1986 Suzuki Samurai Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.3L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Suzuki Samurai (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1986 Suzuki Samurai. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 1 complaints (20% of the total), followed by seat belts (1) and steering (1). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Engine cooling1 20%
- Seat belts1 20%
- Steering1 20%
- Body and structure1 20%
- Suspension1 20%
Example complaints
Steering: “While driving south on freeway 101 there was a vehicle in front that was in the way. Consumer's vehicle made a slight turn to the right to avoid an accident, and all of sudden vehicle rolled over, hitting an embankment, then hit a wall, then vehicle stood up.”
NHTSA complaint #865188, filed 2000-07Body and structure: “Part of frame around windshield fell off, leaving a hole around windshield, which allowed water to enter interior of vehicle, damaging wires to radio and also flooded interior.”
NHTSA complaint #514678, filed 1997-02Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samurai 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Samurai Convertible 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1986 Suzuki Samurai in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- DP89003Reconsider samurai petitionClosed · Dec 9, 1988
- DP88019Vehicle stabilityClosed · Aug 2, 1988
- DP88011ROLLOVERClosed · Feb 25, 1988
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10014819May 10, 2005Engine cooling. Correct coolant usage.
Other model years of the Suzuki Samurai
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 20 | — | 1 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Suzuki Samurai model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Suzuki Samurai have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1986 Suzuki Samurai as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Suzuki Samurai is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 1 complaints (20% of the total), followed by seat belts with 1.
Has the 1986 Suzuki Samurai been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Suzuki Samurai get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Suzuki Samurai (Samurai, 1.3L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 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 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.