1985 Ford Ltd recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, 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. 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.
What could happen: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: 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.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E064000.
- 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: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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARTER, NAPA, ACCUFLOW, TRU FLOW, PARTS MASTER, AND PARTS DEPOT BRAND FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED MOTOR VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. HEAT SHIELDS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OUTLET PIPES WERE OMITTED DURING PRODUCTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: AFTER SEVERE DUTY USE, SUCH AS HIGH SPEED PURSUIT, THE OUTLET PIPES BECOME VERY HOT AND COULD IGNITE CERTAIN TYPES OF GROUND COVER RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
What could happen:
The fix: INSTALL CATALYTIC CONVERTER OUTLET PIPE SHIELDS.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V077000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary: HEAT SHIELDS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OUTLET PIPES WERE OMITTED DURING PRODUCTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: AFTER SEVERE DUTY USE, SUCH AS HIGH SPEED PURSUIT, THE OUTLET PIPES BECOME VERY HOT AND COULD IGNITE CERTAIN TYPES OF GROUND COVER RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Consequence:
Remedy: INSTALL CATALYTIC CONVERTER OUTLET PIPE SHIELDS.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH OPTIONAL POLICE PACKAGES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0 LITER FUEL INJECTED HIGH OUTPUT ENGINES. SYSTEM: CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELDS.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V068000.
- 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: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 OR 5.0 LITER ENGINES AND TANDEM POWER BRAKE BOOSTERS. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POLICE OR TAXI PACKAGE OPTION ARE NOT AFFECTED. SYSTEM: POWER BRAKE BOOSTERS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Ford Ltd owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (8), Seat belts (3), Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/13/2001 · Engine · fire
TUBE RUNNING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD 1/2 SPARKS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH FLOORBOARD ON DRIVER'S SIDE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER. ADD MORE INFORMATION.*AK
02/02/2001 · Electrical system
THE THICK FILM MODULE FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. NLM
11/20/2000 · Electrical system
THE CONSUMER HAS SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY THE VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLS, CONSUMER BELIEVES THE STALLING IS RELATED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. *MJS
10/04/2000 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TREAD ON RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE SEPARATED. *AK DOT # EJR1DEK116, TIRE SIZE P215 75 R15. *SLC
05/05/2000 · Electrical system
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE VEHICLE BECAME VERY HOT/STALLED OUT DUE TO TFI IGNITION MODULE BEING TOO CLOSE AND MOUNTED ON THE SIDE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
05/20/1999 · Engine
WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND MAKING ANY TYPE OF TURN, VEHICLE IS CUTTING OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *AK
01/08/1998 · Brakes
PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T RELEASE AUTOMATICALLY, RESULTING IN VACUUM LEAK. *AK
02/13/1997 · Electrical system · fire
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSED THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD TO CAUGHT FIRE.