MYRModel Year Report

1985 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1985 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:40:35.510Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 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.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060823

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960619

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960529

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, 20030414

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

R 19841221 — fuel system, gasoline

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

I 19870128 — PE (closed 19870526)

FUEL LEAKS/FIRES

I 19890126 — DP (closed 19890801)

F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling 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.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.