Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1985 Ford F-150 sits mid-pack among F-150 years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 563, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (27% of the total).
45
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 12 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
METAL BURRS AND SHARP EDGES ON FUEL RAILS MAY HAVE DAMAGED ADJACENT O-RING SEALS DURING ASSEMBLY. THE DEFECT COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN ENGINE IS OPERATING.
Remedy
FUEL RAILS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, WETNESS OR SEEPAGE OF FUEL AND, IF NECESSARY, FUEL RAILS AND RELATED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“1985 FORD F-150 HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF. *KB WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, THE CONSUMER DRIFTED OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK A GUARD RAIL. *JB”
“CONSUMER STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOOT PEDAL UNIT COLLAPSED AND WAS REPLACED, A YEAR LATER BOTH REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES UNDERNEATH FAILED AND REPLACED. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND BRAKE PADS, CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACED THE VACUUM BRAKE…”
“WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT AND NEAR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK”
“00 T 005 000/TREAD SEPARATION: RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER IN A 1985 FORD F150, AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT 65070 MILES; 31X10.5/R15, DOT# VD60AP352. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL/ FISHTAILED AND ROLLED…”
“COMPANY VEHICLE. REAR LEAF SPRINGS KEEP BREAKING. IF SPRINGS BREAK COMPLETELY, THE ENTIRE REAR END OF VEHICLE WOULD FALL OUT. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AKREPAIRWORK DONE AT OWNERS EXPENSE. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 45 NHTSA complaints, below the typical F-150 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.