1985 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 44%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1985 Ford Ranger, 44% of the 27 complaints for this model year. 6 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.
“While driving vehicle just stalled whithout a prior warning. Consumer was cranking engine, but it did not start. Consumer replaced ignition module. Then,could start vehicle without a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #880172, filed 2001-02“While vehicle was parked and not running it caught on fire under the hood on the right hand side where the battery is located. The fire department stated that fire was electrical. The vehicle was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #808883, filed 1997-02“While driving, suddenly smoke and flames started pouring out from underhood; insurance co. Traced fire back to steering column area; all wires burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #983575, filed 1996-04“Backing vehicle up, friend stopped by, smelled wiring burning, soon smoke appeared in steering column, soon after fire engulfed the steering column area.”
NHTSA complaint #983882, filed 1996-05Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 10 | 23% |
| 2024 | 30 | 31% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 24% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 | 41 | 15% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 7% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 39 | 5% |
| 1998 | 29 | 5% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 38 | 9% |
| 1995 | 29 | 9% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 8% |
| 1992 | 41 | 22% |
| 1991 | 20 | 15% |
| 1990 | 20 | 19% |
| 1989 | 15 | 21% |
| 1988 | 32 | 36% |
| 1987 | 14 | 28% |
| 1986 | 13 | 37% |
| 1985 | 12 | 44% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 1985 Ford Ranger
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Ford Ranger
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