VehicleVerdict

1985 Ford Ranger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1985 Ford Ranger is among the quieter years of the Ranger on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (79% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 42% of all reports (14 of 33), far ahead of transmission at 5.

33

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Ranger years?

Ranger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted966 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 1 complaints1983: 13 complaints1984: 12 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 50 complaints1987: 58 complaints1988: 117 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 141 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 231 complaints1993: 272 complaints1994: 531 complaints1995: 451 complaints1996: 533 complaints1997: 536 complaints1998: 744 complaints1999: 966 complaints2000: 849 complaints2001: 687 complaints2002: 449 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 462 complaints2005: 353 complaints2006: 316 complaints2007: 282 complaints2008: 340 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 170 complaints2011: 260 complaints2014: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints2019: 341 complaints2020: 148 complaints2021: 147 complaints2022: 50 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 85 complaints2025: 47 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Ranger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ranger years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Ford Ranger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1442%
Transmission515%
Visibility & Wipers412%
Engine39%
Suspension26%
Fuel System26%
Other13%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1985 Ford Ranger 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.

98E010000BrakesApril 8, 1998 · 23,500 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.

Remedy

AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.

85V045000Fuel SystemApril 17, 1985 · 1,250 units

Defect

THE NYLON FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES ARE IMPROPERLY ROUTED ALONG THE FRAME SIDE RAIL AND COULD CONTACT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUCH CONTACT COULD CAUSE ABRASION OF THE LINES AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL LEAKAGE CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy

REROUTE OR REPLACE AFFECTED FUEL LINES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 8, 1997 · fire

“THE VEHICLE LOST IT'S U JOINT WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO BREAK DAMAGING THE FUEL TANK AND DISABLED THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 10, 2001

“LEAVES FELL INTO THE HEATER/AC AIR INTAKE GRILLE, COMING IN CONTACT WITH RED HOT RESISTOR COILS, CAUSING THE LEAVES TO BURST INTO FIRE. *DSH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 31, 1996 · fire

“STALLS AT ANY TEMPERATURE WHILE DRIVING. WHEN STOPPED I HAVE TO ALMOST FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL TO GET MOVING W/O STALLING. HEATER GETS ALMOST TOO HOT. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 16, 2007

“VEHICLE STALLS AT ALL SPEEDS, IT APPEARS TO BE A MODULE ON DISTRIBUTOR, PLACED NEAR ENGINE BLOCK. ALSO HAD PROBLEM WITH SPEEDOMETER CABLE. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

1985 Ford Ranger — common questions

Is the 1985 Ford Ranger reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ranger year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1985 Ranger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).

Does the 1985 Ford Ranger have recalls?

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

Is the 1985 Ford Ranger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Ranger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ranger years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1996, 1994, 2004, 1995, 2002, 2005, 2019, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2007, 1993, 2011, 2020. The cleanest record among Ranger years belongs to 2017.

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.