1986 Chevrolet S10
Only 22 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 22 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 27 |
| 1988 | 37 |
| 1989 | 48 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 174 |
| 1992 | 180 |
| 1993 | 233 |
| 1994 | 963 |
| 1995 | 910 |
| 1996 | 665 |
| 1997 | 469 |
| 1998 | 613 |
| 1999 | 231 |
| 2000 | 471 |
| 2001 | 307 |
| 2002 | 213 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 21 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 22 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IN AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960710
2 of 22 total reports mention: interior lighting.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TIRE AND WHEEL INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY BE INCORRECT.
Remedy: INSTALL CERTIFIED LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.
Campaign 86V140000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR AXLE FAILURE
REAR AXLE SHAFT
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Chevrolet S10 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V140000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Chevrolet S10 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 S10?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet S10 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.