1985 Toyota Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE CENTER CONTROL ARM WITH A REDESIGNED CONTROL ARM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V060000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE CENTER CONTROL ARM WITH A REDESIGNED CONTROL ARM.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING LINKAGE/CENTER ARM. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND CARGO VANS EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (3), Steering (2), Electrical system (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
05/02/2002 · Steering
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***7614…
09/29/2000 · Seat belts
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
01/12/1999 · Electrical system
VEHICLE CAN BE STARTED WITH ANY KEY THAT CAN FIT HALFWAY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK
07/27/1997 · Steering
NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL OF STEERING ARM AND FRONT TIRES WEAR UNEVENLY, CONSTANTLY REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.
01/14/1997 · Seat belts
SEAT BELT FAILED DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN INJURY, DUE TO DESIGN FLAW, SEAT BELT ONLY WORKS AT A 15% TILT.
01/06/1996 · Seat belts
SEAT BELT DESIGNED SO THAT IT DOES NOT ENGAGE AT LESS THAN 15 DEGREE TILT, CAUSING IT TO FAIL IN ACCIDENT. *DH