1985 Ford Exp
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1985 Ford Exp. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Stalling
No safety defect trend has been detected.===
- Fires
Summary of information from manufacturer:the alleged fires result froma variety of causes.fire rate remains about the same despite majorchanges with 85-1/2 models.it believes that the fire rate IS less thanindustry average.mfgr request copies of specific fire reports for trendanalysis.analysis:several areas of fire…
Summary of information from manufacturer:the alleged fires result froma variety of causes.fire rate remains about the same despite majorchanges with 85-1/2 models.it believes that the fire rate IS less thanindustry average.mfgr request copies of specific fire reports for trendanalysis.analysis:several areas of fire origin are mentioned.engine firesallegedly caused by leakage of flammable fluids (oil, gas, trans fluid).catalytic converters frequently cited as overheating.certain modelsare reported at a greater frequency.exp turbo reported most often on aper unit basis.status: ir sent 2/19/88. Awaiting response.===
- Fires
Summary of information from manufacturer:the alleged fires result from a wide variety of causes, with the reportedrates of fires for 1984-85 models versus the 85 1/2 models remainingapproximately the same.these rates are signifigantly less than theindustry average for non-collision vehicle fires as reported in the…
Summary of information from manufacturer:the alleged fires result from a wide variety of causes, with the reportedrates of fires for 1984-85 models versus the 85 1/2 models remainingapproximately the same.these rates are signifigantly less than theindustry average for non-collision vehicle fires as reported in the saepaper motor vehicle non-crash fires by peter cooley of the hsri.the head gasket was revised on the 1.9L 2V or efi engines to service oilleaks on the intake manifold side of the engine.analysis:a review of the reported incidents showed 8 groups of probable causation:a)appears to be catalytic converter related:~30%b)wiring beneath rear seat:~5%c)oil leaks from cracked cylinder heads or blocks}:~5-10%d)oil leaks from poorly fitted valve covers: ~5%e)electrical fires in engine compartment: ~5%f)electrical fires in interior or under dash: ~5%g)fuel related fires: ~9%IN comparison to the other classified probable causes, the exhaust systemrelated fires appear to be overly represented.a catalytic convertermalfunction or the environmental unsuitability of adjacent materials arepotential causes.however, both this and other hypotheses requirefurther study to determine whether a safety defect exists. All appearto need lab or field testing.proposed action:upgrade this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis.===
- Seatback failure
Summary of information from manufacturer:ford believes that the al-leged defect only occurs in a small number of the subject vehicles andrecalled about 195,732 1984 tempo/topaz vehicles in june 1986.analysis: vehicles potentially involved include tempo/topaz, escort/lynx/exp, mustang/capri, ltd/marquis, and…
Summary of information from manufacturer:ford believes that the al-leged defect only occurs in a small number of the subject vehicles andrecalled about 195,732 1984 tempo/topaz vehicles in june 1986.analysis: vehicles potentially involved include tempo/topaz, escort/lynx/exp, mustang/capri, ltd/marquis, and thunderbird/cougar.ford sold about 110,000 replacement mio bolts, mainly for 1983 and 1984models. Low clamping force appears to be a large part of the problem.ford increased the torque requirements and required the use of a manualtorque tool in march and september 1985 production changes. 1987 modelswill be produced with a longer M10 bolt and a nut to increase and main-tain clamping force. Bolts were formerly self tapping. Reports listedabove specifically state that the bolt broke. None refer simply toseat back collapse alone.status:ford reply to odi ir dated 2/2/87.ford recalled 195,7321984 tempo/topaz vehicles in june 1986 (86v-082). Analyzing reponse,monitoring canadian progress. Response to 4/6/87 letter to fordreceived 7/15/87. Will probably close after canada completes theiractions.===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
Every Ford Exp model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.