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1985 Chevrolet CavalierProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints42 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 7, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system22
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Vehicle speed control10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1985 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other Cavalier year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cavalier median. How we score

'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONDP86019 · closed Dec 22, 1986
    No recall
  2. POWER ST. ASSISTEA87006 · closed Sep 19, 1988
    No recall
  3. SUDDEN ACCELEA87007 · closed Aug 7, 1987
    No recall
  4. UNDERHOOD FIRESPE86031 · closed Jun 10, 1986
    Led to recall 86V-073
  5. HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILUREPE88027 · closed May 11, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What Cavalier owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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
Complaint 559503 · Feb 7, 2001

Own a 1985 Cavalier?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.