Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1985 Ford F-250 sits mid-pack among F-250 years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 143, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).
33
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 12% | new |
| Engine | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TRUCKS FAIL TO MEET REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS NO. 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY, IN A 30 MPH FRONT ANGULAR BARRIER TEST IMPACT BECAUSE OF THE OMISSION OF THE NOSE SHIELD ON MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE TRUCKS WHICH DO NOT MEET THE FMVSS INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NOSE SHIELD ON THE MIDSHIP FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK.
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.
“WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERHOOD;INVESTIGATED, WIRES BURNING;PULLED WIRES AWAY SOURCE OF POWER;RESTARTED IGNITION, VEHICLE CAUGHT 0N FIRE. *AK *JB”
“BRAKE PEDAL IS INCONSISTENT WHEN APPLYING W/POOR RESPONSE. FAILURE UNKNOWN W/ALMOST ENTIRE SYSTEM REPLACED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“WRANGLER LOADRANGE E LT 235/85R16, DOT UNKNOWN, REPLACEMENT TIRES WITH 70000 MILES ON A 1985 FORD, F250. ALL 4 TIRES SHOWED SIDEWALL CRACKS. *AK DOT MDOR 1 DOV 155, TIRES HAVE SIDEWALL CRACKS NEAR THE RIM ON BOTH THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. *SLC ”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical F-250 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Ford F-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.