1986 Chevrolet Suburban
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 431 |
| 2016 | 219 |
| 2017 | 142 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2019 | 77 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 202 |
| 2022 | 121 |
| 2023 | 129 |
| 2024 | 45 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
2 of 7 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Traveling 65MPH and tire blewout. Made a loud humming noise, started to slow down & pull to side. Steel belt sticking out of right rear. Also, traveling 45MPH & vehicle was wobbling & rocking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-11-20
Bridgestone dueler apt tread separated on dry road, light load, 60 MPH. Tire had less than 6000 miles on it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-05
Steering
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was driving and the steering wheel fell off . Please describe .
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-17
Fuel system, other
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, other, most commonly citing fuel gauge system.
Show complaint excerpts
Please investigate the potential of fire/explosion concerning the fuel tank sending unit (In older model g.m. Vehicles) and the possibility of a "Direct short" To it's wiring. I believe this could be a serious safety issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-05
Electrical system
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk.
Show complaint excerpts
The location of the wiring harness, in general, and its location to the fuel tank in a rear end accident would mash the harness between the bumper and the fuel tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-28
Child seat
1 of 7 total reports mentions: child seat, most commonly citing strap/webbing.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-10-23Defect petitionClosed 1988-02-20 Poor braking on panic stop
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel system, other: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Chevrolet Suburban have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.