1985 Chevrolet Cavalier
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 43 |
| 1990 | 55 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 134 |
| 1993 | 146 |
| 1994 | 212 |
| 1995 | 270 |
| 1996 | 503 |
| 1997 | 540 |
| 1998 | 345 |
| 1999 | 240 |
| 2000 | 315 |
| 2001 | 243 |
| 2002 | 196 |
| 2003 | 678 |
| 2004 | 330 |
| 2005 | 287 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT (30) MPH ON DRY ROADS, THE BACK BRAKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE WENT OUT AND CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKE ON THE LEFT SIDE TO GO OUT. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN INCIDENT. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970730
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FIRE ERUPTED IN THE DASH WERE THE RADIO WAS LOCATED RUINING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT AFFECTED. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20010227
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL FIRE.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA ODI report, 19961010
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDERHOOD FIRES
THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD FALL OFF THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND LAND ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING A FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
Campaign 86V073000 — check if this car was fixed
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
POWER ST. ASSIST
SUDDEN ACCEL
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
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
THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD DETACH FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND FALL FORWARD ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Remedy: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
Campaign 85V042000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V042000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V073000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Cavalier?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.