1985 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE C…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CAVALIER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD FALL OFF THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND LAND ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED AT THE TIME THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER FALLS OFF, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CAVALIER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V073000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD FALL OFF THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND LAND ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED AT THE TIME THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER FALLS OFF, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE AIR CLEANER COVER. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH RPO LQ5 2.0 ENGINES.
3. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD DETACH FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND FALL FORWARD ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED AT THE TIME OF DETACHMENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CAVALIER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V042000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: THE ENGINE AIR CLEANER PLASTIC TRIM COVER COULD DETACH FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY AND FALL FORWARD ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED AT THE TIME OF DETACHMENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: REMOVE THE TRIM COVER AND DISCARD.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH RPO LQ5 2.0L L4 ENGINES WITHOUT AN UNDERHOOD INSULATION BLANKET. SYSTEM: ENGINE AIR CLEANER COVER.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
02/07/2001 · Electrical system · fire
FIRE ERUPTED IN THE DASH WERE THE RADIO WAS LOCATED RUINING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT AFFECTED. NLM
03/26/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHENEVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD STICK. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
07/30/1997 · Brakes
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT (30) MPH ON DRY ROADS, THE BACK BRAKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE WENT OUT AND CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKE ON THE LEFT SIDE TO GO OUT. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN INCIDENT. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY DEALER. *AK
09/23/1996 · Electrical system · fire
ELECTRICAL FIRE.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)