AI Damage1985 Toyota VAN: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Toyota VAN filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about seat belts and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Seat belts 50% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 33% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 17% of all complaints
- Seat belts: 3 complaints (50% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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?
Vehicle can be started with any key that can fit halfway into the ignition switch. Dealer has not seen.
Seat belt failed during collision resulting in injury, due to design flaw, seat belt only works at a 15% tilt.
Not notified of recall of steering arm and front tires wear unevenly, constantly requiring replacement.
Seat belt designed so that it does not engage at less than 15 degree tilt, causing it to fail in accident.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the VAN has 4 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 6, above average.
What to check before buying
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Toyota VAN?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: seat belts, steering, electrical system. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (50%), steering or power steering problems (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Toyota VAN?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1985 Toyota VAN from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1985 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.