MYRModel Year Report

1985 Ford F250

○ Not enough data
1985 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:22:43.650Z

Only 21 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 21 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 F250 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 38 complaints 1986 1987: 38 complaints 1988: 62 complaints 1988 1989: 101 complaints 1990: 107 complaints 1990 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2008
1985: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19831
198410
198521
198638
198738
198862
1989101
1990107
20050
20060
20070
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

2 of 21 total reports mention: steering.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING WIRING IN THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960501

ABOUT 2:00 A.M. HEARD NOISES OUTSIDE OF HOUSE, LOOKED OUTSIDE, THE VEHICLE CAB WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, COMPLETELY DESTROYED WITH CAMPER SHELL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960426

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

VISIBILITY

1 of 21 total reports mentions: visibility.

FIRE
TIRES

1 of 21 total reports mentions: tires.

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

R 19860925 — fuel system, gasoline

TRUCKS FAIL TO MEET REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS NO. 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY, IN A 30 MPH FRONT ANGULAR BARRIER TEST IMPACT BECAUSE OF THE OMISSION OF THE NOSE SHIELD ON MIDSHIP FUEL TANK.

Remedy: INSTALL NOSE SHIELD ON THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK.

Campaign 86V111000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19870128 — PE (closed 19870526)

FUEL LEAKS/FIRES

I 19890126 — DP (closed 19890801)

F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES

I 19940819 — PE (closed 19941228)

FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 84V162000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 86V111000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 Ford F250 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 F250?

The most-reported component is steering: steering wheel/handle bar, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Ford F250 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.