1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 533 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
8 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Brakes lock up in rear front keeps spining was told my ABS module was bad unable to even find replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-14
Seat belts
7 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: in 1991 the consumer received NHTSA campaign recall 91V143000 concerning safety belts. The recall stated that when the problem occurred with the vehicle it will be fixed. Today the passenger's side seat belt failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-07-06
Seat belts don't tighten upon fast body movement or fast braking. They don't work properly.I had the belts replace at a Chevrolet dealer, but they still don't work properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-21
Reference numbers: ?Chevrolet recalls 91C25 and 91C26 issued November 1991 ?NHTSA campaign id #: 91V143000 ?Chevrolet claim# [xxx] (From recent conversations) ?VIN# [xxx].
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-30
Electrical system
1 of 15 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 5 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
1986-09-20Service brakes, hydraulic86V120000 Severe and unusual braking conditions may cause damage to the brake master cylinder center valve.
Remedy: New master cylinder center valve and related parts will be installed.
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I
1990-01-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-22 Tie rod socket failure
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I
1990-02-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-11 Safety belt retractor fail
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I
1990-06-11Engineering analysisClosed 1991-09-09 Safety belt retractor fail
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R
1991-10-25Seat belts91V143000 Under certain vehicle operations and occupant usage conditions, the safety belts can lockup or jam in the safety belt retractor.
Remedy: Replace the safety belts if the lockup occurs.
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I
1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
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I
1996-05-14Defect petitionClosed 1996-10-18 Brake pull
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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).
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R
2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V056000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 86V120000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 91V143000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Corvette?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette have?
- 5 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.