1985 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
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 CHEVROLET TRUCK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V056000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEADLIGHT SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Seat belts (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
08/08/2002 · Engine
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 USED AS TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING DURING THE RICHMOND INTE…
06/08/2000 · Fuel system
GAS TANK IS LEAKING GAS. NLM
05/15/1996 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
04/01/1996 · Seat belts
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED IN ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE THROWN FROM VEHICLE/INJURED. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
03/20/1996 · Seat belts · crash
SEAT BELT BUCKLE OPENED IN ROLLOVER, EJECTING DRIVER/CAUSING INJURY. *DH
12/02/1994 · Fuel system
GAS TANK MOUNTED OUTSIDE OF FRAME. *SKD