1985 Ford F150
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1985 Ford F150. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1985 Ford F150. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a crash7 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
1985 ford F-150 headlights failed and vehicle shut off. *Kb when the vehicle shut off, the consumer drifted off to the right side of the roadway and struck a guard rail. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
The vehicle experienced tire tread separation on 2 different occasions. while driving on 04/10/03 the passenger rear tire experienced partial tread separation which resulted in a blow out. while driving 70 mph on 04/12/03 the driver's rear tire tread completely separated and almost caused a…
The vehicle experienced tire tread separation on 2 different occasions. while driving on 04/10/03 the passenger rear tire experienced partial tread separation which resulted in a blow out. while driving 70 mph on 04/12/03 the driver's rear tire tread completely separated and almost caused a dangerous collision. tire info: dayton, radial stag st 31x10.50r15lt, dot-v060u6a118, not original, 90% of tread intact, 2K-3K miles on tires at time of failure. *nlm.....*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
This cause's loud poping and cracking noise when turning and excessive tire wear on the out side of tire. Ford rep. Told me that there was not a recall on this and that even if there was due to age of the truck that they would not pay towards fixing it. I pointed out that this IS a safety issue…
This cause's loud poping and cracking noise when turning and excessive tire wear on the out side of tire. Ford rep. Told me that there was not a recall on this and that even if there was due to age of the truck that they would not pay towards fixing it. I pointed out that this IS a safety issue, but this didn't make any differance, just tough luck on my part. They told me have the cross member welded to the frame. This had already been done once sometime in the past, I do not know when. But it didn't hold . So I am at a lose at what do now or where to turn for help with this. *ak
- Parking brake · Power train › Manual transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum · Suspension
Consumer stated that the emergency brake foot pedal unit collapsed and was replaced, a year later both rear emergency brake cables underneath failed and replaced. Also, consumer had to replace the front brake calipers and brake pads, consumer also stated that he had to replaced the vacuum brake booster. *yd
- Tires › Tread/belt
The firestone dealer refused to process a recall claim for the faulty firestone tires from copies presented by the consumer (firestone atx). *Yh
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition control module failed intermittently numerous times before the problem could be identified. engine stall was instantaneous and without warning; dangerous traffic situations resulted. hot ambient temperature aggravated the problem, but the heat factor was not known until the problem was finally isolated. two ford dealers were absolutely no help in diagnosing the problem.
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition failure - replaced ignition module at distributor - not in warrenty - paid $225.32. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving the vehicle it began to smoke under the hood, the vehicle cut off then suddenly caught fire (ohio traffic crash report). nlm
- Electrical system › Ignition
I am reporting the failure of two (2) tfi modules on my 1985 F-150. I still own and use this truck. I have seen the new york times article about fomoco knowing about the problem and I wanted to pass this information on. Also, I have petitioned fomoco for a reimbursement for the $694.74 that the dealers charged me to replace the tfi modules. Fomoco refused. Thank you. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have just seen the times article about the tfi modules and I thought that you would like to know about my ford. It IS a 85 F-150 that I still use. It has had two tfi modules replaced. The truck IS at home and the paperwork, vin, etc are there. If you wish more info, please contact me and I will be glad to supply it.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
00 t 005 000/tread separation: right rear firestone firehawk atx tire experienced tread separation while traveling at 70 mph with driver and one passenger in a 1985 ford F150, aftermarket equipment installed at 65070 miles; 31x10.5/r15, dot# vd60ap352. Vehicle lost control/ fishtailed and rolled over. Driver/passenger received injuries. *ak *slc
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle experiencing sudden acceleration, resulting in accident. *yc
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Company vehicle. Rear leaf springs keep breaking. If springs break completely, the entire rear end of vehicle would fall out. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy the problem. *akrepairwork done at owners expense. Provide further information.
- Suspension
Suspension defect found during state inspection.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Ignition control module overheated, causing stalling.
- Structure › Frame and members
Paint IS peeling off the entire body of vehicle.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While the truck was parked the engine department and near the passenger's side caught on fire. Owner does not know what caused the fire. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Two or three mintues after the car was parked the car caught fire in the engine. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Rear brake pipe ruptured at 87,000 miles due to corrosion, possible due to salt on the road, resulting in brake fluid leakage. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
The bolt that holds the frame in place IS broken, causing the frame to twist when driving, service bullet #93-6-10. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While waiting to fill up the truck with gas the fuel line broke and caused a huge fireball. Please describe. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch fire. *Sd
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Driving in town when the motor caught on fire. please give more details. *ak
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While driving fuse box/steering column caught fire;unable to turn off ignition because wire had melted together;extinguished fire by removing battery cable.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch smokes. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- F-series fuel tank fires
F-series fuel tank fires
- Fuel leaks/fires
Summary of information from manufacturer:instances were found wherespring lock couplings failed causing gasoline to be released throughoutthe engine compartment causing fires.leaks from fuel lines may also be acontributing cause to the engine compartment…
Summary of information from manufacturer:instances were found wherespring lock couplings failed causing gasoline to be released throughoutthe engine compartment causing fires.leaks from fuel lines may also be acontributing cause to the engine compartment fires.---------------------------------------------------------------------------analysis:data indicates that the alleged problem may be caused by thespring lock quick connect couplings which connect the fuel supply andreturn lines to the engine as well as fuel leakage from the fuel lines.---------------------------------------------------------------------------proposed action: upgrade this pe to an ea.(ea87-020)===
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.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 51669Noise- "popping/creaking"- front frame or suspension brackets- frame- "popping/creaking"- fastener replacement.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 42080Unknown
- 41029Knocking noise on initial start-up.
Every Ford F150 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.