1986 Chevrolet Celebrity
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 37 |
| 1987 | 46 |
| 1988 | 39 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
COLD POWER STEERING, CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN TURNING. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941216
'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941122
COLD POWER STEERING. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941115
19% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL RESULTED IN FIRE UNDER DASH BOARD IN AREA OF STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950830
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR STARTED TO SMOKE AND CAUSED A FIRE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950710
14% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and anchorage.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE IN AN ACCIDENT THE SHOULDER HARNESS SPLIT IN HALF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960131
11% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
5% of complaints: seats — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY 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
POWER ST. ASSIST
FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP
SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Chevrolet Celebrity — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V131000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 Chevrolet Celebrity 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 Celebrity?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Celebrity have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.