1986 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of compact cars produced by Chevrolet. Serving as the replacement of the Chevrolet Monza, the Cavalier was the second Chevrolet model line to adopt front-wheel drive. Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.
The Cavalier was among the inaugural vehicles of the GM J platform. One of the first "world cars" of General Motors, the J platform was developed for use by each North American GM division (with the exception of GMC), alongside international models for Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden. Though sharing chassis underpinnings, J-body cars from Europe and Australia used slightly different body designs and different powertrains; in Europe, the Vauxhall Cavalier and Opel Ascona were marketed as mid-size cars. Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird (renamed the Pontiac Sunfire for 1995).
The 1982-2005 Cavalier was produced by multiple GM facilities across North America. For 2005, the Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the model line in North America.
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Common 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Cavalier 1986, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems: Many owners have experienced transmission troubles, typically around the 90,000-mile mark, leading to minor repairs, major rebuilds, or complete replacements. The average cost of repair for transmission issues exceeds $3,000.
- Electrical Problems: The Cavalier 1986 faces various electrical issues, including starting failures, malfunctioning windows and door mirrors, and unexplained battery drain. The average cost to fix electrical problems is around $450.
- Steering Problems: A common issue with the Chevy Malibu, which shares similarities with the Cavalier, is sudden power steering failure. Resolving this problem often requires replacing the entire steering system, costing an average of $910.
- Instrument Panel Failures: Chevrolet Silverados and Trailblazers, which share similarities with the Cavalier, have reported instrument panel failures around the 64,000-mile mark. Repairing this issue involves replacing the instrument cluster, costing around $440.
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the Chevrolet Cavalier 1986, ranging from critical systems like the transmission and steering to electrical and instrument panel malfunctions. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the performance and safety of the vehicle.
How long can a Chevy Cavalier last?
There are reports of 2003 Cavaliers topping 300,000 miles with the original powertrain and engine. One mechanic at Car Gurus even claims to have worked on an engine with 440,000 miles on it. But, as you can't vouch for the previous owner's maintenance habits, expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Chevy Cavalier have?
Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.8 V6 MFI 122hp, 1986.
Why did Chevy stop making Cavaliers?
Contrary to the American markets, however, the cavalier remained on sale in other regions like Mexico for example. Stopping the Cavalier's production was a logical decision based on the declining sedan sales in the United States, a decision that left only the Malibu to represent the sedan segment in Chevrolet's lineup.
What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?
The chassis was revised for 2003. All Cavaliers are powered by GM's newly developed Ecotec 2.2-liter engine, which offers responsive performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions. Chevrolet Cavalier is designed to offer a compelling value.
1986 Chevrolet Cavalier car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Cavalier problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Seats problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON MY 1986 CHEVY CAVALIER Z24 V6 IF THE ENGINE IS OFF OR ON THE DIGITAL DASH THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND SO DOES THE DOME LIGHT IF THE HEAD LIGHT IS PUSH O PANEL OR BOTH.*TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-02
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE HAS CRACK MARKS ALL OVER THE TIRE. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. MR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: 1G1JF27W5GJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ADJUSTED STEERING COLUMN IS COMING LOOSE AT COLLAPSE/HINGE AREA DUE TO LOOSENESS OF BOLTS. THIS CAUSES MECHANISM NOT TO WORK PROPERLY ON STEERING COLUMN RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-18
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1JD35P1GJ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BACK OF DRIVERS SEAT WENT DOWN, AND DRIVER HIT A CEMENT WALL AND FLIPPED CAR OVER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ONN FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-04
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT HARNESS FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, WILL NOT PULL OUT TO LOCK/ LATCH TO BUCKLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-23
- VIN: 1G1JF27W3G7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ERRATIC OPERATION OF DASHBOARD, CONSOLE LOSES PROPER READING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-26
- VIN: 1G1JD69P2G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-26
- VIN: 1G1JD69P2G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LEAK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-26
- VIN: 1G1JD69P2G7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN INOPERATIVE.( 2ND VEHICLE ON 506736)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-17
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1JD69P8D7
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS HIT BROADSIDE, PASSENGER WAS EJECTED, WAS BELTED, BUT SEAT BROKE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-02
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)*SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-15
- VIN: 1G1JF77WXG7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DASHBOARD DISPLAY INTERMITTENTLY DISAPPEARED AND CAME BACK ON; NOW, COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE; VEHICLE UNKNOWINGLY RAN OUT OF GAS, OVERHEATED, CANNOT TELL SPEED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-15
- VIN: 1G1JF77WXG7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DASHBOARD DISPLAY INTERMITTENTLY DISAPPEARED AND CAME BACK ON; NOW, COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE; VEHICLE UNKNOWINGLY RAN OUT OF GAS, OVERHEATED, CANNOT TELL SPEED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-30
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN A FIRE (OHIO STATE POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT). *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-08-03
- VIN: 1G1JC69P2GK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STIFF POWER STEERING DUE TO POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK, ALSO POWER STEERING RACK/PUMP/HOSE REPLACED. *AW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1JC69P4GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DASH FIRE AND THE CAR WAS TOTALLY BURNT UP. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1JD69P7GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL FIRE. *SKD
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-16
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: REAR WINDOW CRACKED AND BLEW OUT OF VEHICLE, OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT. *TW
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-05
- VIN: 1G1JD35PXG7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING IS REAL STIFF WHEN IT IS COLD MAKING CAR HARD TO TURN. TT
1986 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier.
- 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: 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.
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