1985 Ford Mustang
Only 16 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 16 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 | 4 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 108 |
| 1989 | 111 |
| 1990 | 87 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 70 |
| 1993 | 102 |
| 1994 | 368 |
| 1995 | 603 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 176 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 173 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 145 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 705 |
| 2006 | 423 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 436 |
| 2016 | 375 |
| 2017 | 265 |
| 2018 | 191 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 119 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
SEAT BELT WAS RECALLED IN 1992. THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED, AND THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT REPAIRS WERE FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030911
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO CHECK ON CAMPAIGN # 92V063000. HE SAID HE COULDN'T HELP BECAUSE MY VIN # DIDN'T COME UP. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030402
3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE (ENGINE COMPARMENT FIRE). *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960405
3 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
UNDERHOOD FIRE CAUSED BY POOR CLAMPING OF FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL FILTER. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950306
3 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and switch.
FIRE2 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS PARKED/KEYS WERE REMOVED VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OUT INTO THE MAIN TRAFFIC, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE STRUCK BY A VAN. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960314
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEATBACK FAILURE
STALLING
SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
SAFETY BELT TONGUE BREAKS
THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE S
Remedy: FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.
Campaign 92V063000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE BOOSTER REAR SHELLS MAY HAVE REDUCED WALL THICKNESSES WHICH COULD CAUSE THE SHELL TO BREAK.
Remedy: INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 85V068000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V068000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V063000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Mustang have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.