Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 GMC C35 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE LEFT HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK STARTING AT THE REAR FLANGE AND PROGRESSING TO THE BALL JOINT MOUNTING HOLE AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE FROM THE CONTROL ARM.
Consequence
IF THE BALL JOINT SEPARATES FROM THE CONTROL ARM, A LOSSOF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
INSTALL A RESINFORCED BRACE TO THE LEFT HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM.
Defect
TRUCKS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY, DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST.
Consequence
GREATER THAN ACCEPTABLE FUEL SPILLAGE DURING AND AFTER ACOLLISION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE ORIGINAL SHIELD TO PROTECT THE FUEL TANK.
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.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 GMC C35. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.