RoadVitals

1985 Chevrolet Blazer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Mar 1, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1985 Chevrolet Blazer, most frequently naming the brakes, steering and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes515.6%
  • Steering515.6%
  • Engine515.6%
  • Seat belts39.4%
  • Interior & seats39.4%
  • Transmission26.3%
  • Powertrain (other)26.3%
  • Body & structure26.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA89003ClosedEngineering Analysis

REAR AXLE SHAFT

Opened Nov 7, 1988
Closed Aug 24, 1990

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION
PE88047ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR AXLE FAILURE

Opened Apr 19, 1988
Closed Nov 7, 1988

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 29
Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2012

THE ENGINE OIL COOLING LINES ARE WEEPING. WHEN I LOOK THE PROBLEM UP ONLINE I FINE A RECALL BY THE MANUFACTURER: 85C1466A AUG 85 CAMPAIGN - ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE MAY BURST. AND 85C1466AZ AUG 85 CAMPAIGN - ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE MAY FAIL. CONTAINED IN THE RECALL DOCUMENT: "DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY: "DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, AGE OF VEHICLE, OR OWNERSHIP, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD." I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT DEALERS ARE NOT HONORING THIS RECALL ANY LONGER. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT WHEN THEY HAVE STATED: "DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, AGE OF VEHICLE, OR OWNERSHIP, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD."? *TR

NHTSA ID
10449999
Incident
Mar 1, 2012
Body & structure
Filed Jan 3, 2001
1 injury reported

CLIENT INJUIRED WHEN ROOF CRUSHED IN DURING ROLLOVER, POSSIBLY RELATED TO STRUCTURAL WEAKNESS. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *CJ

NHTSA ID
558721
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 4, 2000

WHILE DRIVING, SOME OF THE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE. TIRE NAME & SIZE, UNIROYAL LARADO, P23575R15. *CJ

NHTSA ID
557861
Incident
Jun 2, 2000
Body & structure
Filed Aug 18, 2000

WHILE STEPPING DOWN AND OUT OF THE BACK DOOR, CONSUMER SLIPPED DOWN OFF TAILGATE, CONSUMER FEELS THIS VERY UNSAFE.*AK

NHTSA ID
868095
Incident
Aug 8, 2000
Transmission
Filed Jun 23, 2000

TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN VEHICLE - TOOK TO JOY TRANSMISSION SERVICE BECAUSE OF AD SEEN IN LOCAL PAPER STATING $200 COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL - TOOK IN 1/6/1998 PROMISED TO COMPLETE BY 1/8/98 KEPT VEHICLE 6 DAYS - THEY CALLED ON 6TH DAY AND STATED THE TRANSMISSION TORN DOWN AND WOULD COST ANOTHER $350 TO "REASSEMBLE" EVEN IF THEY DIDN'T DO THE REPAIR TO IT OR THEY COULD RETURN THE VEHICLE IN PIECES AND WE COULD REASSEMBLE OURSELVES - WE GAVE THEM AND ADDITIONAL $350- THEY PROMISED VEHICLE WOULD BE COMPLETELY REPAIRED ON NEXT DAY 2 DAYS LATER CALLED AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED - WENT TO PICK UP VEHICLE - VEHICLE HAD A FLAT TIRE AND THE STEREO FACEPLATED WAS MISSING BUT OWNER SUDDENLY PULLED OUT OF BOTTOM DESK DRAWER WHEN OUR TEMPERS BEGAN TO SHOW. 2 WEEKS AFTER VEHICLE RETURNED IT BEGAN TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID RAPIDLY - RETURNED VEHICLE THEY KEPT 3 DAYS AND SAID IT WAS "FIXED FOR GOOD THIS TIME" 2 WEEKS AFTER VEHICLE RETURNED BEGAN TO POUR TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE- TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT HOLD FLUID. RETURNED AND KEPT ANOTHER 5 DAYS - AFTER 2 MONTHS SAME PROBLEM ALONG WITH SMOKING FROM TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING OF TRANS. RETURNED TO SAME SHOP - NOW WITH A DIFFERENT NAME ON SHOP WOULD NOT HONOR WARRANTY OR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE SAME MECHANICS WORKING IN SHOP - FILED PAPERS FOR SMALL CLAIMS - SHOP WILL NOT ACCEPT PAPERWORK FOR COURT UNDER JOY TRANSMISSION NAME. MECHANICS NAME : PETER PHONE NUMBER (310) 676-5061 *AK

NHTSA ID
724429
Incident
Jan 6, 1998
Interior & seats
Filed May 5, 2000

THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BRACKET FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE, ONCE WHILE IN USE. NLM

NHTSA ID
784644
Incident
Feb 1, 1996
Engine
Filed Apr 16, 1999
Fire reported

VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
545042
Incident
Jan 28, 1999
Steering
Filed Jan 15, 1999

WHERE THE TILT IS ON VEHICLE HAS LOOSENED UP. THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE AND WOBBLES A LOT. *AK

NHTSA ID
833611
Incident
Dec 18, 1998

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

GM161514

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

END GATE LATCH RATTLE (INSTALL REVISED STRIKER). *TW

GM561204

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

WATER LEAK AT THE A/C RECIRCULATION DOOR (INSTALL NEW HOOD HINGE SEAL). *TW

9310A343

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

FRONT DOOR SIDE GLASS BINDING/TRACK DISENGAGEMENT. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Blazer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025261050.9
2024421055.9
2023412059.4
2022451056.6
20211251051.3
20202113059.0
20191832051.4
2009000—
2008500—
2007900—
2006190040.5
2005150037.8
2004501039.7
2003771044.3
20022462152.1
20013263259.2
20005894359.3
19994360144.1
19987163155.9
19977687261.7
19961,15311767.5
19951,22411867.5
19946207669.7
19935117570.0
19922786571.0
19912227870.4
1990324670.2
1989384570.5
1988404161.2
1987303362.5
1986192263.0
1985Viewing292264.4
1984933—
1983443—
1982130—
1981130—
1980110—
1979110—
1978110—
1977210—
1976110—
1975010—
1974020—
1973110—
1972010—
1969010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.