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1985 GMC C35Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1985 GMC C35, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Suspension

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 30, 1995. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 GMC C35 has problems

1 complaint 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
Suspension10

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

3 recalls

1985 GMC C35 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.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 91V-217 · Dec 13, 1991 · 166,624 vehicles

Risk. IF THE BALL JOINT SEPARATES FROM THE CONTROL ARM, A LOSSOF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 87V-002 · Jan 20, 1987 · 86,152 vehicles

Risk. GREATER THAN ACCEPTABLE FUEL SPILLAGE DURING AND AFTER ACOLLISION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 GMC.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other C35 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 C35 median. How we score

'72'73'78'84'85'86'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 GMC C35, and the recalls they led to.

  1. EXHAUST SYSTEM HEATPE87043 · closed Jan 14, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What C35 owners report

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

PASSENGERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, REPAIRS REFUSED FOR D RIVERS SIDE BROKEN CONTROL ARM (91V-217). *AK
Complaint 959318 · Jan 30, 1995

Own a 1985 C35?

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