1986 Chevrolet Caprice

▲ Better than typical

1986 Chevrolet Caprice
RENDERED 2026-09-16T07:45:41.240Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1986: 33 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	8
1984	7
1985	4
1986	33
1987	17
1988	12
1989	18
1990	6
1991	134
1992	92
1993	63
1994	152
1995	88
1996	65
1997	3
2003	1
2011	1
2012	0
2013	6
2014	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 79%

79% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

INJURY

TIRES 9%

9% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

1986 CHEVY CAPRICE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING, IGNITION IS DAMAGED AND STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NO MORE THAN 2 MINUTES AFTER THE LEAVING THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140508

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SCREWS IN TILT STEERING COLUMN LOOSENED, ALLOWING STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE UP/DOWN. *AW

NHTSA ODI report, 19941115

BOLTS HOLDING STEERING COLUMN LOOSENED, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO FLOP UPWARD AND SIDEWAYS. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479671) *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19941011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).

NHTSA ODI report, 19990121

CONSUMER PARKED CAR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960404

SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19870709 — PE (closed 19880128)

HYDROBOOST FAILURE

I 19871210 — PE (closed 19880419)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19880128 — EA (closed 19901031)

HYDRO BOOST

I 19890306 — C (closed 19900116)

THROTTLE NON-RETURN

R 19890720 — vehicle speed control

A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20071108 — equipment

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