1986 Chevrolet Caprice
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 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 131 |
| 1992 | 89 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 146 |
| 1995 | 88 |
| 1996 | 65 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 11 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURY10% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
HYDRO BOOST
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
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
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 Caprice — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) 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 Caprice reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice have?
3 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.