1985 Chevrolet K20 problems

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The third generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1973 to 1991 model years. Serving as the replacement for the "Action Line" C/K trucks, GM designated the generation under "Rounded Line" moniker. Again offered as a two-door pickup truck and chassis cab, the Rounded Line trucks marked the introduction of a four-door cab configuration.

Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the Rounded Line C/K chassis also served as the basis of GM full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban wagon and the off-road oriented Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. The generation also shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

In early 1987, GM introduced the 1988 fourth-generation C/K to replace the Rounded Line generation, with the company beginning a multi-year transition between the two generations. To eliminate model overlap, the Rounded Line C/K was renamed the R/V series, which remained as a basis for full-size SUVs and heavier-duty pickup trucks. After an 18-year production run (exceeded only in longevity by the Dodge D/W-series/Ram pickup and the Jeep Gladiator/Pickup), the Rounded Line generation was retired after the 1991 model year.

From 1972 to 1991, General Motors produced the Rounded Line C/K (later R/V) series in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. In South America, the model line was produced in Argentina and Brazil, ending in 1997.

1985 Chevrolet K20

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Common 1985 Chevrolet K20 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Chevrolet K20, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Equipment Issues:
    • Complaints: Owners reported problems with various equipment components.
    • Recalls: There were multiple recalls related to equipment.
    • Total Cars Affected: 379,004.
    • NHTSA Campaign: 96V057000.
    • Date of Problem: 04/04/1996.
  2. Brake Problems:
    • Complaints: Issues with the braking system were highlighted.
    • Recalls: Several recalls were issued for brake-related problems.
    • Total Cars Affected: Not specified.
    • NHTSA Campaign: Various campaigns for different brake issues.
  3. Transmission Troubles:
    • Complaints: Transmission problems were a common concern.
    • Recalls: Recalls were issued for transmission-related issues.
    • Total Cars Affected: 1,702,880.
    • NHTSA Campaign: 93V016000.
    • Date of Problem: 01/02/1993.
  4. Suspension Challenges:
    • Complaints: Suspension issues were reported by owners.
    • Recalls: Multiple recalls were related to suspension problems.
    • Total Cars Affected: Not specified.
    • NHTSA Campaign: Various campaigns for suspension issues.
  5. Seat Concerns:
    • Complaints: Problems with the seats were noted.
    • Recalls: Recalls were issued for seat-related issues.
    • Total Cars Affected: 675,661.
    • NHTSA Campaign: 95V246000.
    • Date of Problem: 21/12/1995.
  6. Steering Difficulties:
    • Complaints: Steering issues were mentioned by some owners.
    • Recalls: Not specified.
    • Total Cars Affected: Not specified.
  7. Wheel and Visibility Problems:
    • Complaints: Issues with wheels and visibility were reported.
    • Recalls: Recalls were issued for these problems.
    • Total Cars Affected: Not specified.
    • NHTSA Campaign: Various campaigns for different issues.
  8. Fuel System Challenges:
    • Complaints: A fuel system issue was highlighted.
    • Recalls: Recalls were issued for fuel system problems.
    • Total Cars Affected: Not specified.
    • NHTSA Campaign: Not specified.

These detailed accounts of common problems with the 1985 Chevrolet K20 provide insights into the challenges faced by owners of this vehicle.

1985 Chevrolet K20 engine

What engine does a 1985 Chevy truck have?

For 1985, the long-running 250 inline-6 (the standard C/K engine since 1966) was replaced by the 262-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V6. As the Rounded-Line series were redesignated the R/V trucks for 1987, several changes were made to the powertrain line.

What is a K20 Chevy truck?

This is a four-wheel drive 3/4 ton Stepside pickup built on a 127 inch wheelbase with a ladder type frame. Unlike today's 4x4 trucks, manual front locking hubs and a two speed transfer case were standard. These trucks borrowed heavily from military vehicles and were very rugged.

How much does a Chevy K20 weigh?

1978 C/K Pickup Differences

FeatureC10K20
GVWR4,900-5,600 pounds6,800-8,400 pounds
DrivetrainRWD4WD
Axle Ratio3.07:14.10:1
Front Brakes11.86" Rotor12.5" Rotor

How much horsepower does a 1985 K20 have?

Specifications for Chevrolet K20 Suburban 5.7 V8 4WD 162hp, 1985.

What engine is in a 1985 Chevy K20?

5.7 V8

Specifications for Chevrolet K20 Suburban 5.7 V8 4WD 162hp, 1985 3rd Generation 1st Facelift (1981 - 1988)

Is the Chevy K20 a 3 4 ton?

This is a four-wheel drive 3/4 ton Stepside pickup built on a 127 inch wheelbase with a ladder type frame. Unlike today's 4x4 trucks, manual front locking hubs and a two speed transfer case were standard. These trucks borrowed heavily from military vehicles and were very rugged.

Is a Chevy K20 4 wheel drive?

The K20 was a four-wheel-drive version of the C20, with a larger payload capacity and a more powerful engine. The 1982 Chevrolet K20 came equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

Is a K20 a Silverado?

This 1979 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 4x4 is the long bed classic pickup with a cool look, a ton of function, V8 power, and a comfy loaded interior.

1985 Chevrolet K20 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K20 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chevrolet K20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Chevrolet K20 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chevrolet K20.

1997-02-20

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-12
  • VIN: 1GCGK24M2FU
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE TREAD TO COMPLETLEY SEPARATE AND FLY OFF THE TIRE BASE. (23585R16)

1985 Chevrolet K20 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Chevrolet K20.

2007-10-24
  • 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.
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