1985 Ford Escort Problems
- Complaints
- 26filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Ford Escort (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford Escort. The part named most often is electrical system, with 9 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and fuel system (4). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 system9 35%
- Engine cooling5 19%
- Fuel system4 15%
- Seat belts3 12%
- Air bags1 3.9%
- Brakes1 3.9%
- Exterior lighting1 3.9%
- Seats1 3.9%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Seat belt latch incorporates a plastic spacer which holds metal bar in position, the metal bar holds the seat belt webbing in place, the plastic has become brittle and no longer holds the bar in position, allowing the seat belt not to stay fastened, consumer states manufacturer will not sell plastic part, which would require him to purchase an entire seat belt assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #561204, filed 2001-05Engine cooling: “While driving on highway vehicle stalled. Vehicle checked by dealer, who determined problem with ignition module. Currently, vehicle will not start. Also vehicle emits fumes that smell like acetone. Consumer was afraid to purchase new ignition module for fear that vehicle may catch on fire. Exhaust, ignition switch, alternator, volt regulator, ignition distributor and coil replaced however fumes were still prominent.”
NHTSA complaint #8015102, filed 2002-07, 75,000 milesSeat belts: “A plastic part inside of the seat belt buckle has become brittle, reducing the strength of the seat belt. Even though it latched normally, my belt buckle fell apart as I was driving. I examined the same plastic part on the passenger-side seatbelt, (which has almost never been used), and found that it was brittle and falling apart as well. This plastic part holds in position a metal bar, around which the seat-belt webbing wraps. The plastic becomes brittle with age, and can allow the metal bar to fall out of the buckle, releasing the seat belt. …”
NHTSA complaint #715241, filed 1999-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 75,000 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Ford Escort version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 29 | 39 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
14 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V170000Oct 13, 1989SeatsCovers: Ford Escort 1985–1987, Mercury Lynx 1985–1987
The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.
- 89V095000Jun 12, 1989Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Ford Escort 1984–1985, Mercury Lynx 1984–1985, Ford EXP 1984
External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
- 85V054000May 1, 1985Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Escort 1985, Mercury Lynx 1985
The throttle lever may not return to idle position due to misalignment of the air conditioner shut off switch to the throttle lever pin. Consequence of defect: a jammed throttle could result in a loss of accelerator control, without prior warning, and an…
Recall details for the 1985 Ford Escort → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA88038Rear safety belt fitClosed · Aug 29, 1988
- DP88007Rear seat belt complianceClosed · Jan 11, 1988
- EA87023SEAT TRACKSClosed · Sep 24, 1987
- DP87032Window shatteringClosed · Sep 3, 1987
- PE87028STALLINGClosed · May 1, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Ford Escort.
Other model years of the Ford Escort
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 18,785 | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 33 | 51,600 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 68 | 40,600 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 98 | 57,810 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 325 | 67,856 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 375 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 543 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 205 | 86,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 576 | 99,650 | 4 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 279 | 82,937 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 379 | 82,170 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 162 | 111,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 327 | 128,375 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 101 | 79,893 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 152 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 143 | 67,000 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 56 | — | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 45 | 80,150 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 26 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 21 | 5,000 | 3 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Escort model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford Escort as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Ford Escort is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 9 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1985 Ford Escort been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Ford Escort get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Ford Escort (Escort, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1985 Ford Escort reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 75,000 and 75,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.