VehicleVerdict

1986 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Blazer years?

Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted1,707 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 1 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 35 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 38 complaints1988: 45 complaints1989: 47 complaints1990: 42 complaints1991: 267 complaints1992: 337 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 774 complaints1995: 1,707 complaints1996: 1,579 complaints1997: 1,098 complaints1998: 1,025 complaints1999: 612 complaints2000: 885 complaints2001: 464 complaints2002: 301 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 67 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 20 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 5 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 345 complaints2021: 191 complaints2022: 66 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 59 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Blazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Chevrolet Blazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine524%
Tires & Wheels314%
Brakes314%
Steering210%
Seat Belts210%
Electrical System210%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Seats15%
Speed Control15%
Transmission15%

Does the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

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. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WATER IN ENGINE OIL, THE CAUSE I HAVE HEARD IS A FAILED HEAD GASKET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF CHEVROLET HAS HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE OVERHEATS, CRACKING THE HEAD GASKET. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 30, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAME STUCK AND IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF, THE ENGINE RACED BETWEEN 70-85 MPH. IF THE DRIVER WOULD TURN THE TRUCK OFF, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME STUCK, SO DRIVER PUT TRUCK IN NEUTRAL, HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES WERE BURNED OUT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 19, 1997

1986 Chevrolet Blazer — common questions

Is the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 Blazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Chevrolet Blazer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Blazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Blazer years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2020, 1992, 2002, 2019, 1991, 2021, 2003, 2004, 2022. The cleanest record among Blazer years belongs to 1975.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.