1985 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
- Complaints
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro. The part named most often is seat belts, with 27 complaints (59% of the total), followed by body and structure (8) and brakes (6). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the buckle assembly and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts27 59%
- Body and structure8 17%
- Brakes6 13%
- Engine cooling3 6.5%
- Electrical system2 4.3%
- Steering2 4.3%
- Other or unknown1 2.2%
- Suspension1 2.2%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “The following safety recalls and technical service bulletins are listed below, but a lookup of my VIN number on the GM website or a local Chevrolet dealership (hoselton) reveals no open recalls on it, and they refuse to repair it without charge. These issues are still current. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147704, filed 2006-01, 69,000 milesBrakes: “I found out through this website that there are recalls on this car. When my husband called the dealership they said that they wouldn't fix it-it was too old. Another dealership told us that there weren't any open orders on this car but we have the problems described in the recall. The seat belt won't stay tight, and the car sometimes rolls when in park. Please help us get the recall taken care of! No safety defect mentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #752615, filed 2001-09Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,000 and 69,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Chevrolet Camaro version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 91V055000Apr 11, 1991Parking brake › ConventionalCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1982–1986, Pontiac Firebird 1982–1986, Fiero 1984–1986
Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.
- 90V105000May 14, 1990Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1984–1990, Pontiac Firebird 1984–1990
Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
- 85V169000Dec 20, 1985Seat belts › Front › WebbingCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1983–1985, Pontiac Firebird 1983–1985
Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended. Consequence of defect: although inertial feature that locks the lap belt and shoulder belt in the event of an accident are not affected, if slack is more than…
Recall details for the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92005Throttle stickingClosed · Jan 30, 1992
- EA90012Rear axle shaft failureClosed · Feb 28, 1990
- C90001Rear disc brakesClosed · Feb 21, 1990
- EA90001Safety buckle breakageClosed · Oct 3, 1989
- PE89148Safety belt buckle breakagClosed · Aug 1, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Camaro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 | — | 0 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 49,330 | 4 | 5 | 20 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 32 | 21,000 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 53 | 12,475 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 81 | 21,000 | 2 | 5 | 20 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 190 | 21,655 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 141 | 20,315 | 1 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 206 | 38,000 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 188 | 37,400 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 187 | 40,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 113 | 34,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 194 | 40,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 295 | 48,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2002 | 68 | 20,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 48 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 76 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 90 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 173 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 69 | 63,492 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 116 | 58,075 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 216 | 104,042 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 144 | 130,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 32 | 97,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 88 | 96,084 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 86 | 94,250 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 25 | 160,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 25 | 119,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 76,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 32 | 99,960 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 46 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 39 | 99,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 16 | 172,500 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1979 | 6 | 245,136 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Camaro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 27 complaints (59% of the total), followed by body and structure with 8.
Has the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1985 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 43,000 and 69,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.