Defect
AIR BRAKES MAY NOT MEET THE RELEASE TIME REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121.
Consequence
THERE MAY BE A SLIGHT FRONT AXLE BRAKE DRAG AND TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 121.
Remedy
REPLACE PARTS AND RE-WORK SYSTEM TO CORRECT AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME.
1985 Oshkosh F Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1985 Oshkosh F Series — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1985 compare to other F Series years?
Does the 1985 Oshkosh F Series have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE AIR SYSTEM SERVICE RELAY SUPPLY LINE ON THE #2 AXLE IS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED INTO THE FRONT AIR SYSTEM RESERVOIR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF FRONT SERVICE BRAKES WERE TO FAIL, THE SECONDARY, OR EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE #2 AXLE, WOULD NOT WORK. THIS WOULD LEAD TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORRECTIVE ACTION. REINSTALL THE AIR HOSES INTO THE REAR AIR SYSTEM RESERVOIR.
Defect
LOOSENESS MAY DEVELOP AT THE ATTACHMENT (BALL JOINT) OF THE DRAG LINK TO THE STEERING ARM DUE TO AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED RETAINING NUT. THIS CAN WEAR THE STEERING ARM HOLE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING LOOSENESS COULD CAUSE HANDLING DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE DRAG LINK BALL STUD IF WEAR IS OBSERVED AND/OR TORQUE TO SPECIFICATION.
1985 Oshkosh F Series — common questions
Is the 1985 Oshkosh F Series reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1985 Oshkosh F Series have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Oshkosh F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.