1985 Chevrolet Camaro

▲ Better than typical
1985 Chevrolet Camaro
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:05.821Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

Complaints
48
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

65% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 16 complaints 1984: 40 complaints 1985: 48 complaints 1985 48 1986: 33 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 25 complaints 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 87 complaints 1991 1992: 88 complaints 1993: 32 complaints 1994: 158 complaints 1995: 217 complaints 1996: 116 complaints 1996 1997: 69 complaints 1998: 173 complaints 1999: 90 complaints 2000: 76 complaints 2001: 48 complaints 2001 2002: 68 complaints 2010: 295 complaints 2011: 194 complaints 2012: 113 complaints 2013: 187 complaints 2013 2014: 188 complaints 2015: 206 complaints 2016: 141 complaints 2017: 190 complaints 2018: 80 complaints 2018 2019: 53 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2021: 20 complaints 2022: 14 complaints 2023: 16 complaints 2023 2024: 4 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 16 complaints 1984: 40 complaints 1985: 48 complaints 1985 48 1986: 33 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 25 complaints 1990: 25 complaints 1990 1991: 87 complaints 1992: 88 complaints 1993: 32 complaints 1993 1994: 158 complaints 1995: 217 complaints 1996: 116 complaints 1996 1997: 69 complaints 1998: 173 complaints 1999: 90 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2001: 48 complaints 2002: 68 complaints 2002 2010: 295 complaints 2011: 194 complaints 2012: 113 complaints 2012 2013: 187 complaints 2014: 188 complaints 2015: 206 complaints 2015 2016: 141 complaints 2017: 190 complaints 2018: 80 complaints 2018 2019: 53 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2021: 20 complaints 2021 2022: 14 complaints 2023: 16 complaints 2024: 4 complaints 2024
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 16 complaints 1983 1984: 40 complaints 1985: 48 complaints 1985 48 1986: 33 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 25 complaints 1989 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 87 complaints 1991 1992: 88 complaints 1993: 32 complaints 1993 1994: 158 complaints 1995: 217 complaints 1995 1996: 116 complaints 1997: 69 complaints 1997 1998: 173 complaints 1999: 90 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2001: 48 complaints 2001 2002: 68 complaints 2010: 295 complaints 2010 2011: 194 complaints 2012: 113 complaints 2012 2013: 187 complaints 2014: 188 complaints 2014 2015: 206 complaints 2016: 141 complaints 2016 2017: 190 complaints 2018: 80 complaints 2018 2019: 53 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 20 complaints 2022: 14 complaints 2022 2023: 16 complaints 2024: 4 complaints 2024

1985: 48 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
198316
198440
198548
198633
198728
198817
198925
199025
199187
199288
199332
1994158
1995217
1996116
199769
1998173
199990
200076
200148
200268
2010295
2011194
2012113
2013187
2014188
2015206
2016141
2017190
201880
201953
202032
202120
202214
202316
20244

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

65% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

Show complaint excerpts

The following safety recalls and technical service bulletins are listed below, but a lookup of my VIN number on the GM website or a local Chevrolet dealership (Hoselton) reveals no open recalls on it, and they refuse to repair it without charge.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-13

Also filed under Parking brake

Dt: the contact received a recall 90V105000 concerning the seat belt latches back in 1990. He took the car to service dealer, and the service dealer told him if the latches broke, to bring vehicle in.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-29

Passenger shoulder harness failed to retract prior to recall. (88V191)

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-03

Structure

19% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

Show complaint excerpts

Cracked chassis in the area of the steering box due to missing reinforcement brackets.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-19

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The car caught fire while parked and the fire started in the engine compartment. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19

Parking brake

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing conventional and linkage and cable.

Visibility

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-04-18Seat belts85V169000 Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended.

    Remedy: Install retaining springs on spring cover of front shoulder belt retractor and, when required, retractors will be replaced.

  2. I
    1986-06-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brake failure
  3. I
    1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
  4. I
    1988-02-02Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-06 Throttle linkage sticking
  5. I
    1988-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-22 Frame cracking
  6. I
    1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
  7. I
    1989-08-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-03 Safety belt buckle breakag
  8. I
    1989-10-03Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-10 Safety buckle breakage
  9. I
    1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
  10. I
    1990-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-24 Rear axle shaft failure
  11. R
    1991-03-07Seat belts90V105000 Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.

    Remedy: Replace or repair seat belt buckle.

  12. R
    1991-07-01Parking brake91V055000 Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.

    Remedy: Replace nonfunctioning parking brake adjusters.

  13. I
    1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
  14. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

  15. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

    Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

  16. 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 Camaro — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V169000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 90V105000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 91V055000 · Parking brake
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E088000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

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