1985 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V162000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Consequence:
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.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.0 LITER ELECTRONIC FUELINJECTION ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEMS; FUEL INJECTION RAILS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONALINJURY.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Ford F150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (12), Brakes (8), Hydraulic (5), Wheels / tires (4), Engine (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/22/2006 · Electrical system · crash
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
04/14/2003 · Wheels / tires
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 31X10.50…
07/20/2002 · Body / structure
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 PAR…
02/21/2002 · Suspension
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
02/21/2002 · Brakes
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
02/21/2002 · Brakes
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
02/21/2002 · Brakes
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
02/21/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
CONSUMER STATED THAT IT GOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS, HE WAS TOLD WHEN THEY TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART EVERYTHING FELL OUT. *YD