04-14

Structure

3 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Suspension

3 of 28 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing leaf spring assembly.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1984-12-21Fuel system, gasoline84V162000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
  3. I
    1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 84V162000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford F150 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.