1985 Ford F250
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.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 38 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 62 |
| 1989 | 103 |
| 1990 | 108 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and module.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short in the ignition switch, consumer smelled burning wiring in the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-01
About 2:00 a.m. Heard noises outside of house, looked outside, the vehicle cab was engulfed in flames, completely destroyed with camper shell.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-26
Service brakes
5 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
4 of 21 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and tie rod assembly.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and gasoline.
Tires
2 of 21 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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R
1986-09-25Fuel system, gasoline86V111000 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.
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I
1987-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Fuel leaks/fires
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I
1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires
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I
1994-08-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-28 Fuel injector pump fails
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V162000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 86V111000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford F250 have?
- 2 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.