RoadVitals

1985 Chevrolet Celebrity

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.
15
Latest Oct 21, 2011
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.
3
Latest May 19, 2006
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.
4
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity, most frequently naming the engine, steering and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 4 NHTSA investigations name it.

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

  • Engine838.1%
  • Steering314.3%
  • Powertrain (other)29.5%
  • Transmission29.5%
  • Fuel system14.8%
  • Body & structure14.8%
  • Visibility14.8%
  • Brakes14.8%

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

3 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
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
85V135000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Oct 23, 1985
294 units potentially affected
The defect: CLUTCH CABLE IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED CAUSING THE CABLE TO CONTACT THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE PIPE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: OVER A PERIOD OF TIME THIS MAY CAUSE WEAR THROUGH, BRAKE FLUID LEAK AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: SECURE CLUTCH CABLE TO PRECLUDE CONTACT WITH MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE PIPE. ALSO, REPLACE BRAKE PIPE IF IT SHOWS ANY SIGN OF WEAR.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
84V132000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

Oct 16, 1984
2,130 units potentially affected
The defect: THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
The remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE88027ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE

Opened Feb 9, 1988
Closed May 11, 1988

===

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EA87006ClosedEngineering Analysis

POWER ST. ASSIST

Opened Dec 16, 1986
Closed Sep 19, 1988

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER:GM HAS DEVELOPED A SPLITRING FIELD REPAIR KIT AND IS EXTENDING THE WARRANRY ON ALL 1982-84 A,J, AND X, BODY CARS AND 1985 C,BODY CARS.THE WARRANTY APPLIES TO CARSTHAT ARE FOR 50,000 MILES OR 5 YRS.IT INCLUDES REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUSREPAIRS.ANALYSIS:WEARING OF THE RACK AND PINION HOUSING AND LOW AMBIENT TEMPCAN CAUSE TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER ASSIST.TEFLON O RINGS FAIL TO SEALOFF INTERNAL PRESSURE.STATUS:EVALUATING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER BY GM.======

STEERING
EA86025ClosedEngineering Analysis

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Opened Aug 25, 1986
Closed Mar 2, 1988

SUMMARY:GM BELIEVES THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED THROUGH ITS PUBLI-CATION OF 7 SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THIS MATTER. IN ADDITION, GMDOES NOT BELIEVE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD.ANALYSIS: THREE FAILURE MODES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED; INSULATING FILM MAYBUILD UP BETWEEN THE BRUSH FACE AND THE COMMUTATOR OF THE WIPER MOTOR,CORROSION MAY FORM IN THE WIPER MOTOR BRUSH AND DISENGAGEMENT OF THEWIPER ARMS MAY OCCUR. IN VIEW OF THE EXISTING LEGAL PRECEDENT, THE LARGENUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS CONCERNING WIPER MOTOR FAILURES (114,000) ANDTHE HIGH WIPER MOTOR AND MOTOR KIT PART SALES (251,000), IT IS IMPERATIVETHAT THIS MATTER RECEIVE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT.STATUS: GM RESPONSE DATED 2/23/87. ANALYZING AS TIME PERMITS.EA CLOSED 3/2/88.=== D@

VISIBILITY
C85007ClosedInvestigation

REAR BRAKE LOCKUP

Opened Jun 19, 1985
Closed May 18, 1989

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 66V003000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 15
Fuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2011

PURCHASED A USE 1985 CHEV. CELEBRITY CLASSIC 10-16-2007 THAT ONLY HAD 46,722 MILES. IT HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL THAT WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS. I DROVE THE CAR SHORT DISTANCE AND EVEN NOW ONLY HAVE 74, 912 MILES ON IT. I FEEL THE CAR CAME FROM THE FACTORY LIKE THIS BECAUSE AN OLD MAN THAT DIED HAD THE CAR. IT LOOKED LIKE NEW WHEN I PURCHASED IT. EVEN NOW IT DRIVE LIKE A NEW CAR. THE GAS IS LEAKING FROM SOME WHERE SO THE SMELL, LEAK AND COST OF GAS MAKE IT WHERE I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE IT. RIGHT NOW I ONLY DRIVE IT TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10432380
Incident
Oct 10, 2007
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2004

EMAIL CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING GM POWER STEERING RECALL.*MR 1985 EUROSPORT WAGON DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHERE POWER STEERING WAS LOST WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS.*MR

NHTSA ID
10055880
Visibility
Filed Oct 9, 2001

REPLACED FUSE FOR REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER AND SMELLED BURNING. THE PLASTIC PIECE THAT COVERS THE CONTACT TO THE WINDOW WAS BEGINING TO MELT. THE OEM SPACER WAS A PIECE OF FOAM THAT HAD LONG SINCE CRUMBED TO NOTHING. YD

NHTSA ID
785723
Incident
May 15, 2001
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 20, 2001

WELL MAINTAINED/RUSTPROOFED AT PURCHASE /REAR AXAL LET LOOSE WHILE TURN IN DRIVEWAY OF HOME. *AK

NHTSA ID
741232
Incident
Jun 15, 2000
Transmission
Filed Dec 1, 2000

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. CONSUMER WILL FILL OUT MORE INFORMATION IF NEEDED. *AK

NHTSA ID
875880
Incident
Oct 1, 1996
EngineSteering
Filed May 14, 1999

THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE CATALYITC CONVERTER ,AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. ALSO, HAS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. *AK

NHTSA ID
837946
Incident
Apr 28, 1999
Engine
Filed Apr 22, 1999
Fire reported

VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS

NHTSA ID
545200
Incident
Mar 5, 1999
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Jan 5, 1998

STRUCTURE RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE REAR AXLE AND THE UNIBODY CONNECTS.

NHTSA ID
527369

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Celebrity by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1992101—
1991101—
1990721—
1989391252.1
1988393554.3
1987441547.0
1986333365.0
1985Viewing153458.0
1984846—
1983225—
1982124—
1981001—
1980001—

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.