1985 Mercury CAPRI: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
28,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1985 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 3 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 33.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 3 |
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
1996: 2; 2006: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10157512 · 2006-05-14 (May 14, 2006)
GARAGE / HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1985 MERCURY CAPRI ASC MCLAREN. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157512 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 983370 · 1996-04-23 (April 23, 1996)
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 983370 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 983847 · 1996-04-29 (April 29, 1996)
WIFE STARTED VEHICLE TO WARM UP, TURNED BACK, VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND THEN FIRE ENGULFED VEHICLE AND TOTALLY BURNED IT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 983847 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
85V068000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
Reported: 1985-05-21 (May 21, 1985)
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.
Remedy: INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA campaign record ↗92V063000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
Reported: 1992-04-29 (April 29, 1992)
THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING.
Consequence: IF THE TONGUE DETACHES FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING, THESAFETY BELT WOULD NOT ATTACH TO ITSELF, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYTO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
3 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1981 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 413.3%ODI 800289WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL, FELT AS IF IN NEUTRAL, CHECKED, STILL IN OVER DRIVE, ENGINE STILL RUNNING MAKING HIGH PITCH NOISE, COASTED OFF HIGHWAY, SHIFTED TO PARK, NO OTHER GEARS WORKED *AK | 114.3% | 120.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 310.0%ODI 889073WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR SERVICE DEALER NOTICED A RIP IN CONVERTIBLE TOP. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A SMALL RIP IN LEFT BACK CORNER OF CONVERTIBLE TOP. *AK | 228.6% | 120.0%ODI 10060091 · 145,000 mi1993 MERCURY CAPRI'S CONVERTABLE TOP HANDLES BROKE OFF MAKING THE TOP UNUSABLE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 3100.0%ODI 10157512 · 28,000 miGARAGE / HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1985 MERCURY CAPRI ASC MCLAREN. *JB | 13.3%ODI 854010TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH. THE PART WAS DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER. THE SWITCH IS USED TO PUT VEHICLE IN EITHER PARK, NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 26.7% | 114.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0% |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 310.0%ODI 807483THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A DEER AT 55MPH AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLINK ON AND OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 310.0%ODI 731456THE PULLEY END OF CRANKSHAFT BROKE OFF ON THE INSIDE LANE OF THE SOUTH BOUND SIDE OF IH 35 AT MOORE, OK. THE END OF THE SHAFT AND THE PULLEY SPUN ACROSS THE NORTH BOUND SIDE OF I-35 BETWEEN CARS. NO ONE WAS INJURED AS THE CARS WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING THE SPINNING DISC. HOWEVER, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSE A DEADLY CRASH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. VERY FEW MODELS OF THE CAR WERE SOLD IN THE US. THEREFORE PARTS ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE AUTO AND AM CONSIDERING SALVAGING IT OUT SO THAT NO ONE GETS HURT WITH IT. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.3% | 114.3%ODI 809849THE OWNER WAS DRIVING AND SMOKE STARTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, THAN THE VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM IN THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.3%ODI 981217WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED IT GETS STUCK AND KEEPS ACCELERATING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10235442FRED MARTIN FORD 4701 MAHONING AVE YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO [phone removed] REFUSED TO COMPLETE SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL ON MY 1994 MERCURY CAPRI. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO DO THE RECALL BUT DID WORK ON THE FIRST PART OF THE RECALL (DISCONNECTING THE SWITCH) BUT REFUSE TO REPLACE THE PART SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL. I CALLED TODAY (JULY23RD) AND WAS TOLD WE DON'T WORK ON MERCURY VEHICLES AFTER THEY HAD ALREADY WORKED ON IT. *TR |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | Too few reports for a range | 28,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10157512 · 28,000 miGARAGE / HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1985 MERCURY CAPRI ASC MCLAREN. *JB |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1993: 0 complaints · 1994: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 1994 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Electrical System:Ignition:Switch |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.