- The problem
- The left hand lower control arm can crack starting at the rear flange and progressing to the ball joint mounting hole and eventually cause the lower ball joint to separate from the control arm.
- The risk
- If the ball joint separates from the control arm, a lossof vehicle control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Install a resinforced brace to the left hand lower control arm.
Vehicle safety record
1985 GMC C35 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1985 GMC C35 with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in December 1991 for the lower arm. For comparison, the 1984 has 0 and the 1986 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical C35 year, for its age
#125 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 GMC C35 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 GMC C35 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Trucks failed to comply with requirements of fmvss 301, fuel system integrity, during a 30 mph frontal barrier test.
- The risk
- Greater than acceptable fuel spillage during and after acollision could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Install an additional shield to the front of the original shield to protect the fuel tank.
- The problem
- The wheel may develop cracks between the disc and rim. Consequence of defect: if this occurs and is not noticed, the crack could increase around the rim, resulting in separation of the rim from the disc, loss of control and an accident may occur.
- The fix
- Replace wheels having the suspected manufacturing code number.
What owners say
Be the first C35 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1985 GMC C35
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Passengers side lower control arm failed prior to recall, repairs refused for d rivers side broken control arm (91v-217). *Ak
GMC C35: every year compared
All C35 years1985 GMC C35 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 GMC C35 | 1 | 3 | D | |
| 1985 GMC C Series(light) | 4 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1985 GMC 1500 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1985 GMC C/K Pickup | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 GMC C1500 | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 GMC C35
Does the 1985 GMC C35 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1985 GMC C35: lower arm (December 1991); tank assembly (January 1987); rim (November 1985). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 GMC C35?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 GMC C35 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 30, 1995 and the latest on January 30, 1995. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 GMC C35 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 34 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical GMC C35 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC C35 years have the most complaints?
1985 (1), 1988 (1). See every GMC C35 year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 GMC C35 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data