1985 Ford Econoline Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Ford Econoline (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford Econoline. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and tires (2). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 40%
- Brakes2 20%
- Tires2 20%
- Fuel system1 10%
- Steering1 10%
Example complaints
Tires: “Rear tire had separation and blow out on july 24, 1999. Purchased (2) new tires from firestone on july 30, 1999 and had them put on back and moved older tires to rear. Noticed severe vibration and took car to firestone and they found tread separation. I did not realize tires had problems until I read about all the problems in the newspaper.( DOT number: tire size: p225-75-r1 )”
NHTSA complaint #729172, filed 2000-08Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V144000Sep 9, 1987Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission controlCovers: Ford Econoline 1983–1987, E-350 1983–1987, Club Wagon 1983–1987 +1 more
Vehicles are subject to excessive underhood temperatures and fuel system pressures in severe duty applications.
- 87V113000Jul 21, 1987Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission controlCovers: Ford Econoline 1983–1987, E-350 1983–1987
Expulsion of fuel due to overpressurization.
- 87V111000Jul 16, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford Econoline 1984–1987, E-350 1984–1987
Fuel leak at the top of the front fuel tank in the area of the vapor valve grommet. Grommet may split due to compressive load when installed in the fuel tank.
- 86V094000Jul 15, 1986Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › ConnectionCovers: Ford Econoline 1985–1986, E-350 1985–1986, Club Wagon 1985–1986
The rubber that encases ball stud and socket joint (connects steering drag link and pitman arm) may deteriorate, causing metal to metal contact, and may eventually result in complete separation. Consequence of defect: complete separation of the drag link to…
- 85V061000May 14, 1985Fuel system, dieselCovers: Ford Econoline 1983–1985, E-350 1983–1985, E-250 1983–1985
When frontally impacted into a fixed barrier at 30 mph, as specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 301, the left frame rails of such vehicles may displace inboard, pinching the fuel/water separator canister between the frame rail and…
Recall details for the 1985 Ford Econoline → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Ford Econoline.
Other model years of the Ford Econoline
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 22 | 48,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 23 | 97,258 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 39 | 50,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 84 | 75,794 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 46 | 79,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 79 | 89,400 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 81 | 98,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 73 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 124 | 118,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 65 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 83 | 115,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 52,867 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 30 | 44,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 32 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 15 | 110,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Econoline model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Ford Econoline have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford Econoline as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Ford Econoline is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 1985 Ford Econoline been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.