1985 Ford LTD Problems
- Complaints
- 17filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Ford LTD (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford LTD. The part named most often is electrical system, with 8 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts (3) and engine cooling (2). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 5 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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 system8 47%
- Seat belts3 18%
- Engine cooling2 12%
- Brakes1 5.9%
- Steering1 5.9%
- Tires1 5.9%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “When driving vehicle vehicle became very hot/stalled out due to tfi ignition module being too close and mounted on the side of the distributor. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #861485, filed 2000-05Engine cooling: “Tube running from the catalytic converter had 1/2 sparks coming from underneath floorboard on driver's side. Consumer will contact the dealer. Add more information.”
NHTSA complaint #882945, filed 2001-03Vehicle speed control: “Failure on the throttle, consumer was placing the vehicle in reverse with his foot on the brake and the vehicle accelerated in reverse, causing the consumer to have an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #803693, filed 1996-10Complaints 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 LTD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTD RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| LTD RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| LTD RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| LTD RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| LTD RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| LTD Crown Victoria RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| LTD Crown Victoria RWD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 17 | 13 | $5,150 |
| LTD Crown Victoria Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| LTD Wagon RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| LTD Wagon RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 85V077000Jun 11, 1985Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shieldsCovers: Ford LTD 1984–1985
Heat shields for the catalytic converter outlet pipes were omitted during production. Consequence of defect: after severe duty use, such as high speed pursuit, the outlet pipes become very hot and could ignite certain types of ground cover resulting in a…
- 85V068000May 21, 1985Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Ford LTD 1985, Mustang 1985, Mercury Marquis 1985 +1 more
Brake booster rear shells may have reduced wall thicknesses which could cause the shell to break. Consequence of defect: repeated brake use could cause the shell to crack and the booster assembly to come apart. Service brakes capability would be totally lost…
Recall details for the 1985 Ford LTD → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Ford LTD.
Other model years of the Ford LTD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 8 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 17 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 14 | — | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Ford LTD have?
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1985 Ford LTD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Ford LTD is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 8 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts with 3.
Has the 1985 Ford LTD been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 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 LTD get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Ford LTD (LTD, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 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 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.