1986 Chevrolet Caprice Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. The part named most often is brakes, with 19 complaints (63% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and tires (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Brakes19 63%
- Engine cooling3 10%
- Tires3 10%
- Fuel system2 6.7%
- Seat belts2 6.7%
- Electrical system1 3.3%
- Seats1 3.3%
- Steering1 3.3%
- Body and structure1 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 3.3%
Example complaints
Brakes: “The brakes got hard and the pedal would not go down. Driver had to stand on the pedal with two feet to stop, she put it in neutral to get the car to stop. The dealer has had other problems with these brakes. The brakes are no longer used. Dealer offered to replace brakes with the same style for a fee. When consumer drives at 45-55mph on wet and dry pavements the problem is the same. There is no recall.”
NHTSA complaint #824209, filed 1998-06Engine cooling: “Vehicle stalled and brakes didn't work. They got hard, the pedal wouldn't move at al., driving at 10 MPH, incline towards red light, car would not stop, managed to slow down. Dealer states they have repaired before, and cannot duplicate the problem because of various workmanship.”
NHTSA complaint #826522, filed 1998-08Tires: “Vehicle had vibration and bumping sound in front end, upon inspection of front end consumer noticed tread separation and blister 2/3 around one tire and 1/4 around the other (firestone triumph 2000- 205-75-r15 m/s)”
NHTSA complaint #558435, filed 2000-12Complaints 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 Caprice 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprice RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Caprice RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Caprice Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caprice Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
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
- 89V102000Jun 16, 1989Vehicle speed controlCovers: Chevrolet Caprice 1984–1988, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1984–1988, Buick Lesabre 1984–1988 +15 more
A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
Recall details for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE88010Engine compartment firesClosed · Dec 10, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Caprice
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12 | 7,919 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 6 | 42,260 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 65 | 59,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 88 | 128,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 146 | 91,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 61 | 87,688 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 89 | 118,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 131 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 18 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 12 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 30 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 7 | 155,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Caprice model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 19 complaints (63% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Caprice get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (Caprice, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 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 27, 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.