1985 Chevrolet C20

○ Not enough data
1985 Chevrolet C20
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:13.962Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints 2001
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001

1985: 2 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19821
19831
19844
19852
19860
19873
19883
19891
19905
19916
19922
199316
199412
199514
19960
19972
19980
20000
20010

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

2 of 2 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1985 Chevrolet C20 equipped with big "O" Mesa c/t tires, size: LT285/75R16. While driving 50 MPH, the front driver side tire blew out and the tire wires detached.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-09

Peoo O20; consumer was traveling about 55MPH on highwayand heard a noise. He was in the left lane, and saw chunks of tire flying in the wind. Also, flapping noise was coming from tire tread hitting up against car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-19

Safety timeline

1 recall · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-07-23Defect petitionClosed 1986-11-19 Braking
  2. I
    1987-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-14 Exhaust system heat
  3. I
    1988-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Exhaust manifold leaks
  4. I
    1988-01-19Engineering analysisClosed 1988-06-30 High temp & fuel exp
  5. I
    1988-01-20Engineering analysisClosed 1991-05-31 Brake system
  6. I
    1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
  7. R
    2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…

    Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07E088000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 1985 Chevrolet C20 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Chevrolet C20?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Chevrolet C20 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.