1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1995 | 169 |
| 1996 | 155 |
| 1997 | 164 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 125 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 276 |
| 2002 | 230 |
| 2003 | 158 |
| 2004 | 230 |
| 2005 | 120 |
| 2006 | 113 |
| 2007 | 42 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEEL FELL OFF OF VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971106
1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
IT'S A MODEL 200 4R TURBO HYDRA 4 SPEED OVERDRIVE THE RINGS ARE NOT HARDENED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950713
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER BEING IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE STARTED TO FLIP. AFTERWARDS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND OUT WHY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020412
SAFETY 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
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
JAMMED STEERING MECHANISM
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
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 Monte Carlo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 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.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 Monte Carlo?
The most-reported component is wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo have?
4 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.