1985 Ford Topaz problems

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1985 Ford Topaz

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Common 1985 Ford Topaz problems

The Ford Topaz, produced in 1985, was a compact car designed to replace its larger rear-wheel-drive predecessors, the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr. Despite these efforts, the Topaz had several common problems that affected its owners.

  • Headlight issues: One of the most reported problems with the 1985 Ford Topaz is related to the headlights. Owners have reported that the headlights turn off while driving, which can be a significant safety concern.
  • Engine problems: The worst problem category for the Ford Topaz is engine issues. While the specific problems are not detailed in the search results, engine-related issues can significantly impact a car's reliability and performance.
  • Transmission failures: Another common problem with the 1985 Ford Topaz is transmission failure. This issue can manifest in different ways, such as slipping, total failure, or complete failure.
  • Water pump failures: Some owners of the 1985 Ford Topaz have reported experiencing issues with the water pump. One owner mentioned going through five water pumps in three years, indicating a possible design or manufacturing flaw with the water pump in this model.

These common problems can significantly impact the ownership experience of the 1985 Ford Topaz. While the car was designed with a focus on aerodynamics and efficiency, these issues may detract from its overall reliability and performance.

1985 Ford Topaz engine

What is the Ford equivalent to the Topaz?

The Ford Tempo and its sibling, the Mercury Topaz, were compact cars produced by Ford Motor Company between 1984 and 1994. From the moment they hit the roads, these vehicles quickly gained popularity, thanks to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

What replaced the Mercury Topaz?

Mercury Mystique

For the 1995 model year, the Tempo/Topaz four-door sedan was replaced by the Ford Contour (and Mercury Mystique), developed from the Ford Mondeo; the two-door Tempo was not directly replaced.

What make is a Topaz car?

When Ford needed a replacement for the Fairmont compact, a stretched version of the Escort was created, equipped with two-thirds of an early-1960s Thriftmaster straight-six engine, and dubbed the Tempo. The Mercury version was the Topaz, and millions were sold during their 1984-1994 sales run.

When did the Mercury Topaz come out?

The Topaz was introduced in mid-1983 as a 1984 model. as an upscale twin to the Ford Tempo. The compact Topaz and Tempo were early examples of the design philosophy that would bring about the revolutionary 1986 Mercury Sable.

What is the Ford equivalent to the Topaz?

The Ford Tempo and its sibling, the Mercury Topaz, were compact cars produced by Ford Motor Company between 1984 and 1994. From the moment they hit the roads, these vehicles quickly gained popularity, thanks to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

What replaced the Mercury Topaz?

Mercury Mystique

For the 1995 model year, the Tempo/Topaz four-door sedan was replaced by the Ford Contour (and Mercury Mystique), developed from the Ford Mondeo; the two-door Tempo was not directly replaced.

What kind of car is a topaz?

Well Ford decided that the 88 tempo and topaz should be a good deal more interesting. So the cars gotten new skins. And a few mechanical tweaks. But is the new car different enough to change its

Which topaz is rarest?

Imperial topaz

Imperial topaz, which is orange to red in color, is the rarest and most valuable variety of topaz.

1985 Ford Topaz car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Topaz problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seats problems
  • Steering problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Topaz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Ford Topaz complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Topaz.

1998-04-06

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-01-07
  • VIN: 1MEBP72X6FK
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: FRONT DRIVER'S SEATBACK FAILED. *AK
1996-10-24

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-20
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: GOING ABOUT 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM KEYHOLE. GRABBED KEY, GOT OUT OF CAR, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, CAR TOTALED, NOTHING LEFT BUT METAL FRAME. *AK
1996-08-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2MEBP75X4FB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Ford Topaz problems:

Q&A: 1985 Ford Tempo - Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions
Q&A: 1985 Ford Tempo - Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/0y5p3-1985-ford-tempo-2-3-liter-cfi-runs-10-minutes.html

Nov 20, 2007 ... You might simply have a bad idle air control motor. It mounts to the backside of the intake plenum, near the throttle body. You could ...

Ford Tempo Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Ford Tempo Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/ford/tempo

Top Ford Tempo Problems · Poor Idle, Engine Stalls, Hesitates on Acceleration · Speedometer Operation Affected and Poor Transmission Shift Quality · Engine Stalls, ...

Do you remember? Ford Tempo / Mercury Topaz diesel | TDIClub ...
Do you remember? Ford Tempo / Mercury Topaz diesel | TDIClub ...
https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php?threads/do-you-remember-ford-tempo-mercury-topaz-diesel.336042/

Ford offered a BMW TD in the 1985 Lincoln Mk iiv too. ... Parts became a problem ... Unfortunately the VW seat and ride did not agree with me. The Mazda and Mercury ...

Found a Ford Tempo Diesel | Page 2 | Bob Is The Oil Guy
Found a Ford Tempo Diesel | Page 2 | Bob Is The Oil Guy
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/found-a-ford-tempo-diesel.165407/page-2

Nov 23, 2011 ... another problem engine,that was only slightly less of a problem as the 2.5 4D56 - and still made today in dohc and common rail. G · Garak.

Common Problems With Cruise Control?
Common Problems With Cruise Control?
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?186660-Common-Problems-With-Cruise-Control

Oct 2, 2018 ... Any common problems with Ford cruise I should know about ... "Silver" - 85 Mustang Saleen 1985-006? (Lol) ... -- skipped: horn works, and not an ...

Other years of Ford Topaz

ford topaz 1987 photo
Topaz 1987
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ford topaz 1988 photo
Topaz 1988
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ford topaz 1989 photo
Topaz 1989
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ford topaz 1992 photo
Topaz 1992
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ford topaz 1984 photo
Topaz 1984
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ford topaz 1985 photo
Topaz 1985
Ford

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1985 Ford Topaz photo