VehicleVerdict

1986 Chevrolet C10 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1986 Chevrolet C10 — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other C10 years?

C10 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted42 complaints1961: 1 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 3 complaints1977: 4 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 4 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 5 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 9 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 5 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 3 complaints1992: 9 complaints1993: 10 complaints1994: 25 complaints1995: 42 complaints1996: 18 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 0 complaints
C10 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C10 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Chevrolet C10 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System563%
Transmission225%
Seat Belts113%

Does the 1986 Chevrolet C10 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.

87V043000BrakesApril 1, 1987 · 32 units

Defect

IMPROPER SIZE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WERE INSTALLED.

Consequence

TRUCKS COULD EXCEED THE MAXIMUM STOPPING DISTANCEPERMITTED BY FMVSS 105, HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AVEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE REAR AXLE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WITH PROPER SIZE ASSEMBLIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STARTED TO SMELL GAS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK SUPPORTS HAD RUSTED THROUGHAND CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO COME LOOSE/VIBRATE WHICH RUBBED A HOLE IN THE TANK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 23, 1996

“MY 1986 CHEVY 1/2 TON PU TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH WITH ME AND MY 71 YEAR OLD FATHER IN IT. I AM CONVINCED THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING AND PRESSURE BLOWING THE FLUID OUT THE DIPSTICK TUBE. AT THE TIME WE WERE PULLING A BOAT (18'…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 18, 1999 · fire

1986 Chevrolet C10 — common questions

Is the 1986 Chevrolet C10 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Chevrolet C10 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Chevrolet C10. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Chevrolet C10 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Chevrolet C10 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C10 years to avoid are 1995. The cleanest record among C10 years belongs to 2001.

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.