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1985 Ford ThunderbirdProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 1985 Ford Thunderbird, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints147 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage134kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 29, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Ford Thunderbird has problems

14 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 system94
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Engine and engine cooling11
Fuel system, other10
Seats10
Vehicle speed control11

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

1 recall

1985 Ford Thunderbird 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.

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 Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird median. How we score

'67'70'71'72'73'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Ford Thunderbird, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEATBACK FAILUREEA86010 · closed Jul 28, 1989
    Led to recall 86V-082
In owners' words

What Thunderbird owners report

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

UPON TURNING ON THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH A KEY, I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I TURNED OFF IGNITION AND INSPECTED THE SOURCE WHICH SEEM TO COME FROM STEERING COLUMN. AFTER REMOVING THE STEERING WHEEL COVER, I NOTICE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH UNIT HAD BLACK BURNT LOOKING PLACES ON IT. I DECIDED…
Complaint 10928441 · Nov 29, 2016 · 134,000 miles
MY FIRST COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHILE ATEMPTING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED AS IF I HAD TURNED OFF THE KEY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND JUST BARELY AVOIDED BEING HIT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART UNLESS I JIGGLED…
Complaint 751023 · Aug 23, 2001

Own a 1985 Thunderbird?

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