1986 Toyota Camry problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1986 Toyota Camry is among the quieter years of the Camry on NHTSA's books: 35 complaints (91% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (34% of the total).
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1986 compare to other Camry years?
What are the most common 1986 Toyota Camry problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 12 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 9% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FEMALE PART IS CRACKED WHERE THE BUCKLE GOES IN AND HAS CAUSED THE SEAT BELT NOT TO LATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“AFTER MARKET TIRES, P185/70R13 SIZE. TREAD ON THE REAR LEFT TIRE SEPARATED AT 45MPH.*AK WHEEL WAS DAMAGED DUE TO BLOWOUT, DUNLOP SP4N M+S, DOT NUMBER U2FM2KB457. *SLC”
“ENGINE MAKES CLANGING SOUND BETWEEN 1500-2500RPM WHICH INCREASES IN FREQ ALONG WITH ENGINE SPEED THEN STOPS . HEARD IN PARK AS WELL AS DRIVING CAR? WHAT IS IT? HOW CAN IT BE FIXED? DT”
“DRIVER GOT INTO VEHICLE, HAD FOOT ON BRAKES, SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, STARTED BACKING UP VEHICLE OUT OF GARAGE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK OFF WITHOUT WARNING, WENT ACROSS STREET, JUMPED CURB. *AK”
“WINDOW HANDLE ON DRIVERS SIDE FELL OFF. HE TOOK IT TO GARAGE. THE ONLY WAY THAT THE HANDLE WILL STAY IF CONSUMER WOULD HAVE THE WINDOW OPEN, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. HE HAS KNOB NEXT TO HIM, AND THEN HE WILL STICK THE KNOB ON THE DOOR TO OPEN AND CLOSE OF THE DOOR. *AK”
1986 Toyota Camry — common questions
Is the 1986 Toyota Camry reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1986 Camry problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (12 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).
Does the 1986 Toyota Camry have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1986 Toyota Camry.
Is the 1986 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.
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.