1986 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck 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. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
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 CHEVROLET TRUCK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V056000.
- 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. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEADLIGHT SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1986 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Wheels / tires (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
06/04/2003 · Fuel system
THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH TWO HIGHLY DANGEROUS EXPLOSIVE SIDE SADDLE FUEL TANKS THAT HAVE TAKEN THE LIFE OF MANY. GM OFFERED 1000K DOLLARS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW GM VEHICLE OR $100 DOLLARS, AND SINCE THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, HE DECIDED TO TAKE THE $100 DOLLARS WHICH HE HASN'T RECEIVED FROM GM. *MR SCC
12/04/2000 · Wheels / tires
THE FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL R4S LT235/85R16 M/S ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BOUNCES AND APPEARS TO BE OUT OF ROUND, ONE FRONT TIRE IS NOT FLAT ACROSS BUT ROUNDED (BUBBLE), THE TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 15-20,000 MILES ON THEM AND HAVE TREAD LEFT. *MJS
05/03/2000 · Electrical system
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
04/30/1995 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK MOUNTED OUTSIDE OF FRAME. *AK