1986 Chevrolet C30
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine has blown on three occasions.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1987-01-30Fuel system, gasoline87V002000 Trucks failed to comply with requirements of FMVSS 301, fuel system integrity, during a 30 MPH frontal barrier test.
Remedy: Install an additional shield to the front of the original shield to protect the fuel tank.
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1987-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-14 Exhaust system heat
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1987-09-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-06 Lower control arm failure
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I
1987-11-06Engineering analysisClosed 1988-10-24 Lower control arm
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1988-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Exhaust manifold leaks
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1988-01-19Engineering analysisClosed 1988-06-30 High temp & fuel exp
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1992-01-23Suspension91V217000 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.
Remedy: Install a resinforced brace to the left hand lower control arm.
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1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Chevrolet C30 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V002000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 91V217000 · Suspension
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Chevrolet C30 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Chevrolet C30?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet C30 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.