1985 Ford F-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford F-150. The part named most often is electrical system, with 10 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine cooling (4) and body and structure (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system10 36%
- Engine cooling4 14%
- Body and structure3 11%
- Suspension3 11%
- Tires3 11%
- Brakes2 7.1%
- Equipment1 3.6%
- Fuel system1 3.6%
- Seat belts1 3.6%
- Steering1 3.6%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #733327, filed 2000-10Body and structure: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #764489, filed 2002-07Suspension: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #564449, filed 2002-02Complaints 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 F-150 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 12 | 13 | 12 | $5,600 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 13 | 12 | $5,600 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 11 | 11 | $6,100 |
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
- 84V162000Dec 26, 1984Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Ford F-150 1985, Bronco 1985, F-250 1985
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.
Recall details for the 1985 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP89005F-series fuel tank firesClosed · Jan 26, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Ford F-150.
Other model years of the Ford F-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | — | 8 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 109 | 5,330 | 14 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 195 | 8,750 | 11 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 418 | 29,700 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 602 | 27,882 | 23 | 5 | 20 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 1,040 | 48,000 | 29 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 742 | 38,000 | 11 | 4–5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,343 | 60,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 21 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 2,325 | 40,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,463 | 53,000 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,093 | 46,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,745 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 1,539 | 65,000 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,992 | 74,281 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 1,784 | 63,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 2,194 | 70,766 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 843 | 58,150 | 1 | — | 16 | 6 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 324 | 50,525 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 369 | 61,500 | 1 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 488 | 57,426 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 585 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 61,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 423 | 63,946 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 821 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 95,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 91,843 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 100,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 113,070 | 8 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 107,360 | 14 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 324 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 626 | 117,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 676 | 132,835 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 586 | 136,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 470 | 133,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 304 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 275 | 97,900 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 224 | 106,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 139 | 99,061 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 91 | 128,013 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 61 | 120,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 192,035 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 10 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford F-150 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Ford F-150 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 10 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 4.
Has the 1985 Ford F-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Ford F-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Ford F-150 (F150 Pickup 2WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.