RoadVitals

1985 Chevrolet Corvette

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.
16
Latest Dec 26, 2019
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 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.
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, most frequently naming the seat belts, steering and exterior lighting categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1 manufacturer communication is 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

  • Seat belts853.3%
  • Steering213.3%
  • Exterior lighting16.7%
  • Powertrain (other)16.7%
  • Brakes16.7%
  • Suspension16.7%
  • Transmission16.7%

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
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
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
91V143000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Sep 4, 1991
231,833 units potentially affected
The defect: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
The risk: IF LOCKUP OCCURS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL BELT OUT OFTHE RETRACTOR. THE OCCUPANT OF A SEAT WITH AN UNUSABLE SAFETY BELT ISSUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

DP96006ClosedDefect Petition

BRAKE PULL

Opened May 14, 1996
Closed Oct 18, 1996

THE PETITIONS STATED THAT:WE REPRESENT THE OWNER OF A 1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE WHICH, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, SUDDENTLY, VIOLENTLY, AND UNEXPECTEDLY PULLS TO THE LEFT.THIS IS A INTERMITTENT DEFECT WHICH DOES NOT OCCUR WITH AN REGULARITY.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA92005ClosedEngineering Analysis

THROTTLE STICKING

Opened Jan 30, 1992
Closed Jan 29, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA90033ClosedEngineering Analysis

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL

Opened Jun 11, 1990
Closed Sep 9, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORLed to recall 91V143000
PE90032ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TIE ROD SOCKET FAILURE

Opened Jan 12, 1990
Closed Mar 22, 1990

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 90V032000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 16
Seat belts
Filed Dec 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. UPON BRAKING, THE SEAT BELT SENSORS FOR BOTH SEATS DID NOT ENGAGE AND WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER AND GETTEL CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1901 TAMIAMI TRAIL, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950) WERE NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11291295
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
75,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Oct 9, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PULL OUT TO SAFELY SECURE THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT CALLED DAN VADEN CHEVROLET SAVANNAH (9393 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 925-9393) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11139301
Incident
Oct 9, 2018
Seat belts
Filed May 19, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN HIS VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER, THE SEAT BELT BEGAN TO FAIL. WHENEVER HE WOULD BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, IT FAILED TO RELEASE. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR; THEREFORE, THE DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY SINCE A RECALL WAS ISSUED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 6/15/09 *CN UPDATED 06/16/09

NHTSA ID
10269373
Incident
Jul 1, 2006
Mileage
70,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Dec 13, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS FELT AS IF THEY HAD TURNED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS, AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED TO THE RIGHT. THIS SENT THE VEHICLE INTO A REAR SKID. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WAS CONSULTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10176036
Incident
Dec 12, 2006
Mileage
178,397 mi
Seat belts
Filed Nov 4, 2005

DT:DITTO CONTACT STATES THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THE LAP PORTION OF THE BELT BECAME STUCK WITHIN THE FRONT ANCHORAGE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE SEAT BELT AND OFFERED TO PUT ON ANOTHER STRAP. THE STRAP WAS IN A DIFFERENT COLOR THAN THE PREVIOUS STRAP, AND HE DID NOT WANT IT. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 91V143000 ON A SIMILAR PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER HAD PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED REPAIRS. HOWEVER THE CONTACT WANTED THIS PROBLEM TO BE COVERED BY THE RECALL AS WELL. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT TIME. *AK UPDATED 01/04/06. *JB

NHTSA ID
10141742
Incident
Oct 19, 2005
Mileage
109,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 4, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
766678
Transmission
Filed Mar 6, 2002

THE 4+3 OVERDRIVE DESIGN PROBLEMS AND NEW PARTS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. DOES GM REIMBURSE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS?*AK

NHTSA ID
759008
Incident
Jan 1, 2001
Seat belts
Filed Dec 27, 2001

VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 91V143000. DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RELEASE FROM RETRACTORS, CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
8001120
Incident
Dec 1, 2001

Manufacturer communications

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

9313110

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

REAR LIFT WINDOW HARD TO OPEN/HINGE LOOSE TO GLASS. *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 Corvette by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025103062.5
2024202056.4
2023241052.5
2022201042.0
2021122054.1
2020344053.1
20191471042.7
2018511040.6
20172554051.5
20161032046.4
2015645047.6
2014615159.6
2013820035.8
2012561043.7
2011851041.3
2010840035.0
20091510034.6
20085400037.8
20073402249.4
20063655456.6
20055326456.2
20042174253.7
2003853157.2
20021573148.8
20012033252.6
20002774358.2
19993084558.8
19983994557.3
19971537456.1
1996441251.1
1995321151.1
1994291245.5
1993222155.4
1992722—
1991243157.6
1990344560.3
1989154259.2
1988165351.3
1987213557.7
1986155559.6
1985Viewing163453.5
1984146258.6
1982020—
1981620—
1980320—
1979320—
1978120—
1977130—
1976120—
1975420—
1974030—
1973010—
1972010—
1971010—
1970010—
1969020—
1968020—
1967010—
1966110—
1965010—
1964100—
1960100—

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.