1986 Pontiac Trans AM
Only 10 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 10 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 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 11 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
KELLY SPRINGFIELD TIRES 245/5016R HUGGER GT-D. INNER TREADWALL HAS SEPARATED APPROX 1/2 ABOVE RIM, COMPLETELY AROUND TIRE. TIRE IS STILL INFLATED, BUT HAD A FAILURE OF FRONT RIGHT TIRE IN 1/2007.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080929
1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
I TRIED TO BRING IN MY 86 PONTIAC TRANS AM TO THE LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP (MIKE SMITH AUOTPLAZA) AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX A RECALL THAT WAS PUT OUT FOR DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS ON MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040319
1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED THE REAR TIRES TO LOCK UP, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030220
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1986 Pontiac Trans AM 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 Pontiac Trans AM?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Pontiac Trans AM have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.