1985 Ford F-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 36%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1985 Ford F-150, 36% of the 28 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2000-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #731183, filed 2000-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #750826, filed 2001-08“1985 Ford F-150 headlights failed and vehicle shut off. When the vehicle shut off, the consumer drifted off to the right side of the roadway and struck a guard rail.”
NHTSA complaint #10166908, filed 2006-08Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 23 | 21% |
| 2024 | 40 | 21% |
| 2023 | 85 | 20% |
| 2022 | 126 | 21% |
| 2021 | 130 | 13% |
| 2020 | 89 | 12% |
| 2019 | 100 | 7% |
| 2018 | 172 | 7% |
| 2017 | 136 | 9% |
| 2016 | 191 | 9% |
| 2015 | 176 | 10% |
| 2014 | 163 | 11% |
| 2013 | 324 | 11% |
| 2012 | 173 | 10% |
| 2011 | 235 | 11% |
| 2010 | 166 | 20% |
| 2009 | 46 | 14% |
| 2008 | 29 | 8% |
| 2007 | 42 | 9% |
| 2006 | 60 | 10% |
| 2005 | 73 | 7% |
| 2004 | 99 | 5% |
| 2003 | 47 | 11% |
| 2002 | 106 | 13% |
| 2001 | 137 | 11% |
| 2000 | 191 | 18% |
| 1999 | 85 | 8% |
| 1998 | 87 | 6% |
| 1997 | 198 | 7% |
| 1996 | 56 | 17% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 88 | 13% |
| 1993 | 34 | 6% |
| 1992 | 48 | 10% |
| 1991 | 50 | 16% |
| 1990 | 37 | 13% |
| 1989 | 52 | 23% |
| 1988 | 49 | 35% |
| 1987 | 37 | 41% |
| 1986 | 22 | 36% |
| 1985 | 10 | 36% |
| 1984 | 7 | 47% |
| 1983 | 3 | 30% |
| 1982 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1985 Ford F-150
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Ford F-150
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology