1985 Chevrolet S10
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 27 |
| 1988 | 38 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 174 |
| 1992 | 180 |
| 1993 | 233 |
| 1994 | 963 |
| 1995 | 910 |
| 1996 | 665 |
| 1997 | 469 |
| 1998 | 613 |
| 1999 | 231 |
| 2000 | 471 |
| 2001 | 308 |
| 2002 | 214 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 21 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Drive shaft broke, causing right rear wheel to fall off, causing accident. (Ohio state police report)
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-15
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-05
Seat belts
2 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Had an accident, drivers side seat belt did not restain. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-30
Wheels
1 of 11 total reports mentions: wheels.
Tires
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
While operating the vehicle on city streets at posted speed limit of 35 MPH, the tire separated where the belt meets the sidewall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-06
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1988-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-11-07 Rear axle failure
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I
1988-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1990-08-24 Rear axle shaft
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I
1990-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-29 Spare tire carrier failure
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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
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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R
2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Chevrolet S10 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Chevrolet S10 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 S10?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Chevrolet S10 have?
- 3 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.