1986 Chevrolet Astro Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Chevrolet Astro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Astro. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (17% of the total), followed by seat belts (4) and seats (4). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes4 17%
- Seat belts4 17%
- Seats4 17%
- Steering3 13%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.7%
- Electrical system1 4.3%
- Fuel system1 4.3%
- Body and structure1 4.3%
Also reported: Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The rear brakes will not work. While driving between 30-45 MPH and wanting to come to a complete stop, have to pump the brakes at least 3 or 4 times before they work. Consumer has taken to a mechanic, and they tried to correct the problem. Consumer also has contacted the dealer, and they are aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #814055, filed 1997-07Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Chevrolet Astro version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Astro 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Astro 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V187000Nov 16, 1993SeatsCovers: Chevrolet Astro 1985–1991, GMC Safari 1985–1991, Chevrolet Suburban 1989–1990 +1 more
The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure.
Recall details for the 1986 Chevrolet Astro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92022Seat back bolt breakageClosed · Jun 24, 1992
- PE92015Driver seat back failureClosed · Feb 4, 1992
- PE89106Rear axle seal failureClosed · Mar 23, 1989
- EA87009REAR BRAKESClosed · Jan 21, 1987
- PE86053Inadequate rear brakesClosed · May 1, 1986
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Chevrolet Astro.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Astro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9 | 24,500 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 14 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 62 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 70 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 91 | 62,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 175 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 133 | 74,900 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 241 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 360 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 263 | 101,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 446 | 113,250 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 328 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 135 | 145,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 132 | 111,370 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 95 | 258,900 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 68 | 116,042 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 57 | 44,594 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 56 | — | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 29 | 95,451 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Astro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Chevrolet Astro have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Astro as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Chevrolet Astro is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (17% of the total), followed by seat belts with 4.
Has the 1986 Chevrolet Astro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Chevrolet Astro get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Chevrolet Astro (Astro 2WD (cargo), 2.5L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.