VehicleVerdict

1985 Ford Bronco II problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 1985 Ford Bronco II — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Bronco II years?

Bronco II NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted59 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 14 complaints1985: 23 complaints1986: 40 complaints1987: 43 complaints1988: 59 complaints1989: 49 complaints1990: 32 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 4 complaints1996: 1 complaints
Bronco II NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bronco II years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Ford Bronco II problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System730%
Transmission313%
Engine313%
Body & Structure29%
Visibility & Wipers29%
Speed Control29%
Steering14%
Latches & Locks14%
Brakes14%
Suspension14%

Does the 1985 Ford Bronco II have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE FRONT SEAL ON THE A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 1985 BRONCO II FAILED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BLEW BACK ACROSS THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSING A LOT OF SMOKE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 4, 2003

1985 Ford Bronco II — common questions

Is the 1985 Ford Bronco II reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 Bronco II problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), engine (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1985 Ford Bronco II have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Ford Bronco II. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Ford Bronco II under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Bronco II years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco II years to avoid are 1988, 1989, 1987, 1986, 1990. The cleanest record among Bronco II years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.