1986 Chevrolet C70 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST CYLINDER MOUNTING BRACKET BOLTS MAY LOOSEN DUE TO PAINT ON THE BOLT THREADS AND THE MOUNTING BRACKET MATING SURFACE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS MAY RESULT IN LOOSENESS AND ERRATIC STEERING DURING FULL TURNS. WITH CONTINUED OPERATION POWER CYLINDER COULD DETACH FROM THE FRAME RAIL RESULTING IN RESTRICTED STEERING, SEVERING OF FRONT BRAKE HOSE AND LOSS OF FRONT AXLE BRAKING. WITH EITHER COND…
What could happen:
The fix: REMOVE PAINT FROM MATING SURFACES OF BRACKET AND FRAME RAIL; REPLACE POWER STEERING ASSIST CYLINDER MOUNTING BOLTS.
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 C70.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V170000.
- 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: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: THE POWER STEERING ASSIST CYLINDER MOUNTING BRACKET BOLTS MAY LOOSEN DUE TO PAINT ON THE BOLT THREADS AND THE MOUNTING BRACKET MATING SURFACE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS MAY RESULT IN LOOSENESS AND ERRATIC STEERING DURING FULL TURNS. WITH CONTINUED OPERATION POWER CYLINDER COULD DETACH FROM THE FRAME RAIL RESULTING IN RESTRICTED STEERING, SEVERING OF FRONT BRAKE HOSE AND LOSS OF FRONT AXLE BRAKING. WITH EITHER CONDITION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REMOVE PAINT FROM MATING SURFACES OF BRACKET AND FRAME RAIL; REPLACE POWER STEERING ASSIST CYLINDER MOUNTING BOLTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER STEERING. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING AND 12,000 LBS. FRONT AXLES.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATING LEVER CAM MAY CONTAIN A QUENCH CRACK WHICH CAN WIDEN, REDUCING THE HOLDING CAPABILITY OF THE PARKING BRAKES. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE REDUCED HOLDING CAPABILITY OF THE PARKING BRAKE COULD ALLOW AN UNATTENDED TRUCK TO ROLL AWAY UNCONTROLLED, WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: INSTALL A NEW ACTUATION LEVER.
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 C70.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V015000.
- 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: PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT
Summary: THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATING LEVER CAM MAY CONTAIN A QUENCH CRACK WHICH CAN WIDEN, REDUCING THE HOLDING CAPABILITY OF THE PARKING BRAKES. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE REDUCED HOLDING CAPABILITY OF THE PARKING BRAKE COULD ALLOW AN UNATTENDED TRUCK TO ROLL AWAY UNCONTROLLED, WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW ACTUATION LEVER.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARKING BRAKE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A TRANSMISSION MOUNTED INTERNAL EXPANDING TYPE 9" X 3" PARKING BRAKE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Chevrolet C70 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
09/16/2009 · Engine · fire
1986 CHEVROLET C7000 ENGINE STALLED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART IT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE DRIVER WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0730-90