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1985 Ford E-250Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1985 Ford E-250, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 23, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Ford E-250 has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system21
Fuel system, gasoline10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1985 Ford E-250 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Recall 88V-133 · Aug 9, 1988 · 14,975 vehicles

Risk. ENGINE COOLANT COULD DISCHARGE ONTO THE ENGINE AND ITSEXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE DUE TO THE HIGH ENGINEEXHAUST MANIFOLD TEMPERATURES.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exhaust system: emission control

Recall 87V-144 · Sep 9, 1987 · 188,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other E-250 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E-250 median. How we score

'75'76'77'78'79'80'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'16'17'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Ford E-250, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FILLER NECK SPURTEA87002 · closed Apr 29, 1987
    No recall
  2. FUEL EXPULSIONEA87019 · closed Oct 23, 1987
    No recall
  3. FUEL LEAKS/FIRESPE87017 · closed May 26, 1987
    No recall
  4. FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILSPE94065 · closed Dec 28, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What E-250 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

ELECTRONIC MODULE WOULD HEAT UP AND FAIL AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO START AT TIMES ALSO DUE TO ELECTRONIC MODULE.
Complaint 522320 · Sep 23, 1997

Own a 1985 E-250?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.