NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Tread/Belt
415.4%
Gasoline
415.4%
Ignition
415.4%
Vacuum
311.5%
Switch
311.5%
Foundation Components
311.5%
Frame AND Members
311.5%
Drum
27.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1995peak 11Aug 2006
NHTSA investigations into the 1985 Ford F150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP89005Opened 26 Jan 1989Closed 1 Aug 1989FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
PE87017Opened 28 Jan 1987Closed 26 May 1987VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LEAKS/FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INSTANCES WERE FOUND WHERESPRING LOCK COUPLINGS FAILED CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE RELEASED THROUGHOUTTHE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING FIRES.LEAKS FROM FUEL LINES MAY ALSO BE ACONTRIBUTING CAUSE TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.---------------------------------------------------------------------------ANALYSIS:DATA INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY THESPRING LOCK QUICK CONNECT COUPLINGS WHICH CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY ANDRETURN LINES TO THE ENGINE AS WELL AS FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL LINES.-------------------------------------------------------...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Smithville, OHCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10166908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF THEN SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
NHTSA complaint #560379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA2 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
00 T 005 000/TREAD SEPARATION: RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER IN A 1985 FORD F150, AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT 65070 MILES; 31X10.5/R15, DOT# VD60AP352. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL/ FISHTAILED AND ROLLED OVER. DRIVER/PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #869181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Islip, NYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT AND NEAR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #816714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
TWO OR THREE MINTUES AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #802376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moody, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE WAITING TO FILL UP THE TRUCK WITH GAS THE FUEL LINE BROKE AND CAUSED A HUGE FIREBALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #986149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Smithville, OHCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10166908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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 31X10.50R15LT, DOT-V060U6A118, NOT ORIGINAL, 90% OF TREAD INTACT, 2K-3K MILES ON TIRES AT TIME OF FAILURE. *NLM.....
NHTSA complaint #10015758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, NC
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 PART. THEY TOLD ME HAVE THE CROSS MEMBER WELDED TO THE FRAME. THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE ONCE SOMETIME IN THE PAST, I DO NOT KNOW WHEN. BUT IT DIDN'T HOLD . SO I AM AT A LOSE AT WHAT DO NOW OR WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #764489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATED THAT IT GOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS, HE WAS TOLD WHEN THEY TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART EVERYTHING FELL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlevoix, MI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE FIRESTONE DEALER REFUSED TO PROCESS A RECALL CLAIM FOR THE FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES FROM COPIES PRESENTED BY THE CONSUMER (FIRESTONE ATX).
NHTSA complaint #562536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATED THAT IT GOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS, HE WAS TOLD WHEN THEY TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART EVERYTHING FELL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, WV
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #564449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlevoix, MI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE FIRESTONE DEALER REFUSED TO PROCESS A RECALL CLAIM FOR THE FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES FROM COPIES PRESENTED BY THE CONSUMER (FIRESTONE ATX).
NHTSA complaint #562536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Depauw, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILED INTERMITTENTLY NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE IDENTIFIED. ENGINE STALL WAS INSTANTANEOUS AND WITHOUT WARNING; DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS RESULTED. HOT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AGGRAVATED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE HEAT FACTOR WAS NOT KNOWN UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY ISOLATED. TWO FORD DEALERS WERE ABSOLUTELY NO HELP IN DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #750826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION FAILURE - REPLACED IGNITION MODULE AT DISTRIBUTOR - NOT IN WARRENTY - PAID $225.32.
NHTSA complaint #750481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF THEN SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
NHTSA complaint #560379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Masonville, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I AM REPORTING THE FAILURE OF TWO (2) TFI MODULES ON MY 1985 F-150. I STILL OWN AND USE THIS TRUCK. I HAVE SEEN THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT FOMOCO KNOWING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I WANTED TO PASS THIS INFORMATION ON. ALSO, I HAVE PETITIONED FOMOCO FOR A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $694.74 THAT THE DEALERS CHARGED ME TO REPLACE THE TFI MODULES. FOMOCO REFUSED. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #733327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Masonville, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I HAVE JUST SEEN THE TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT THE TFI MODULES AND I THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT MY FORD. IT IS A 85 F-150 THAT I STILL USE. IT HAS HAD TWO TFI MODULES REPLACED. THE TRUCK IS AT HOME AND THE PAPERWORK, VIN, ETC ARE THERE. IF YOU WISH MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL BE GLAD TO SUPPLY IT.
NHTSA complaint #731183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA2 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
00 T 005 000/TREAD SEPARATION: RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER IN A 1985 FORD F150, AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT 65070 MILES; 31X10.5/R15, DOT# VD60AP352. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL/ FISHTAILED AND ROLLED OVER. DRIVER/PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #869181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #546139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Grove, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
COMPANY VEHICLE. REAR LEAF SPRINGS KEEP BREAKING. IF SPRINGS BREAK COMPLETELY, THE ENTIRE REAR END OF VEHICLE WOULD FALL OUT. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AKREPAIRWORK DONE AT OWNERS EXPENSE. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #835362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.