VehicleVerdict

1985 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1985 Chevrolet Blazer sits mid-pack among Blazer years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (6), steering (6), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Blazer years?

Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted1,707 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 1 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 35 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 38 complaints1988: 45 complaints1989: 47 complaints1990: 42 complaints1991: 267 complaints1992: 337 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 774 complaints1995: 1,707 complaints1996: 1,579 complaints1997: 1,098 complaints1998: 1,025 complaints1999: 612 complaints2000: 885 complaints2001: 464 complaints2002: 301 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 67 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 20 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 5 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 345 complaints2021: 191 complaints2022: 66 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 59 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Blazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Chevrolet Blazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering617%
Brakes617%
Engine617%
Transmission411%
Seat Belts39%
Seats26%
Body & Structure26%
Suspension26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Latches & Locks13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 65-70 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO FOLLOW THE CURVE IN THE ROAD, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN FREELY W/O TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE BARROWS AND CONCRETE DIVIDERS THAT WERE PLACED IN THE ROAD.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 20, 1996 · crash

“OIL AND ANTI-FREEZE GOT MIXED UP AND THE VEHICLE ISN'T WORKING. ALSO, THERE IS FUEL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER THINKS THE PROBLEM IS A HOLE IN THE SLEEVE OF ENGINE PISTON. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 12, 1997

“POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS SYSTEM, DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE, BUT DRIVER HAS EXPERIENCED INTERMINNENT LOSS OF BRAKES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 13, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE, DRIVER PULLED OVER, CAR WAS THEN TOWED, DRIVER WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE REAR AXLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 19, 1996

1985 Chevrolet Blazer — common questions

Is the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?

It is close to typical for the Blazer: 35 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1985 Blazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), steering (6 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Blazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Blazer years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2020, 1992, 2002, 2019, 1991, 2021, 2003, 2004, 2022. The cleanest record among Blazer years belongs to 1975.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.