1985 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 29%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1985 Ford F-250, 29% of the 21 complaints for this model year. 4 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.
“The hauling camper had numerous engine shut offs at various speeds due to ignition module failure. This failure caused loss of power steering and brakes. The consumer states that the manufacturer should correct this design defect.”
NHTSA complaint #785681, filed 2001-09“While driving, noticed smoke coming from underhood;investigated, wires burning;pulled wires away source of power;restarted ignition, vehicle caught 0n fire.”
NHTSA complaint #983944, filed 1996-05Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 7% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 18 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 36 | 23% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 24 | 7% |
| 1999 | 25 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 19 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 8% |
| 1991 | 15 | 14% |
| 1990 | 14 | 13% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 15 | 24% |
| 1987 | 11 | 29% |
| 1986 | 13 | 34% |
| 1985 | 6 | 29% |
| 1984 | 5 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1985 Ford F-250
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Ford F-250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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