1985 GMC 1500

○ Not enough data
1985 GMC 1500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:40:20.881Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC 1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1990: 8 complaints 1990 1994: 29 complaints 1994 1996: 24 complaints 1996 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1985: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19853
19908
199429
199624
19970
19980
19990
20000

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HYDRAULIC BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE WHEEL OFF AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE HOSE FROM THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030826

POWER TRAIN

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

TRANSMISSION IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AND WILL NOT RESTART. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030910

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS TURNING VEHICLE IN SNOW WHEN IT STALLED OUT. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. LIFTED HOOD & NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE AREA. THE CAB AREA OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990315

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS TURNING VEHICLE IN SNOW WHEN IT STALLED OUT. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. LIFTED HOOD & NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE AREA. THE CAB AREA OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990315

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 GMC 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).

FAQ

Is the 1985 GMC 1500 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 GMC 1500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 GMC 1500 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.