1986 Chevrolet S10 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1986 Chevrolet S10 sits mid-pack among S10 years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with 4 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (6), seats (4), and brakes (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other S10 years?

S10 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S10 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Chevrolet S10 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Seat Belts	6	19%	▲ up
Seats	4	13%	▲ up
Brakes	3	9%	▲ up
Engine	3	9%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	3	9%	▲ up
Other	2	6%	new
Fuel System	2	6%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	2	6%	new
Lighting	2	6%	new
Steering	1	3%	new
Suspension	1	3%	new
Transmission	1	3%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	3%	new
Speed Control	1	3%	new

Does the 1986 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

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

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

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.

86V140000OtherOctober 21, 1986 · 10,064 units

Defect

TIRE AND WHEEL INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY BE INCORRECT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 120.

Remedy

INSTALL CERTIFIED LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT AT 55 MPHIN WHICH DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SNAPPED INTO TWO. NO INJURIES WAS REPORTED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTRACTED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 25, 2000 · crash

“THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE CASING AND CAME THROUGH THE BED OF THE TRUCK AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE (DEFIANCE CENTENNIAL). NLM”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“UPON COMING TP STOP SIGN APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO 20 MPH BUT LOAD IN BOX OF TRUCK STARTED TO SHIFT. LET UP ON BRAKES. WHEN BRAKES WERE REAPPLIED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WENT INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED OVER TWICE. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BROKE.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 1996

1986 Chevrolet S10 — common questions

Is the 1986 Chevrolet S10 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 32 NHTSA complaints, below the typical S10 year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1986 S10 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (6 complaints), seats (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Chevrolet S10. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Chevrolet S10 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet S10 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S10 years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1997, 2000, 2001, 1999, 1993, 1991, 2002, 2003, 1992. The cleanest record among S10 years belongs to 2007.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1986 compare to other S10 years?

What are the most common 1986 Chevrolet S10 problems?

Does the 1986 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1986 Chevrolet S10 — common questions

Is the 1986 Chevrolet S10 reliable?

What are the most common 1986 S10 problems?

Does the 1986 Chevrolet S10 have recalls?

Is the 1986 Chevrolet S10 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Chevrolet S10 years should you avoid?

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