1986 Chevrolet Camaro
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 7
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
73% of complaints
Complaints per year
1986: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 16 |
| 1984 | 40 |
| 1985 | 48 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 87 |
| 1992 | 88 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 158 |
| 1995 | 217 |
| 1996 | 116 |
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 173 |
| 1999 | 90 |
| 2000 | 76 |
| 2001 | 48 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 113 |
| 2013 | 187 |
| 2014 | 188 |
| 2015 | 206 |
| 2016 | 141 |
| 2017 | 190 |
| 2018 | 80 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
73% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro which was purchased in 1992.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-23
The driver seat belt had problems latching and the passenger seat belt had problems releasing once it was locked. Both seat belts in the rear failed to latch properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-09
The driver side seatbelt willnot engage at all, the top part of the seatbelt buckle is inoperative. The dealership is aware of the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-23
Service brakes
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Structure
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood recall repairs refused due to lack of notification.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-16
Vehicle speed control
6% · 2 reportsSteering
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
Steering wheel tilt fell apart while driving. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1986-05-15Exterior lighting86V056000 The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out.
Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.
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R
1986-05-15Exterior lighting86V131000 The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out.
Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.
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I
1986-06-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-07-22 Rear brake failure
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I
1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
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I
1989-08-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-03 Safety belt buckle breakag
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I
1989-10-03Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-10 Safety buckle breakage
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I
1990-02-21CClosed 1991-07-31 Rear disc brakes
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I
1990-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-24 Rear axle shaft failure
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1991-03-07Seat belts90V105000 Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
Remedy: Replace or repair seat belt buckle.
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1991-07-01Parking brake91V055000 Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.
Remedy: Replace nonfunctioning parking brake adjusters.
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I
1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
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R
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 Camaro — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V056000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 86V131000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 90V105000 · Seat belts
- Recall 91V055000 · Parking brake
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 73% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro have?
- 7 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.