1986 Chevrolet Camaro Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,960miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro. The part named most often is seat belts, with 23 complaints (72% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and engine cooling (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,960 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Seat belts23 72%
- Brakes2 6.3%
- Engine cooling2 6.3%
- Steering2 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.3%
- Electrical system1 3.1%
- Body and structure1 3.1%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “The contact owns a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro which was purchased in 1992. She received a recall letter in 1994 regarding the seat belts (NHTSA campaign id number: 90v105000: seat belt buckle assembly) but did not have the recall repair performed on the vehicle at that time. While utilizing the driver's side seat belt, the locking mechanism became disengaged from the seat belt housing. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there were no recalls listed under her VIN and the recall repairs were already performed on the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321659, filed 2010-03, 99,960 milesSteering: “Bolt nut loose on the tilt steering wheel causing the ignition to shut off while turning the steering wheel resulting in no power steering/power brakes. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #552578, filed 2000-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 99,960 and 99,960 miles.
Complaints 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 Camaro 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro RWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Camaro RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Camaro RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 91V055000Apr 11, 1991Parking brake › ConventionalCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1982–1986, Pontiac Firebird 1982–1986, Fiero 1984–1986
Parking brake adjuster fails to operate and do not work after brake pad wear.
- 90V105000May 14, 1990Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1984–1990, Pontiac Firebird 1984–1990
Plastic components of seat belt buckle assemblies do not contain an ultra violet stabilizer, and exposure to direct sunlight and elevated interior temperatures could weaken the plastic components.
- 86V131000Sep 19, 1986Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1986, Cavalier 1986, Pontiac 6000 1986 +30 more
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…
- 86V056000Apr 28, 1986Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Chevrolet Camaro 1986, Chevrolet Truck 1985–1986, GMC GMC 1985–1986 +16 more
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…
Recall details for the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92005Throttle stickingClosed · Jan 30, 1992
- EA90012Rear axle shaft failureClosed · Feb 28, 1990
- C90001Rear disc brakesClosed · Feb 21, 1990
- EA90001Safety buckle breakageClosed · Oct 3, 1989
- PE89148Safety belt buckle breakagClosed · Aug 1, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Camaro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 | — | 0 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 49,330 | 4 | 5 | 20 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 32 | 21,000 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 53 | 12,475 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 81 | 21,000 | 2 | 5 | 20 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 190 | 21,655 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 141 | 20,315 | 1 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 206 | 38,000 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 188 | 37,400 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 187 | 40,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 113 | 34,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 194 | 40,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 295 | 48,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2002 | 68 | 20,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 48 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 76 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 90 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 173 | 43,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 69 | 63,492 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 116 | 58,075 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 216 | 104,042 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 144 | 130,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 32 | 97,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 88 | 96,084 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 86 | 94,250 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 25 | 160,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 25 | 119,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 76,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 32 | 99,960 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 46 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 39 | 99,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 16 | 172,500 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1979 | 6 | 245,136 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Camaro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 23 complaints (72% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,960 miles and the middle half falls between 99,960 and 99,960 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.