CarRecallWatchThe 1985 Ford Thunderbird has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 5 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (10 reports).
1985 Ford Thunderbird recalls
Most common 1985 Ford Thunderbird problems
Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 |
What owners report
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 TO REMOVE THE UNIT AND REPLACE IT. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME. *TR
IGNITION MODULE SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE SHUT OFF OF GASOLINE FLOW IMMEDIATELY WITH NO CHANCE OF RESTART. *YH
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 THE KEY. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT THE TOLD ME HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE SWITCH AND THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE NOW. HOWEVER IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO REMOVE THE SWITCH DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAD MELTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS. I STILL HAVE THE PART IN MY POSSESSION. MY OTHER COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE STATOR PICK-UP ASSEMBLY UNDER THE BASE
IGNITION SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY FAILS AND BLOWS FUSES.
HAD PARKED VEHICLE & LEFT FOR AWHILE. RETURNED TO VEHICLE & ENTERED. STARTED VEHICLE & WAS MOVING WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & TOOK OFF FOR NO REASON. FOOT ON BRAKES AT TIME. VEHICLE HIT 2 PARKED VEHICLES & A FENCE. DRIVER WAS INJURED. *AK
1985 Ford Thunderbird questions
Does the 1985 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1985 Ford Thunderbird: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Ford Thunderbird?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (10), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2), Engine And Engine Cooling (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 1985 Ford Thunderbird has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.