1966 Chevrolet Chevelle problems

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The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by Chevrolet in three generations for the 1964 through 1977 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The "Super Sport" versions were produced through the 1973 model year and Lagunas from 1973 through to 1976.

After a four-year absence, the El Camino was reintroduced as part of the new Chevelle lineup in 1964.

The G-body Monte Carlo, introduced in 1970, also used a platform based heavily on the Chevelle platform, although it was lengthened ahead of the firewall.

From 1964 through 1969, GM of Canada sold a modified version of the Chevelle that included a Pontiac-style grille and a LeMans instrument panel, marketed as the Beaumont.

The Malibu was the top-of-the-line model through 1972 and completely replaced the Chevelle nameplate starting with the redesigned and downsized 1978 model year.

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

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Common 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle problems

Based on the search results, the most common problems with the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, as reported by owners, include:

  • Brake caliper replacement: This is another common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The brake calipers are responsible for stopping the car, and their replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Strut assembly replacement: The strut assembly is a critical component of the car's suspension system, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. This is a common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Fuel pump replacement: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. This is a common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Steering rack/gearbox replacement: The steering rack/gearbox is responsible for steering the car, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. This is a common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Oil pressure sensor replacement: The oil pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the car's oil pressure, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. This is a common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Wheel bearing replacement: The wheel bearings are responsible for supporting the car's wheels, and their replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. This is a common issue in Chevelles, including the 1966 model year. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Rear passenger side window motor/regulator assembly replacement: This issue is specific to the 1966 Chevelle. The rear passenger side window motor/regulator assembly is responsible for operating the car's rear passenger side window, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Front upper right control arm assembly replacement: This issue is specific to the 1966 Chevelle. The front upper right control arm assembly is responsible for supporting the car's front suspension, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Front passenger side wheel bearings replacement: This issue is specific to the 1966 Chevelle. The front passenger side wheel bearings are responsible for supporting the car's front wheels, and their replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Rear brake shoe replacement: This issue is specific to the 1966 Chevelle. The rear brake shoes are responsible for stopping the car, and their replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.
  • Front passenger side door lock actuator replacement: This issue is specific to the 1966 Chevelle. The front passenger side door lock actuator is responsible for operating the car's front passenger side door lock, and its replacement can be necessary due to wear and tear or failure. The cost of this repair can vary, but it can be a significant expense.

In addition to these common problems, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle can also have rust issues, particularly in the rear window area, the front window area, lower front fenders, and rear quarters. These are the major areas to look closely for rust issues when considering purchasing a 1966 Chevelle.

Overall, the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle can be a reliable and fun-to-drive classic car, but it is important to be aware of these common problems and their potential costs. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from becoming major expenses, and sourcing replacement parts from junkyards can help keep costs down.

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle engine

What year was the best Chevelle to buy?

One of the rarest and most sought-after Chevelles is the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible. In 1970, Chevrolet produced only 20 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertibles. These cars were equipped with the potent LS6 engine, making them incredibly powerful and desirable among collectors.

What engine was in a 1966 Chevelle?

The engines included three 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8s – the standard, rated at 325 hp (242 kW), an optional 360 hp (270 kW), and an optional 375 hp (280 kW) (the mid-horsepower 396 was rated at 360 hp (270 kW) for 1966 and 350 hp (260 kW) thereafter).

What year Chevelle is most wanted?

1970

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

People who love the Chevy Chevelle love it a lot. And while many people think of 1970 as the best year ever for muscle cars, many more claim the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 as the very best muscle car made that year.

How much did a 1966 Chevelle cost in 1966?

Like the '57 Chevy, a used '66 SS396 was inexpensive (the base price for a new SS396 was just $2,276 for the coupe). They were plentiful; Chevrolet built 66,843 SS396 hardtops and 5,429 convertibles (which base priced at $2,964).

What engine was in a 1966 Chevelle?

The engines included three 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8s – the standard, rated at 325 hp (242 kW), an optional 360 hp (270 kW), and an optional 375 hp (280 kW) (the mid-horsepower 396 was rated at 360 hp (270 kW) for 1966 and 350 hp (260 kW) thereafter).

What year Chevelle is the best?

One of the rarest and most sought-after Chevelles is the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible. In 1970, Chevrolet produced only 20 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertibles. These cars were equipped with the potent LS6 engine, making them incredibly powerful and desirable among collectors.

What is the difference between a 1966 and 1967 Chevelle?

From the front, the 1966 Chevelle grille is angled back from top to bottom, giving the headlamps a protruded look, and for 1967 the lamps a little inboard and the fender line is near vertical.

Is a Chevelle a good investment?

Despite its age, the Chevrolet Chevelle holds a remarkable resale value. The market for classic muscle cars remains robust, and the Chevelle, an iconic model, commands premium prices.

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Equipment problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle.

2018-12-21

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-02-03
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1965 (NA) CHEVROLET CHEVELLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18E008000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, EQUIPMENT). THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PART WAS TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
1999-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-23
  • VIN: 135176B1234
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN CONSUMER CRASHING INTO GATE, BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY UPON INSPECTION. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle.

1976-10-12
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
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