1985 Chevrolet Suburban
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 431 |
| 2016 | 219 |
| 2017 | 142 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2019 | 77 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 202 |
| 2022 | 121 |
| 2023 | 129 |
| 2024 | 45 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Tires
2 of 9 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Pe00 020; was traveling about 60MPH on highway and had a blowout on the rear tire. Consumer lost control. Vehicle sprung around and went into four lane traffic, and a gasoline truck ran into it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-28
Seats
2 of 9 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver side seat broke while driving. Tt upon further inspection it was determined that one of the bolts that attaches the seat to the back of the seat sheared in half.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-23
Power train
2 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Fire started in the transmission and totaled the vehicle. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-22
Vehicle speed control
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-10-23Defect petitionClosed 1988-02-20 Poor braking on panic stop
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Chevrolet Suburban have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.