MYRModel Year Report

1986 Suzuki Samurai

○ Not enough data
1986 Suzuki Samurai
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:04:15.727Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 5 complaints 1986 5 1987: 6 complaints 1988: 20 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 5 complaints 1986 5 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 20 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 5 complaints 1986 5 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 20 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1998: 1 complaint 1998

1986: 5 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19865
19876
198820
19892
19902
19913
19924
19942
19981

Known problem areas

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Upon impact, broadside rear driver's, 30MPH spun around then rolled over. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25

Structure

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Steering

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving south on freeway 101 there was a vehicle in front that was in the way.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-07-11

Seat belts

1 of 5 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear seat belts fail to hold passengers securely, causing child seats/passengers to be thrown forward into back of front seats.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-04

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1988-02-25Defect petitionClosed 1988-09-01 Rollover
  2. I
    1988-08-02Defect petitionClosed 1988-09-01 Vehicle stability
  3. I
    1988-12-09Defect petitionClosed 1989-02-10 Reconsider Samurai petition

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Suzuki Samurai — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Suzuki Samurai have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.