1985 Mercury Capri problems

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Capri (later Mercury Capri) is a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company over three generations between 1970 and 1994.

From 1970 to 1978, the Capri was a sport compact marketed in North America by the Lincoln-Mercury division without any Ford or Mercury divisional branding; it was a captive import, manufactured by Ford of Europe and sold simply as the Capri. From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car. From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.

In North America, the first and third generations of the Capri were marketed without a direct Ford-brand counterpart but were sold in other markets under the Ford brand.

1985 Mercury Capri

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Common 1985 Mercury Capri problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1985 Mercury Capri, common problems with this car include:

  1. Stalling Issues: Owners have reported constant problems with stalling, which can be attributed to various factors such as fuel delivery issues, ignition problems, or engine management issues. Stalling can be frustrating and dangerous, especially when it occurs unexpectedly while driving.
  2. Head Gasket Problems: Another common complaint involves head gasket failures. Head gaskets are crucial components that seal the engine's combustion chambers and prevent coolant and oil from mixing. When a head gasket fails, it can lead to overheating, loss of engine power, and potential engine damage.
  3. Turbocharger Malfunctions: For owners of the turbocharged versions of the 1985 Capri, issues with the turbocharger itself have been reported. Turbochargers can experience problems like boost leaks, oil leaks, or failure to spool properly, affecting the car's performance and efficiency.
  4. Engine Related Issues: Various engine-related problems have been mentioned, indicating potential issues with the overall engine performance, reliability, and durability. These issues can range from poor engine idling to more serious internal engine component failures.
  5. Quality Control: Some owners have expressed concerns about the overall build quality and reliability of the 1985 Mercury Capri. Quality control issues can manifest in various ways, leading to a lack of confidence in the vehicle's longevity and performance.
  6. Interior Component Failures: Complaints about interior components failing, such as seals in the power steering rack and tail shaft bearings in the transmission, suggest potential issues with the car's overall construction and durability.

These common problems highlight the challenges faced by owners of the 1985 Mercury Capri and emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and prompt repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

1985 Mercury Capri engine

What happened to the Mercury Capri?

From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car. From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.

Was the Mercury Capri a Mustang?

In 1979 Mercury rolls out the second generation cpri unlike its predecessor. This car is actually called a Mercury. It shared a fox body platform with the newly released Mustang. And it was the first

Did the Mercury Capri have a V8?

Mercury Capri RS 5.0L V8 3rd Generation specs, performance data - FastestLaps.com.

How much is a 1980 Mercury Capri worth?

As of 2022, prices for a classic 1980 Mercury Capri RS start around $15,765. Keep in mind that this average price depends on a lot of factors, particularly the condition and mileage of the vehicle. That said, a classic Mercury Capri RS with more than 50K+ on the odometer would range between $6,400 and $9,300.

What happened to the Mercury Capri?

From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car. From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.

Is a Mercury Capri the same as a Mustang?

The second generation Capri was a slightly reworked and rebadged third Generation Mustang at its essence. With production starting in 1979, it served as a companion and cousin to the four-eye Fox Body Mustang until 1986.

Did the Mercury Capri have a V8?

Mercury Capri RS 5.0L V8 3rd Generation specs, performance data - FastestLaps.com.

How much horsepower does a 1984 Mercury Capri have?

Specifications for Mercury Capri 5.0 V8 EFI Automatic, 167hp, 1984.

1985 Mercury Capri car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Electrical system problems

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

1985 Mercury Capri complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Mercury Capri.

2006-05-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1MEBP79M4FF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: GARAGE / HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1985 MERCURY CAPRI ASC MCLAREN. *JB
1996-04-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1MEBP79A4FF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WIFE STARTED VEHICLE TO WARM UP, TURNED BACK, VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND THEN FIRE ENGULFED VEHICLE AND TOTALLY BURNED IT. *AK
1996-04-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1MEBP79A4FF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WIFE STARTED VEHICLE TO WARM UP, TURNED BACK, VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND THEN FIRE ENGULFED VEHICLE AND TOTALLY BURNED IT. *AK
1996-04-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-06
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1MEBP79A5FF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK

1985 Mercury Capri recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Mercury Capri.

2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: 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.
1992-04-29
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING.
  • Consequence: IF THE TONGUE DETACHES FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING, THESAFETY BELT WOULD NOT ATTACH TO ITSELF, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYTO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.
1985-05-21
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
  • Summary: 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Mercury Capri problems:

Q&A: Common Problems with Mercury Force 120 Outboard Motor
Q&A: Common Problems with Mercury Force 120 Outboard Motor
https://www.justanswer.com/boat/h4mr4-1995-bayliner-capri-mercury-force-120.html

Jun 26, 2021 ... I have a 1995 Bayliner Capri with a Mercury Force 120 outboard. When I put it in the water it runs great for like 5-10 - Answered by a ...

the most common problems mercruiser engines have - Maxum Boat ...
the most common problems mercruiser engines have - Maxum Boat ...
https://www.maxumownersclub.com/forums/f8/the-most-common-problems-mercruiser-engines-have-4974.html

Jan 21, 2014 ... I dont know if this question has been discussed or not.The question is,what are the most common problems mercruiser engines have?,ans what ...

Cluster problems...needs help. - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Cluster problems...needs help. - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/interior/647833-cluster-problems-needs-help.html

Apr 9, 2012 ... 1969 Ford Maverick, 1972 Mercury Comet, 1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief, 1979 Mustang, Mustang Ghia and Mercury Capri. ... 1985 maybe...don't know if the ...

1985 Mercury Capri - The Big Gulp
1985 Mercury Capri - The Big Gulp
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/mmfp-0606-1985-mercury-capri-carburetor-swap/

May 30, 2006 ... Historians know the last Mustang to wear a carburetor was the '85 Mustang GT and/or LX 5.0, along with its Mercury cousins, the '85 Capri RS and ...

Ignition switch failed? - The Ford Capri Laser Page
Ignition switch failed? - The Ford Capri Laser Page
http://www.fordcapriforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52425

Aug 4, 2018 ... This is quite a common problem and gives the symptoms you describe. Also check battery terminals and earths are OK. Is the car being a Ghia an ...

Other years of Mercury Capri

mercury capri 1991 photo
Capri 1991
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2

16

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mercury capri 1992 photo
Capri 1992
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1

22

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mercury capri 1993 photo
Capri 1993
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5

1

26

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mercury capri 1994 photo
Capri 1994
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3

1

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mercury capri 1981 photo
Capri 1981
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2

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mercury capri 1985 photo
Capri 1985
Mercury

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3

0

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1985 Mercury Capri photo