Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 GMC General — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A CLAMP PINCH BOLT SECURING THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT TO THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT MAY LOOSEN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHAFTS COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN LOSS OF TRUCK CONTROL WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE THE CLAMP ASSEMBLY AND UPPER STEERING SHAFT.
Defect
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE; LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE RETURN SPRING(S).
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 GMC General. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.