1985 Chevrolet Camaro
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
- Investigations
- 10
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
65% of complaints
Complaints per year
1985: 48 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 16 |
| 1984 | 40 |
| 1985 | 48 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 87 |
| 1992 | 88 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 158 |
| 1995 | 217 |
| 1996 | 116 |
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 173 |
| 1999 | 90 |
| 2000 | 76 |
| 2001 | 48 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 113 |
| 2013 | 187 |
| 2014 | 188 |
| 2015 | 206 |
| 2016 | 141 |
| 2017 | 190 |
| 2018 | 80 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
65% · 31 reportsMost 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 reportsMost 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 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
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 reportsMost commonly citing conventional and linkage and cable.
Visibility
6% · 3 reportsMost 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 →
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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.
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I
1986-06-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brake failure
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I
1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
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I
1988-02-02Engineering analysisClosed 1989-03-06 Throttle linkage sticking
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I
1988-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-22 Frame cracking
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I
1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
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I
1989-08-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-03 Safety belt buckle breakag
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I
1989-10-03Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-10 Safety buckle breakage
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I
1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
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I
1990-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-24 Rear axle shaft failure
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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.
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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.
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I
1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
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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.
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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).
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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 →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.