1985 Toyota VAN
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1994 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
3 of 6 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt failed during collision resulting in injury, due to design flaw, seat belt only works at a 15% tilt.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-14
Seat belt designed so that it does not engage at less than 15 degree tilt, causing it to fail in accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-24
Steering
2 of 6 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing arm and idler and attachment.
Show complaint excerpts
1985 Toyota VAN with power steering. Part of linkage called center arm snapped in half while traveling at approximately 55 MPH during turning. There was immediate loss of steering control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-01
Tires
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Not notified of recall of steering arm and front tires wear unevenly, constantly requiring replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-27
Electrical system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1986-08-15Steering86V060000 The center control arm of the steering linkage system may develop a crack if the steering wheel is repeatedly operated while vehicle is in parked position. The steering center arm may…
Remedy: Replace center control arm with a redesigned control arm.
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I
1987-09-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-30 Igniter assembly failure
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I
1989-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-27 Steering gear failure
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I
1989-09-27Engineering analysisClosed 1990-09-20 Steering gear failure
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Toyota VAN — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V060000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Toyota VAN 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 Toyota VAN?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Toyota VAN have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.