- The problem
- The center control arm of the steering linkage system may develop a crack if the steering wheel is repeatedly operated while vehicle is in parked position. The steering center arm may eventually break. Consequence of defect: a cracked steering center arm will allow steering control, however, if the steering arm breaks, it would result in complete loss of steering control and possible accident.
- The fix
- Replace center control arm with a redesigned control arm.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Toyota Van Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1985 Toyota Van with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (3) and the steering (2). Those complaints describe 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 1986 for the connecting. For comparison, the 1984 has 5 and the 1986 has 9.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Van year, for its age
#43 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 Toyota Van problems
Share of all 6 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 Toyota Van recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first Van owner to share.
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6 complaints about the 1985 Toyota Van
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
1985 Toyota van with power steering. Part of linkage called center arm snapped in half while traveling at approximately 55 mph during turning. There was immediate loss of steering control. No bodily injury occurred, but had this occurred at freeway speed, I would undoubtedly be dead. *Ts ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761467
The seatbelt buckles have cracks in the plastic outer components. Is there a recall on these seat belts? Also, your websight indicates a recall for steering components on this 1985 toyota van. Having bought the vehicle used, how can I know the affected parts have been replaced?*Ak
Vehicle can be started with any key that can fit halfway into the ignition switch. Dealer has not seen. *Ak
Not notified of recall of steering arm and front tires wear unevenly, constantly requiring replacement.
Seat belt failed during collision resulting in injury, due to design flaw, seat belt only works at a 15% tilt.
Seat belt designed so that it does not engage at less than 15 degree tilt, causing it to fail in accident. *Dh
Toyota Van: every year compared
All Van years1985 Toyota Van vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Toyota Van | 6 | 1 | C | |
| 1985 Toyota Camry | 13 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Pickup | 10 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Celica | 7 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser | 5 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Cressida | 4 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Toyota Motorhome | 3 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Tercel | 3 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Toyota Corolla | 3 | 0 | A | 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 Toyota Van
Does the 1985 Toyota Van have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1985 Toyota Van: connecting (May 1986). 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 Toyota Van?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (3), steering (2), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 Toyota Van had?
6 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 6, 1996 and the latest on May 2, 2002. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 Toyota Van a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 46 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Toyota Van 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 Toyota Van years have the most complaints?
1986 (9), 1985 (6), 1987 (6). See every Toyota Van year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Toyota Van 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