VehicleVerdict

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

21

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Cavalier years?

Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted867 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 17 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 27 complaints1988: 14 complaints1989: 71 complaints1990: 70 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 178 complaints1993: 237 complaints1994: 310 complaints1995: 392 complaints1996: 748 complaints1997: 751 complaints1998: 473 complaints1999: 337 complaints2000: 447 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 254 complaints2003: 867 complaints2004: 428 complaints2005: 362 complaints
Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cavalier years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine733%
Electrical System524%
Steering314%
Seats210%
Seat Belts15%
Body & Structure15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Visibility & Wipers15%

Does the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

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

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

86V131000LightingSeptember 19, 1986 · 106,111 units

Defect

THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

86V056000LightingApril 28, 1986 · 93,317 units

Defect

THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.

Remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DASHBOARD DISPLAY INTERMITTENTLY DISAPPEARED AND CAME BACK ON; NOW, COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE; VEHICLE UNKNOWINGLY RAN OUT OF GAS, OVERHEATED, CANNOT TELL SPEED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 1992

“ON MY 1986 CHEVY CAVALIER Z24 V6 IF THE ENGINE IS OFF OR ON THE DIGITAL DASH THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND SO DOES THE DOME LIGHT IF THE HEAD LIGHT IS PUSH O PANEL OR BOTH.*TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 24, 2009

“ADJUSTED STEERING COLUMN IS COMING LOOSE AT COLLAPSE/HINGE AREA DUE TO LOOSENESS OF BOLTS. THIS CAUSES MECHANISM NOT TO WORK PROPERLY ON STEERING COLUMN RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 1, 2001

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier — common questions

Is the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 Cavalier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Cavalier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cavalier years to avoid are 2003, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 1995, 2005, 2001, 1999. The cleanest record among Cavalier years belongs to 1981.

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.