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
- 10
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 10 complaints
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.
Seat belts
4 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and front.
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, 2004-03-19
Tires
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, 2008-09-29
Power train
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-20
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 10 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Right front door latch/striker failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-19
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 10 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report 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 40% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.