1985 GMC Suburban
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 80 |
| 1993 | 213 |
| 1994 | 419 |
| 1995 | 227 |
| 1996 | 172 |
| 1997 | 200 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 285 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 3 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: trailer hitches.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
WELDS ON THE 3RD SEAT FRAME BROKE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950711
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF ENGINE TROUBLE.*MR CONSUMER MERGED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, FLAMES THEM ENGULFED THE VEHICLE. *PH *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20040108
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
IMPROPER SPEED CONTROL
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for trailer hitches issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 GMC 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 GMC Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 GMC Suburban have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.