MYRModel Year Report

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier

○ Not enough data
1986 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:33.365Z

Only 18 complaints 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 18 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 18 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 18 1987: 24 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1989 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1993 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1995 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 1999 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2001 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005

1986: 18 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199156
1992137
1993148
1994217
1995271
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

7 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.

FIRE

Electrical system

5 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Dash fire and the car was totally burnt up. Please explain. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-07

Electrical fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-16

On my 1986 chevy Cavalier Z24 V6 if the engine is off or on the digital dash the lights go out and so does the dome light if the head light is push o panel or both.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-24

Steering

3 of 18 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

Seats

2 of 18 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was hit broadside, passenger was ejected, was belted, but seat broke. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-30

Visibility

1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
  4. R
    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V056000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 86V131000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Cavalier?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier 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.