Is the 1986 GMC K2500 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 GMC K2500?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 GMC K2500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1986 GMC K2500

○ Not enough data

1986 GMC K2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:16.806Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 3
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1986: 3 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	0
1985	0
1986	3
1987	0
1988	1
1989	3
1990	2
1991	4
1992	1
1993	2
1994	7
1995	10
1996	14

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

2 of 3 total reports mention: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

Problems with vehicle's radiator, engine, front axle, rear axle and other problems.*mr the vehicle experienced problems with the radiator and cooling system. The engine was a 305 instead off the favored 350.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-21

Also filed under Power train

Engine related problems. Yh

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-02-18

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling and equipment

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

Structure

1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.

Power train

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Complaint regarding 1986 GMC k-2500. *mr the consumer bought the vehicle in 1986 and thought it was new, but it wasn't. It was originally registered in California and had come with a 1978 California emissions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-25

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 GMC K2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 07E088000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 1986 GMC K2500 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 GMC K2500?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 GMC K2500 have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.