The 1985 GMC P Series has 5 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious being multiple structural and wheel failures that can cause sudden loss of vehicle control without warning.
Two recalls involve wheel integrity: on certain front steel wheels, cracks can develop and cause the rim to separate from the disc while driving, and a similar weld crack can propagate around the wheel and produce the same result. On the suspension side, a lower control arm can crack starting at the rear flange and eventually break apart, and on P30 and P35 models with I-beam front axles and 16-inch wheels, the tie rod end can contact the inner tire wall during combined cornering and braking, eventually cutting through the tire. There is also a brake concern on P6 vehicles where a body support component can rub against the brake lines near the brake warning switch, wearing through the line over time and causing partial brake system failure that increases stopping distances.
At a glance
What can fail
The front steel wheel discs on certain vehicles may develop cracks around their edges. If undetected, the rim portion could separate inward, potentially causing a crash.
What the fix does
All wheels, including the spare, will be replaced with newly designed wheels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The left-hand lower control arm can crack starting at the rear flange, spreading toward the ball joint mounting hole. This cracking can eventually cause the end of the control arm to separate.
What the fix does
The left-hand lower control arm will be replaced with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A body support part may contact the brake lines near the brake warning switch. Movement between them can wear through the brake lines, potentially causing partial brake system failure and longer stopping distances.
What the fix does
Your vehicle will be inspected and brake lines will be replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain P30 and P35 vehicles with i-beam front axles and 16-inch wheels, the tie rod end can contact the tire's inner wall during hard cornering and braking. This contact grooves the tire and may cause tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
The 16-inch wheels and tires will be replaced with 19.5-inch wheels and tires to increase clearance and prevent contact between the tie rod end and tire.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A crack can develop in the weld connecting the wheel disc to the rim. This crack may spread around the wheel, causing the rim to separate from the disc.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
