VehicleVerdict

1985 Ford LTD problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1985 Ford LTD — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

18

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

5

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other LTD years?

LTD NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted18 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 15 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 3 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 1 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 2 complaints
LTD NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LTD years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Ford LTD problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System844%
Seat Belts317%
Engine211%
Speed Control211%
Brakes16%
Steering16%
Tires & Wheels16%

Does the 1985 Ford LTD have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

85V077000Body & StructureJune 11, 1985 · 8,671 units

Defect

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 VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

INSTALL CATALYTIC CONVERTER OUTLET PIPE SHIELDS.

85V068000BrakesMay 21, 1985 · 14,008 units

Defect

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 WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSED THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD TO CAUGHT FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 10, 1997 · fire

“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.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 26, 2001 · fire

“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. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 17, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TREAD ON RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE SEPARATED. *AK DOT # EJR1DEK116, TIRE SIZE P215 75 R15. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 30, 2000

1985 Ford LTD — common questions

Is the 1985 Ford LTD reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 LTD problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 1985 Ford LTD have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Ford LTD. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Ford LTD under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.