1985 Ford Ranger
Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 36 |
| 1987 | 51 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 133 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 235 |
| 1994 | 455 |
| 1995 | 321 |
| 1996 | 413 |
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 576 |
| 1999 | 755 |
| 2000 | 670 |
| 2001 | 515 |
| 2002 | 346 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 404 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 271 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 271 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 93 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
12 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Backing vehicle up, friend stopped by, smelled wiring burning, soon smoke appeared in steering column, soon after fire engulfed the steering column area.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-01
While driving, suddenly smoke and flames started pouring out from underhood; insurance co. Traced fire back to steering column area; all wires burned up.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-26
Power train
5 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Visibility
4 of 27 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core and electrical heating element.
Show complaint excerpts
Leaves fell into the heater/ac air intake grille, coming in contact with red hot resistor coils, causing the leaves to burst into fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25
Stalls at any temperature while driving. When stopped I have to almost floor the gas pedal to get moving w/o stalling. Heater gets almost too hot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-16
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Suspension
2 of 27 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and multiple axle.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1985-04-11Defect petitionClosed 1985-06-06 Stalling when cold
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1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain Ford and Mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed…
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R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
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.
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Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline85V045000 The nylon fuel supply and return lines are improperly routed along the frame side rail and could contact the universal joint on the front driveshaft.
Remedy: Reroute or replace affected fuel lines.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V045000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Ford Ranger 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 Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Ranger have?
- 3 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.