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
- 37
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1986: 37 complaints
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.
Steering
35% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Cold power steering, causing difficulty in turning.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-16
'cold power steering'.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-22
Cold power steering.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-15
Electrical system
19% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical resulted in fire under dash board in area of steering wheel. Please describe details. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-30
Consumer was driving and car started to smoke and caused a fire .
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-10
Seat belts
14% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing webbing and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
While in an accident the shoulder harness split in half. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-31
Structure
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and door.
Seats
5% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing recliner.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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.
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I
1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
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I
1991-08-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-04 Front brake disc/hub sep
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I
1994-06-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Sub-frame absorber failure
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Chevrolet Celebrity — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V056000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 86V131000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.