1985 Chevrolet Corvette problems
The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars, manufactured and marketed by General Motors, under the Chevrolet marque, since 1953.
Over the course of eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. Since the cessation of Ford and Chrysler's competitors, the Corvette is the only two-seat sports car produced by a major United States auto manufacturer and serves as Chevrolet's halo car.
Since its introduction in 1953, the two-seater has steadily moved upmarket. Originally a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have positioned the Corvette in the supercar class. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1983) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM's unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.
In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company's new sports car after the corvette, a small maneuverable warship. The first model, a convertible, was introduced at the 1953 GM Motorama as a concept car; production models went on sale later that year. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. Originally manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum.
The Corvette has become widely known as "America's Sports Car." Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, "the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure," ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history."
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Common 1985 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, several common problems have been identified:
- Squeaks and Rattles: Owners have reported persistent squeaks and rattles in the 1985 Corvette, similar to those experienced in older models. These noises can be disruptive and indicate potential issues with the car's build quality or components, impacting the overall driving experience.
- Chassis Nervousness: Some owners have expressed concerns about the chassis being more nervous and twitchy than desired, especially for a car with high cornering and braking capabilities. This nervousness can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle, potentially requiring adjustments or upgrades to enhance driving comfort and safety.
- Transmission Issues: Complaints have been raised about the four-speed automatic transmission in the 1985 Corvette. Owners have noted issues with the transmission's performance, including concerns about its responsiveness, smoothness, and overall reliability. Addressing transmission problems may involve diagnostics, repairs, or replacements to ensure optimal functionality.
- Throttle-Body Fuel Injection: The transition from throttle-body fuel injection to port fuel injection in the 1985 Corvette has been a notable change. This modification impacts the engine's fuel delivery system, potentially influencing performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving dynamics. Owners may need to adjust to the differences in fuel injection systems and address any related issues that arise.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette highlight various areas of concern, from seat comfort and build quality to performance and technology upgrades. Addressing these issues may require maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to ensure the continued enjoyment and reliability of this classic sports car.
Are 1985 Corvettes reliable?
Is a 1985 Corvette reliable? - Quora. As with all vehicles it depends on how hard it has been driven, and how well it has been maintained. I have an 85 Vette which I bought 15 months ago with just 19k on it. I have put 10k on it since then with no problems and I really enjoy driving it.
What year was the bad Corvette?
What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.
What are the problem years for Corvette?
Years to Avoid
- 1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
- 1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
- 2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
- 2004 – Fuel System Woes.
What problems does a C4 Corvette have?
The oil cooler on the Corvette C4 is another weak point, because an oil leak can begin at the joint between the inlet pipe and cooler. However, that isn't the only leak, because the rocker cover gaskets have also been known to spring a leak, dropping a telltale trail of the expensive stuff on the blacktop.
Is 1985 Corvette reliable?
This is a reliable car to get in and drive to somewhere fun. I took it on a few 3 hour trips with no issues. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.
What year was the bad Corvette?
What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.
What are the problem years for Corvette?
Years to Avoid
- 1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
- 1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
- 2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
- 2004 – Fuel System Woes.
What problems does a C4 Corvette have?
The oil cooler on the Corvette C4 is another weak point, because an oil leak can begin at the joint between the inlet pipe and cooler. However, that isn't the only leak, because the rocker cover gaskets have also been known to spring a leak, dropping a telltale trail of the expensive stuff on the blacktop.
1985 Chevrolet Corvette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corvette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0785F5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-09
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0786F5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-12
- VIN: 1G1YY0788F5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-19
- VIN: 1G1YY0788F5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY0783F5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0784F5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE 4+3 OVERDRIVE DESIGN PROBLEMS AND NEW PARTS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. DOES GM REIMBURSE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS?*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: 1G1YY078XFS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-15
- VIN: 1G1YY0783F5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY0781F5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-08
- VIN: 1G1YY0786F5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-06
- VIN: 1G1YY0788F5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ODOMETER FRAUD.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0787F5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-22
- VIN: 1G1YY0789F5
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: THE EMERCENCY BRAKE LINE FALLS OFF OF THE CAR. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-10
- VIN: 1G1YY0789F5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT MOTORS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-13
- VIN: 1G1YY078XF5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PERFORM SEAT BELT RECALL WITH NO REASON GIVEN (91V-143). TT
1985 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: 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.
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