1986 GMC S15
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.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
Tilt steering and column loose. You can wobble the steering wheel one inch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-01-20
Seat belts
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Drivers side lap/shoulder belt buckle failed, will not latch the spring broken. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-23
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle on fire. Please explain. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-15
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 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 lighting86V131000 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
1986-10-31Equipment86V140000 Tire and wheel information on certification label may be incorrect.
Remedy: Install certified label with correct information.
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I
1988-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-11-07 Rear axle failure
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I
1988-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1990-08-24 Rear axle shaft
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I
1990-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-29 Spare tire carrier failure
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R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 GMC S15 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V131000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 86V140000 · Equipment
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1986 GMC S15 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 S15?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 GMC S15 have?
- 3 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.