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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 16 |
| 1984 | 39 |
| 1985 | 46 |
| 1986 | 32 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 86 |
| 1992 | 88 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 144 |
| 1995 | 216 |
| 1996 | 116 |
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 173 |
| 1999 | 90 |
| 2000 | 76 |
| 2001 | 48 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 110 |
| 2013 | 187 |
| 2014 | 187 |
| 2015 | 205 |
| 2016 | 138 |
| 2017 | 183 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
53% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 CHEVROLET CAMARO WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 1992.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100323
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEN CONSUMER BUCKLES UP REMAINS LOCKED AND SHE COULDN'T IT GET LOOSE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950405
13% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
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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. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030509
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
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STEERING WHEEL TILT FELL APART WHILE DRIVING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
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THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WILLNOT ENGAGE AT ALL, THE TOP PART OF THE SEATBELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20020923
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 86V056000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 86V131000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR BRAKE FAILURE
REAR DISC BRAKES
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE BREAKAG
SAFETY BUCKLE BREAKAGE
REAR DISC BRAKES
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURE
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.
Campaign 90V105000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
Remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
Campaign 91V055000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE STICKING
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Chevrolet Camaro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V131000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V105000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V055000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.