1985 Ford F350 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. THE POLYETHYLENE NUTS WHICH HOLD THE FUEL SENDER UNIT MAY FRACTURE CAUSING THE UNIT TO LOOSEN AND LEAK GASOLINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE AROUND THE SENDER-TO-TANK SEAL OR SPILLAGE DURING FUEL FILL COULD OCCUR AND CREATE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER RETAINERS.
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 F350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V127000.
- 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:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
Summary: THE POLYETHYLENE NUTS WHICH HOLD THE FUEL SENDER UNIT MAY FRACTURE CAUSING THE UNIT TO LOOSEN AND LEAK GASOLINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE AROUND THE SENDER-TO-TANK SEAL OR SPILLAGE DURING FUEL FILL COULD OCCUR AND CREATE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER RETAINERS.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK, FUEL SENDER RETAINING NUTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CHASSIS CABS WITH 137" AND 161" WHEELBASES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL PLASTIC FUEL TANKS LOCATED BEHIND THE REAR AXLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Ford F350 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (2), Engine (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
01/27/2003 · Wheels / tires
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING WITH THE TIRES: RIGHT REAR BLOWOUT, LEFT TIRE SEPARATION, RIGHT FRONT DEVELOPED A LARGE BUMP, FRONT LEFT WAS TAKEN OFF FOR SAFETY, AND THE REAR LEFT BLEW OUT WHILE STANDING IN THE GARAGE. (TIRES-KUHMO/MARSHAL VENTURE) SCC
03/19/2001 · Engine · fire
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER OBSERVED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
09/30/2000 · Wheels / tires
TREAD SEPARATION HOT DAY U S 40W OKLAHOMA CITY - DESTROYED ENTIRE FENDER LINER/WIRING AND DAMAGED BRAKE COMPONETS. NOW HAVE 8 R4S ON SAME TRUCK - ALL NEW - TWO NEW SPARES (TIRESIZE: LT235R16E)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT235R16E )
04/11/1995 · Fuel system
FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILED THREE TIMES. *SKD