1985 Ford F150 problems
The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
History
The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.
The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.
The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).
Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.
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Common 1985 Ford F150 problems
The 1985 Ford F-150 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues primarily revolve around the engine, fuel system, and transmission.
- Fuel System Problems: Fuel system problems are another common issue with the 1985 Ford F-150. This can include issues with the fuel pump, distributor, and ignition control module, as experienced by a user who had replaced these components but still couldn't start the truck.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems have also been reported by owners of the 1985 Ford F-150. This can include the transmission falling out of alignment, as experienced by a user who reported engine flare-ups when shifting into fourth gear.
- Rust Issues: Rust is a common problem with the 1985 Ford F-150, as reported by a user who had to replace the cab floor and cab corners around 325,000 miles.
- Suspension Problems: Owners of 1991 to 1994 Ford trucks have reported problems with the front suspension system, which is due to weak leaf springs along the front of the vehicle. To fix the issue, newer, stronger leaf springs are recommended.
These common problems with the 1985 Ford F-150 can be frustrating for owners, but many have reported that the truck is still reliable and dependable, with some users driving the truck for over 500,000 miles.
Is a 1985 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 1985 Ford F150 is a powerhouse pickup with the ruggedness and durability valued on farm, ranch, and worksite. You'll find plenty of these seemingly-immortal workhorses out there today, going off-road or all dolled up by the tuner set.
What years did the F-150 have engine problems?
What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.
Which year of F-150 is most reliable?
With a reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the highest-rated F-150 model by J.D. Power, meaning it is also the most reliable Ford F-150 available. What makes the 2022 F-150 even more impressive is that you won't have to sacrifice modern features for reliability.
What engine is in a 1985 Ford F-150?
Powertrain details
| Ford F-Series engines (1980-1986) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Configuration | Production |
| Ford Small Block V8 | 5.8 L (351 cu in) V8 | 1983–85 |
| Ford Small Block HO V8 | 1984–86 | |
| Ford 400 V8 | 6.6 L (400 cu in) V8 | 1980–82 |
Are 1985 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 1985 Ford F150 is a powerhouse pickup with the ruggedness and durability valued on farm, ranch, and worksite. You'll find plenty of these seemingly-immortal workhorses out there today, going off-road or all dolled up by the tuner set.
What years did the F-150 have engine problems?
What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.
What engine is in a 1985 Ford F-150?
Powertrain details
| Ford F-Series engines (1980-1986) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Configuration | Production |
| Ford Small Block V8 | 5.8 L (351 cu in) V8 | 1983–85 |
| Ford Small Block HO V8 | 1984–86 | |
| Ford 400 V8 | 6.6 L (400 cu in) V8 | 1980–82 |
Which year of F-150 is most reliable?
With a reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the highest-rated F-150 model by J.D. Power, meaning it is also the most reliable Ford F-150 available. What makes the 2022 F-150 even more impressive is that you won't have to sacrifice modern features for reliability.
1985 Ford F150 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford F150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1985 Ford F150
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford F150. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1985 Ford F150 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-12
- VIN: 1FTEF15Y9FL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON 04/10/03 THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED PARTIAL TREAD SEPARATION WHICH RESULTED IN A BLOW OUT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON 04/12/03 THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND ALMOST CAUSED A DANGEROUS COLLISION. TIRE INFO: DAYTON, RADIAL STAG ST 31X10.50R15LT, DOT-V060U6A118, NOT ORIGINAL, 90% OF TREAD INTACT, 2K-3K MILES ON TIRES AT TIME OF FAILURE. *NLM.....*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y1FN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THIS CAUSE'S LOUD POPING AND CRACKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON THE OUT SIDE OF TIRE. FORD REP. TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS AND THAT EVEN IF THERE WAS DUE TO AGE OF THE TRUCK THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY TOWARDS FIXING IT. I POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT THIS DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERANCE, JUST TOUGH LUCK ON MY PART. THEY TOLD ME HAVE THE CROSS MEMBER WELDED TO THE FRAME. THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE ONCE SOMETIME IN THE PAST, I DO NOT KNOW WHEN. BUT IT DIDN'T HOLD . SO I AM AT A LOSE AT WHAT DO NOW OR WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP WITH THIS. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE INNER AND OUTER WHEEL BEARING, AND GREASE SEALS AFTER THEY BURNT UP AND SMOKED SEVERAL TIMES DURING A ROAD TRIP. *YD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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 BOOSTER. *YD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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 BOOSTER. *YD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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 BOOSTER. *YD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT IT GOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS, HE WAS TOLD WHEN THEY TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART EVERYTHING FELL OUT. *YD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y3F1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT IT GOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS, HE WAS TOLD WHEN THEY TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART EVERYTHING FELL OUT. *YD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-20
- VIN: 1FTCF15N6FL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILED INTERMITTENTLY NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE IDENTIFIED. ENGINE STALL WAS INSTANTANEOUS AND WITHOUT WARNING; DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS RESULTED. HOT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AGGRAVATED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE HEAT FACTOR WAS NOT KNOWN UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY ISOLATED. TWO FORD DEALERS WERE ABSOLUTELY NO HELP IN DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE FIRESTONE DEALER REFUSED TO PROCESS A RECALL CLAIM FOR THE FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES FROM COPIES PRESENTED BY THE CONSUMER (FIRESTONE ATX). *YH
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE FIRESTONE DEALER REFUSED TO PROCESS A RECALL CLAIM FOR THE FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES FROM COPIES PRESENTED BY THE CONSUMER (FIRESTONE ATX). *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-31
- VIN: 1FTCF15Y6FN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FAILURE - REPLACED IGNITION MODULE AT DISTRIBUTOR - NOT IN WARRENTY - PAID $225.32. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF THEN SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-05-29
- VIN: 1FTEF14N6FP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I AM REPORTING THE FAILURE OF TWO (2) TFI MODULES ON MY 1985 F-150. I STILL OWN AND USE THIS TRUCK. I HAVE SEEN THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT FOMOCO KNOWING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I WANTED TO PASS THIS INFORMATION ON. ALSO, I HAVE PETITIONED FOMOCO FOR A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $694.74 THAT THE DEALERS CHARGED ME TO REPLACE THE TFI MODULES. FOMOCO REFUSED. THANK YOU. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE JUST SEEN THE TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT THE TFI MODULES AND I THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT MY FORD. IT IS A 85 F-150 THAT I STILL USE. IT HAS HAD TWO TFI MODULES REPLACED. THE TRUCK IS AT HOME AND THE PAPERWORK, VIN, ETC ARE THERE. IF YOU WISH MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL BE GLAD TO SUPPLY IT.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-05
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 2FTC15H0SCA
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 OVER. DRIVER/PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES. *AK *SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTDF15Y8FP
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. *YC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: REFUSED
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-20
- VIN: 1FTCF15YOFC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SUSPENSION DEFECT FOUND DURING STATE INSPECTION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTEF14N1FK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED, CAUSING STALLING.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE ENTIRE BODY OF VEHICLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHX26L0FK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TWO OR THREE MINTUES AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-20
- VIN: 1FTEF15H5FL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE PIPE RUPTURED AT 87,000 MILES DUE TO CORROSION, POSSIBLE DUE TO SALT ON THE ROAD, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. *AK
1985 Ford F150 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Ford F150.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Ford F150 problems:
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Other years of Ford F150
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