Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1985 Toyota Van — 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.
7
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 3 | 43% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 29% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 14% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 14% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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 EVENTUALLY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A CRACKED STEERING CENTER ARM WILL ALLOW STEERING CONTROL, HOWEVER, IF THE STEERING ARM BREAKS, IT WOULD RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE CENTER CONTROL ARM WITH A REDESIGNED CONTROL ARM.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE SEATBELT BUCKLES HAVE CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC OUTER COMPONENTS. IS THERE A RECALL ON THESE SEAT BELTS? ALSO, YOUR WEBSIGHT INDICATES A RECALL FOR STEERING COMPONENTS ON THIS 1985 TOYOTA VAN. HAVING BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, HOW CAN I KNOW THE AFFECTED PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED?*AK”
“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. NO BODILY INJURY OCCURRED, BUT HAD THIS OCCURRED AT FREEWAY SPEED, I WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY BE DEAD. *TS…”
The record is thin — 7 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 Toyota Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.