Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1986 Toyota Van — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
10
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 10% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 10% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT WHEEL WELL AREA, CONSUMER HEARD 2 EXPLOSIONS, CONSUMER SUFFERED BURNS TO LEFT HAND, FIRE INVESTIGATOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT ”
“HOT WIRE SHORTED OUT VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE HAD TO CUT GROUND CABLE TO TURN OFF THE POWER. RESULTED IN UNDERHOOD FIRE. TT”
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), seat belts (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Toyota Van. 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.