1986 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 83,200miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette. The part named most often is brakes, with 7 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts (7) and electrical system (1). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 83,200 miles. Of all complaints, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the master cylinder and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the anchorage and 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.
- Brakes7 47%
- Seat belts7 47%
- Electrical system1 6.7%
Example complaints
Brakes: “The center valve on the master cylinder leaks brake fluid.the master cylinder and the center valve had to be replaced.there is a recall for this problem.I contacted the Chevrolet co. But they said there isnt a recall .but you say there is. Who is telling the truth???please help.tim the campaign # is 86v120000”
NHTSA complaint #714678, filed 1999-11Seat belts: “Seat belts don't tighten upon fast body movement or fast braking. They don't work properly.I had the belts replace at a Chevrolet dealer, but they still don't work properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11006679, filed 2017-07, 23,000 milesElectrical system: “There is an intermittent electrical short somewhere in the vehicle that the dealer has been unable to locate. I have been told that it may be related to the movement of the adjustable steering wheel. When using the turn signals and/or the brakes, the fuse or fuses blow, leaving the car without braking lights and/or turn indicators.”
NHTSA complaint #537620, filed 1998-06Mileage when problems were reported
40% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 84,000 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 Corvette 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Corvette RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Corvette Convertible RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Corvette Convertible RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 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
- 91V143000Sep 4, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 1984–1991
Under certain vehicle operations and occupant usage conditions, the safety belts can lockup or jam in the safety belt retractor.
- 86V120000Aug 26, 1986Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 1986
Severe and unusual braking conditions may cause damage to the brake master cylinder center valve. Consequence of defect: if sufficient damage occurs, loss of front brakes may occur with increased pedal travel and reduced braking ability. The reduction of…
- 86V056000Apr 28, 1986Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 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 Corvette → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP96006BRAKE PULLClosed · May 14, 1996
- EA90033Safety belt retractor failClosed · Jun 11, 1990
- PE90041Safety belt retractor failClosed · Feb 8, 1990
- PE90032Tie rod socket failureClosed · Jan 12, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Corvette
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 25 | 3 | — | 14 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 500 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 27 | 812 | 1 | — | 15 | 43 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 21 | 9,250 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 2021 | 13 | 12,500 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 34 | 1,100 | 4 | — | 19 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 148 | 7,953 | 1 | — | 17 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 51 | 10,000 | 1 | — | 18 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 257 | 14,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 104 | 14,500 | 2 | — | 20 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 65 | 12,000 | 5 | — | 20 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 63 | 7,700 | 5 | — | 21 | 73 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 82 | 18,250 | 0 | — | 18 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 56 | 25,000 | 1 | — | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 85 | 28,900 | 1 | — | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 84 | 35,202 | 0 | — | 18 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 151 | 38,500 | 0 | — | 18 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 541 | 48,300 | 0 | — | 18 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 341 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 365 | 36,750 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 533 | 40,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 217 | 33,100 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 85 | 30,544 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 157 | 42,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 205 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 278 | 39,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 308 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 399 | 46,140 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 153 | 42,258 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 44 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 32 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 29 | 92,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 22 | 77,452 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 1992 | 7 | 34,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 24 | 89,450 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 1990 | 34 | 57,999 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1989 | 15 | 76,700 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 16 | 57,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 21 | 99,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 15 | 83,200 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 16 | 92,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 14 | 94,000 | 5 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1981 | 6 | 84,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Corvette model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 7 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts with 7.
Has the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 Corvette get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (Corvette, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 83,200 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 84,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.