1986 Chevrolet Camaro problems
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for 1967.
Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009.
The Camaro was discontinued at the end of the 2024 model year. Production ended in December 2023. However, Chevrolet has stated, "This is not the end of Camaro's story."
Social links
Common 1986 Chevrolet Camaro problems
The 1986 Chevrolet Camaro, particularly the 2.8L engine, has a few common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most frequently reported issues is a lack of power and speed when stepping on the gas pedal. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty ignition control module, pickup coil ignition coil, or even a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine, and if it fails, it can result in poor engine performance. In some cases, the MAF sensor may have been faulty for some time, but the engine was still able to run, albeit not optimally. However, if the MAF sensor fails completely, it can cause the engine to lose power and speed when accelerating.
Another common problem with the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro is issues with the fuel system. Some owners have reported problems with the fuel pump, which can cause the engine to die or have difficulty starting. In some cases, the fuel pump may need to be replaced, which can be a costly repair. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the fuel pressure regulator, which can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all.
The transmission is another area where the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro can have problems. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission shifting roughly or not at all. This can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty transmission control module, worn-out clutch, or low transmission fluid levels. In some cases, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced, which can be a costly repair.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the electrical system in the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro. This can include problems with the battery, alternator, or wiring. Some owners have reported issues with the starter motor, which can cause the engine to have difficulty starting or not start at all. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the instrument cluster, which can cause gauges to malfunction or not work at all.
In summary, the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro, particularly the 2.8L engine, can have several common problems. These can include issues with the engine, fuel system, transmission, and electrical system. Some of these problems can be relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more serious and costly. If you own a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro, it's essential to be aware of these common problems and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
What is the most common problem with Camaros?
Most of the time, the issue concerned the Camaro's water pump system. It's possible for fifth-gen engines to produce loud noises, stall or shut down completely due to a lack of coolant. You could notice this Chevy Camaro issue somewhere around the 80,000-mile mark.
Is Camaro good or bad?
RepairPal.com gives the Chevrolet Camaro a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which puts it in 21st place out of 24 mid-size cars. Meanwhile, J.D. Power gives the 2021 model year a quality and reliability score of 80 out of 100, which is considered average.
What year Camaro is most reliable?
Here are the most reliable choices available for the Chevrolet Camaro:
- 2000 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2001 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2020 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2021 Chevrolet Camaro.
Do Camaros have good engines?
"There isn't a bad engine under the hood of the Camaro. ... The 6.2-liter V8 that comes with the SS and LT1 models makes the Camaro much more powerful, and a more performance-tuned suspension helps keep that power manageable. The V8 is an excellent upgrade if your budget allows it."
1986 Chevrolet Camaro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Camaro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Camaro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Chevrolet Camaro
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-07
- VIN: 1G1FP87S0GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 CHEVROLET CAMARO WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 1992. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN 1994 REGARDING THE SEAT BELTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 90V105000: SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY) BUT DID NOT HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. WHILE UTILIZING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT, THE LOCKING MECHANISM BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE SEAT BELT HOUSING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS LISTED UNDER HER VIN AND THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE ALREADY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEVER HAD THE REPAIRS MADE TO THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,960. UPDATED 5/6/10 *CN UPDATED 06/18/10.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP87F1GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SEAT BELT HAD PROBLEMS LATCHING AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAD PROBLEMS RELEASING ONCE IT WAS LOCKED. BOTH SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: 1G1FP87F4GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WILLNOT ENGAGE AT ALL, THE TOP PART OF THE SEATBELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP87H8GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED UPON CONNECTING SEAT BELT LATCH, IT WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED, PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL, RECALL NUMBER 90V105000. *AK THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT THAT WAS ON RECALL, ALSO THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS. *YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HOOD AND HATCH DAMPERS WERE NOT HOLDING UP THE HOOD OR HATCH IN THE UP POSITION, CONSUMER REPLACED. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP87H5GN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCH/BUCKLE. *CJ
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
- VIN: 1G1FP87F6GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT BUCKLE JAMMED, WILL NO LONGER LATCH SEATBELT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1FP87F9GL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EVERYTHING IN THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED AND ADJUSTED TO FACTORY SPECS. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER, PORPORTIONING VALVE, REAR CALIPERS AND PADS, FRONT PADS, BLED LINES, ADJUSTED REARS TO FACTORY SPECS. THE REAR WHEELS WILL NOT STOP THE DYNAMOMETER DRUM FOR AN EMISSION TEST. REPORTED TO CHEVROLET, C00382938, UNABLE TO HELP.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 1G1FP87F7GN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BOLT NUT LOOSE ON THE TILT STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE IGNITION TO SHUT OFF WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING/POWER BRAKES. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-02
- VIN: 1G1FP87S6GN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT PLASTIC COVER DOESN'T CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO THE SUNLIGHT CAN WEAKEN THE PLASTIC, AND SEATBELT WILL RELEASE AUTOMATICALLY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-16
- VIN: 1G1FP87S8GN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE WAS SENT TO CONSUMER AND THE CAR WAS NOT TAKEN IN RIGHT AWAY. ONCE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR CAR IN TO BE REPAIRED, THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL 90V105; THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED SINCE 1994. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE BROKEN DUE TO DEFECT IN THE RECALL, BUT DEALER CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THE RECALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-21
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT FAILS TO LATCH PROPERLY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-08
- VIN: 1G1FP87S5GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CASING WHERE THE SEAT BELT IS SECURED/LOCKED BROKE PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS. MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THERE IS A WARRANTY ON RECALL, AND THAT THIS WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. (90V-105). *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-31
- VIN: 1G1FP8751GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEALER IS CHARGING CONSUMER FOR REPLACING THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE THE RELEASE BUTTON BROKE AND THEY CLAIMED THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. CONSUMER THINKS THAT THE DEALER SHOULD PAY OR REPLACE THE SEAT BECAUSE HE FEELS LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1SP87S7GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT SHE HAS PROBLEMS WITH ONE FRONT AND REAR SAFETY BELT, AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SEAT BELTS. OWNER ALSO NOTED THAT HER BELTS BROKE, BUT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INDENTFIED AS AN AFFECTED MODEL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-17
- VIN: 1G1FD8758GN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- VIN: 1G1FP87F4GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKEN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-23
- VIN: 1G1FP87F4GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REPLACEMENT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RELEASE SMOOTHLY, PASSENGER SIDE BELT PLASTIC ATTACHMENT MOLDING COME UNDONE, PASSENGER BELT HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-05
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR ACCELERATE CAUSING CONSUMER TO GET A TICKET . TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-05-01
- VIN: 1G1FP87S9GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT IS NOT LATCHING AND IF IT IS LATCHED IT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1986 Chevrolet Camaro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILS TO OPERATE AND DO NOT WORK AFTER BRAKE PAD WEAR.
- Consequence: PARKING BRAKES WILL NOT COMPLETELY HOLD A PARKED VEHICLEWHEN PARKED ON A SLOPE, CAUSING UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHICH COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE NONFUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTERS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: PLASTIC COMPONENTS OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DO NOT CONTAIN AN ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZER, AND EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND ELEVATED INTERIOR TEMPERATURES COULD WEAKEN THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICHCOULD PREVENT BUCKLE FROM LATCHING AND PROTECTING OCCUPANT IN A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE OR REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: 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.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: 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.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Other years of Chevrolet Camaro
Are you having problems with your 1986 Chevrolet Camaro?
Leave your review of 1986 Chevrolet Camaro