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 PER YEAR
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 | 186 |
| 2018 | 80 |
| 2019 | 52 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
65% of complaints: seat belts — 31 distinct reports on file, 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, 20060113
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, 20050929
PASSENGER SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED TO RETRACT PRIOR TO RECALL. (88V191) *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941003
19% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file, 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941219
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960419
10% of complaints: parking brake — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing conventional and linkage and cable.
6% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 85V169000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR BRAKE FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
THROTTLE LINKAGE STICKING
FRAME CRACKING
REAR DISC BRAKES
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE BREAKAG
SAFETY BUCKLE BREAKAGE
REAR DISC BRAKES
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURE
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.
Campaign 90V105000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
Remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
Campaign 91V055000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE STICKING
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Chevrolet Camaro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V169000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V105000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V055000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.