Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1985 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
5
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 1 | 20% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
Remedy
REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“GENERATOR EXHAUST WAS DAMAGED CAUSING THE TAIL PIPE TO BE BENT UP TOWARDS THE REAR SLEEPING COMPARTMENT OF THE RV. OCCUPANTS WERE OVERCOME WITH CO POISIONING RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE FOR OUR DAUGHTER. COMPLETE DETAILS AND POLICE REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE. VEHICLE DOES NOT BELONG TO ME BUT WAS BEING…”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among Chevrolet Truck years belongs to 1975.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.