VehicleVerdict

1985 GMC S15 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1985 GMC S15 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other S15 years?

S15 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted12 complaints1980: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 11 complaints1990: 4 complaints1991: 12 complaints1992: 4 complaints1993: 5 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 5 complaints1998: 5 complaints1999: 1 complaints2001: 1 complaints
S15 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S15 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 GMC S15 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats1100%

Does the 1985 GMC S15 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SEE KODIAK ALASKA POLICE DEPT. RPT./CASE#199606691 KODIAK, ALASKA 99615. BECAUSE A SEAT MOUNT FAILED THE DRIVER RECEIVED PERMANENT-COSTLY FULLY DISABLING INJURIES. AMONG MV DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SEAT BRACKET AND MOUNT FAILED RESULTING IN THE DRIVER RECEIVING MORE INJURIES THAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN NORMAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 6, 1996 · crash

1985 GMC S15 — common questions

Is the 1985 GMC S15 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 GMC S15 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 GMC S15. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 GMC S15 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.