1986 Chevrolet C15 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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 CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 C15.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V131000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: 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 CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEADLIGHT SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS/ VANS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (5), Gasoline (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
11/03/1999 · Fuel system
DUAL GAS TANKS ARE LEAKING ,THE OTHER ONE IS RUSTED DUE TO MUD BUILD UP. TOOK TRUCK TO NAPA, AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THOSE TANKS ARE NOW OBSOLETE, AND THAT THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO GET ONE USED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOMATION. *AK
11/03/1999 · Fuel system
DUAL GAS TANKS ARE LEAKING. THE OTHER ONE IS RUSTED FROM MUD BUILD UP. CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO NAPA, AND THEY SAID THAT THE TANK WAS OBSOLETE AND WOULD HAVE TO PUCHASE ONE USED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
10/26/1999 · Fuel system
FUEL PROBLEMS. *AK
10/26/1999 · Fuel system
ONE OF THE DUAL TANKS WAS LEAKING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
11/20/1995 · Fuel system
LEAKING FUEL TANK. TT THE PLASTIC ROCK GUARD DOES NOT COVER THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE TANK MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR SAND, ROCK, DIRT AND OTHER DEBRIS TO GET BETWEEN THE PLASTIC GUARD AND THE TANK CAUSING THE TANK TO RUST COMPLETELY AND LEAK THE FUEL. IT COULD BE A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. *YH