1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

3 recalls, 16 complaints - 1 TSBs

EQUIPMENT

Defect Description

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 AN... Read more

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

121,680 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

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 CE... Read more

Consequence

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.

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).

88,303 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Defect Description

UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.

231,833 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

16 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	5
SEAT BELTS	2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	1
PARKING BRAKE	1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION	1
POWER TRAIN	1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY	1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	1

Incident date: Oct 1, 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 GO... Read more

Incident date: 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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2006

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... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 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.

Incident date: Oct 19, 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 ... Read more

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 2001

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

Incident date: Dec 1, 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

Incident date: Jan 15, 2001

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NO SUMMARY

Incident date: Mar 8, 1998

VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AND THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN "FISHTAILING" ACROSS THREE LANES BECAUSE THE LEFT REAR OUTER TIE ROD HAD BROKEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE THREADS.

Incident date: Dec 6, 1996

ODOMETER FRAUD.

Incident date: Sep 1, 1994

'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH

Incident date: Jun 22, 1995

THE EMERCENCY BRAKE LINE FALLS OFF OF THE CAR. *AK

Incident date: Nov 10, 1994

THE HEADLIGHT MOTORS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

Incident date: Feb 13, 1995

DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PERFORM SEAT BELT RECALL WITH NO REASON GIVEN (91V-143). TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	15.0	21.0	17.0	Regular	$3,650
5.7L 8-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	15.0	20.0	17.0	Regular	$3,650

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Two Seaters)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR	1

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

REAR LIFT WINDOW HARD TO OPEN/HINGE LOOSE TO GLASS. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam Headlights

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announ... ced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs the low-beam headlights will not illuminate.After the engine is turned off and the UBEC cools, the conductor may temporarily reconnect and restore low-beam function, although subsequent failures will occur.This condition does not affect high-beam headlights, marker lamps, turn signals or fog lamps.Simultaneous loss of low-beam headlights could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The ODI report counts noted above, involving the loss of low beam headlights, represents those received at the time of GM's recall filing; however NHTSA has since received additional complaints.GM submitted similar complaints in response to the agency's information request.Among the complaints reported to NHTSA, five alleged minor crashes in which the vehicle ran off the road or into roadside objects due to the sudden loss of headlights.Two of these complaints alleged minor injuries and three alleged property damage.Several other reports to NHTSA alleged close calls due to the loss of lighting.GM states that it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition. GM's recall action appears to adequately address the safety risks in the subject vehicles of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.In addition to recalling the subject vehicles, GM is covering MY 2008-2013 Corvettes, which contain essentially the same UBEC, under a customer satisfaction campaign.ODI notes that these vehicles exhibit a lower likelihood of failure due to their comparatively shorter service life. The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10512856, 10513422, 10514576, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523059, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532221, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339, 10536835, 10537561, 10537612, 10538184, 10541749, 10542468, 10542540, 10542576, 10542708, 10542726, 10543187, 10543970, 10544083, 10544810, 10545441, 10545516, 10547343, 10547561, 10547600, 10548492, 10548588, 10548687, 10548982, 10549272, 10549487, 10550079, 10550260, 10551233, 10551867, 10551926, 10551978, 10552019, 10553258, 10554456, 10554573, 10556002, 10556433, 10556844, 10556984, 1Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Loss of Low Beam Headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the re... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2004

Fuel Tank Leak

In its June 30, 2010 response to ODI's Information Request letter, General Motors (GM) identified the leak source as cracks in either the fuel tank cross-over tube quick connector (connector) and/or the hot-plate weld joint of the connector to the tank.The root causes are attributed to errors in con... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Electronic Stability Control

On April 26, 2010, at NHTSA's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA to correct a defect associated with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system in approximately 40,000 Model Year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles (NHTSA Re... call No. 10V-172).According to the report, these vehicles may have a problem with the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) connector created by a fretting condition in the connector (small movement of the pins back and forth creating a residue build up) which could change the electrical resistance and corrupt the information signal to the VSC computer.The VSC system uses the information from the SWPS to calculate the driver's intended vehicle direction; this information is cross referenced to sensors that tell the system which direction the vehicle is actually going and the system will, if it determines a variance indicating the vehicle is in a over-steer or under-steer condition, reduce throttle control and apply braking to make a correction in vehicle direction towards what the system believes is the driver's intended path.GM dealers will inspect the SWPS connector of recalled vehicles and, if necessary, install a terminal position assurance clip to the connector.GM has advised NHTSA that its position is that the inappropriate activations of the VSC system do not present an unreasonable risk to safety because GM believes that the activations are low in occurrence, a rare set of conditions would need to be present, the driver has the ability to maintain direction control if the alleged condition were to occur, and that there are no reports of injuries.NHTSA does not agree.Based on interviews with complainants and testing performed at the NHTSA Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio, ODI believes that the majority of the unwarranted activations of the VSC system occur when turning, in such scenarios as travelling highway entrance or exit ramps or in street traffic conditions.Complainants report the effect produced by the malfunction of the VSC system is sudden unexpected braking and in some cases a sudden unexpected change in vehicle direction which some complainants indicate was sufficient to cause a movement into an adjoining lane of traffic or in some cases into curbing or stationary objects.During the VSC event the brake lights of the Corvette are not illuminated, depriving trailing traffic from indication that braking is occurring and some complainants indicate the braking effect can be severe and last up to 10 seconds in length.Based on available information ODI counts four crashes due to a malfunction of the VSC system; GM is counting one crash due to the problem.In these circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and so advised GM when requesting this recall.This investigation is closed based on GM's recall.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2005

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-056 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES.SOME REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND SOME REPORTS TO GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP

IN 2001, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ISSUED CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGNS 1044 AND 1044A TO ADDRESS A CONDITION WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FAIL TO UNLOCK DURING THE INITIAL KEY-IN AND START-UP IN CERTAIN MY 1998-2000 CORVETTE VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI CONTINUED TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING STEERING COLUMN... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP

SEE RESUME IN REPOSITORY.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION

ODI OPENED THIS EA00-009 ON MARCH 16, 2000, TO CONTINUE ANALYSES BEGUN UNDER PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE99-076.THE ALLEGED DEFECT: LAP BELT WEBBING IN BOTH SEATING POSITIONS TENDS TO FOLD OVER WHILE ENTERING THE RETRACTOR OPENING.THESE FOLDS FREQUENTLY IMPEDE PROPER WEBBING RETRACTION.IF THE RETRACTOR... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE

There is no summary currently available

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1984

BRAKE PULL

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.

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1994

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING

THIS CONDITION POSES NO SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCE IF THE IDENTIFIED WIRING HARNESS WERE TO CONTACT THE EXHAUST SHIELD.ONLY ONE MONTH OF PRODUCTION WAS INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.THE SUBJECT WIRING HARNESS CONTAINS THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE SENSOR, O2 SENSOR, KNOCK SENSOR, AND T... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1990

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1992

INCONSIS.BRK LGT OPERATION

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1985

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1986

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

UNDER DASH FIRE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1984

TIE ROD SOCKET FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

CHEVROLET CORVETTE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the CHEVROLET CORVETTE across all model years (1965, 2025).

149 Total Recalls

6,333 Total Complaints

19 Investigations

245 Reported Crashes

56 Reported Fires

5 Reported Deaths

CHEVROLET CORVETTE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	3	12	View
2024	2	31	View
2023	1	32	View
2022	1	23	View
2021	2	14	View
2020	4	43	View
2019	1	151	View
2018	1	53	View
2017	4	272	View
2016	2	114	View
2015	5	72	View
2014	5	79	View
2013	0	94	View
2012	1	71	View
2011	1	98	View
2010	0	90	View
2009	0	178	View
2008	0	625	View
2007	2	434	View
2006	5	441	View
2005	6	716	View
2004	4	257	View
2003	3	126	View
2002	3	191	View
2001	3	281	View
2000	4	359	View
1999	4	389	View
1998	4	466	View
1997	7	196	View
1996	1	63	View
1995	1	48	View
1994	1	38	View
1993	2	26	View
1992	2	8	View
1991	3	28	View
1990	4	41	View
1989	4	15	View
1988	5	26	View
1987	3	25	View
1986	5	16	View
1985 (current)	3	16
1984	6	16	View
1982	2	0	View
1981	2	11	View
1980	2	3	View
1979	2	13	View
1978	2	1	View
1977	3	2	View
1976	2	1	View
1975	2	6	View
1974	3	0	View
1973	1	0	View
1972	1	0	View
1971	1	0	View
1970	1	0	View
1969	2	0	View
1968	2	0	View
1967	1	0	View
1966	1	1	View
1965	1	0	View
1964	0	1	View
1960	0	1	View

Other CHEVROLET Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SUBURBAN	246	10,458	View
TAHOE	240	12,622	View
MALIBU	216	29,080	View
SILVERADO 1500	200	22,534	View
CAMARO	179	4,298	View
SILVERADO	159	10,964	View
SILVERADO 3500	152	1,409	View
EXPRESS	151	838	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Technical Service Bulletins, 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, CHEVROLET CORVETTE

CHEVROLET CORVETTE - All Years Overview

CHEVROLET CORVETTE - Year by Year

Other CHEVROLET Models