1986 Chevrolet Caprice problems

chevrolet logo

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.

Introduced in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop, Chevrolet offered a full line of Caprice models for the 1966 and subsequent model years, including a "formal hardtop" coupe and an Estate station wagon. The 1971 to 1976 models are the largest Chevrolets ever built. The downsized 1977 and restyled 1991 models were awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year. Production ended in 1996.

From 2011 to 2017, the Caprice nameplate returned to North America as a full-size, rear wheel drive police vehicle, a captive import from Australia built by General Motors's subsidiary Holden—the police vehicle is a rebadged version of the Holden WM/WN Caprice. The nameplate also had a civilian and police presence in the Middle East from 1999 to 2017, where the imported Holden Statesman/Caprice built by Holden was marketed as the Chevrolet Caprice in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

1986 Chevrolet Caprice

Social links

Common 1986 Chevrolet Caprice problems

The 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Ignition Module Failure: The ignition module on the 1986 Chevy Caprice may fail, causing the car not to start. This issue can be diagnosed by taking off the distributor cap and inspecting the rotor and cap. If they seem fine, the ignition module may be the problem.
  • Wheel Bearing Issues: The wheel bearings on the 1986 Caprice may cause problems. This issue can be diagnosed by listening for any unusual noises coming from the wheels. If the bearings are worn out, they may need to be replaced.
  • Steering Column Problems: The steering column on the 1986 Caprice may have issues, causing the car to die while driving. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the ignition and steering column for any damage. If the ignition is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
  • Consumer Complaints: There have been several consumer complaints about the 1986 Chevy Caprice. These complaints include issues with the ignition, steering column, and car dying while driving. These issues can be diagnosed and fixed by a professional mechanic.

These are just a few of the common problems reported by owners of the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

1986 Chevrolet Caprice engine

What engine is in a 1986 Chevy Caprice?

Specifications for Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon 5.0 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1986 4-speed.

What year Caprice is most popular?

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold.

What year was the Caprice fuel injected?

Standard equipment for all models included tinted glass, a remote-control driver's mirror, automatic headlight on/off, and an AM/FM stereo. A police version of the Caprice wagon was made; it had the code 1A2 and was designed for special service use. 1989 marked the first year of a fuel-injected V8 engine.

What engine did the Caprice have?

Caprice PPV performance

The LFX-code 3.6L V-6 is the standard engine in the Caprice PPV, with the 6.0L V-8 optional. The 301-horsepower (224 kW) LFX is a 60-degree design, with the cylinder block and cylinder heads cast in aluminum for low weight.

What engine is in a 1986 Chevy Caprice?

Specifications for Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon 5.0 V8 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1986 4-speed.

What year Caprice is most popular?

1965

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold.

What engine is in a Caprice?

ENGINES

Type:3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):301 / 224 @ 6700
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm):265 / 358 @ 4800

What kind of oil does a 1986 Chevy Caprice take?

Oil Grade: API*

5W-30 (All TEMPS) - SAE 5W-30 is preferred. Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter).

1986 Chevrolet Caprice car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Caprice problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Steering problems
  • Tires problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Caprice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1986 Chevrolet Caprice

The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles.

2014-05-08

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-05-01
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1986 CHEVY CAPRICE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING, IGNITION IS DAMAGED AND STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NO MORE THAN 2 MINUTES AFTER THE LEAVING THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. HE RETURNED THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONSUMER, AND INFORMED HIM, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THEY HAD NO CLUE AS TO WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. *JB
2001-06-17

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1BN69H7GY
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE HOOD AND TRUNK, WAS NEVER PAINTED CORRECTLY FROM THE FACTORY. *AK
2001-02-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y0GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE HOUSING OF THE POWER MASTER CYLINDER (CAST) BROKE AND OPENED UP WHICH CAUSED THE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. NLM
2000-12-28

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: VEHICLE HAD VIBRATION AND BUMPING SOUND IN FRONT END, UPON INSPECTION OF FRONT END CONSUMER NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION AND BLISTER 2/3 AROUND ONE TIRE AND 1/4 AROUND THE OTHER (FIRESTONE TRIUMPH 2000- 205-75-R15 M/S)
2000-10-25

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-17
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE (FIRESTONE SUPREME 225/75-15). NLM
1999-05-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-05
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y8GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL BECOMES HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1999-02-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-14
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, BAKES GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. *AK
1998-12-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-28
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
1998-09-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y8G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
1998-08-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-03-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN3549G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLED AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. THEY GOT HARD, THE PEDAL WOULDN'T MOVE AT AL., DRIVING AT 10 MPH, INCLINE TOWARDS RED LIGHT, CAR WOULD NOT STOP, MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN. DEALER STATES THEY HAVE REPAIRED BEFORE, AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF VARIOUS WORKMANSHIP. *AK
1998-07-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-15
  • VIN: 1G1BN69H3GX
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE.
1998-06-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y3G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE BRAKES GOT HARD AND THE PEDAL WOULD NOT GO DOWN. DRIVER HAD TO STAND ON THE PEDAL WITH TWO FEET TO STOP, SHE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THE DEALER HAS HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THESE BRAKES. THE BRAKES ARE NO LONGER USED. DEALER OFFERED TO REPLACE BRAKES WITH THE SAME STYLE FOR A FEE. WHEN CONSUMER DRIVES AT 45-55MPH ON WET AND DRY PAVEMENTS THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME. THERE IS NO RECALL. *AK
1998-05-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35YXGX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, IT GOES TO MANUAL. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS (30-40 MPH) THE PEDAL REMAINS STIFF. THE PROLBEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
1997-01-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-09
  • VIN: 1G1BN35H7G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: POWER MASTER BRAKE ASSEMBLY LEAKS , CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE POOR RECALL REPAIR.
1996-11-27

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-10
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y9GX
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TWO DUNLOP TIRES REPLACED DUE TO DEFECTS, 1 RADIAL BELT FAILURE/THE OTHER HAD 'BALLONS' RISING THROUGH THE TREAD.
1996-09-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-31
  • VIN: 1G1BL6961G9
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LINE AND VAPOUR LINE HAS CATASTROPHIC RUST OUT OF ABOUT 3 OR 4 FT. FUEL LINE LEAKS NEAR AREA OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CAUSING POTENTIAL FOR FIRE.*AK *SLC
1996-05-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35K4GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED. *DSH
1996-04-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER PARKED CAR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
1996-03-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y8GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE POWER BOOSTER HAS FAILED, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. *AK
1996-03-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y8GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE POWER BOOSTER HAS FAILED, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. *AK
1996-02-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-19
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y6GX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: FAILURE OF THE BRAKES CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE A NEAR ACCIDENT. TT
1995-12-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PURCHASE CAR USED SOMETIMES THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME LOOSE WILL NOT LOCK . TT
1995-12-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-26
  • VIN: 1G1BN35Y9G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. TT
1995-11-21

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-05-11
  • VIN: 1G1BN35H5G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKING PROBLEMS. TT MASTER CYLINDER KEEPS FAILING, CONSUMER STATES RECALL 86C27 WAS COMPLETE, HOWEVER PROBLEMS CONTINUE. *SLC
1995-10-31

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: EXPERIENCING POWER BRAKE ASSIST MALFUNCTIONS. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. TT

1986 Chevrolet Caprice recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice.

2007-10-24
  • 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.
2006-05-19
  • 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).
1989-06-16
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
  • Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Leave your review of 1986 Chevrolet Caprice

Other years of Chevrolet Caprice

chevrolet caprice 1987 photo
Caprice 1987
Chevrolet

19

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet caprice 1988 photo
Caprice 1988
Chevrolet

15

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet caprice 1989 photo
Caprice 1989
Chevrolet

20

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet caprice 1990 photo
Caprice 1990
Chevrolet

6

2

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet caprice 1991 photo
Caprice 1991
Chevrolet

169

10

8

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet caprice 1992 photo
Caprice 1992
Chevrolet

114

11

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?

Add car complaint
1986 Chevrolet Caprice photo