1986 Chevrolet Chevette problems
The Chevrolet Chevette is a front-engine, rear-drive subcompact manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet for model years 1976–1987 as a three-door or five-door hatchback. Introduced in North America in September 1975, the Chevette superseded the Vega as Chevrolet's entry-level subcompact, and sold 2.8 million units over 12 years. The Chevette was the best-selling small car in the U.S. for model years 1979 and 1980.
The Chevette employed General Motors' global T platform which was co-developed by Opel and Isuzu in 1973. The first T-car model produced was the Brazilian Chevrolet Chevette released in the same year. Six months later the Opel Kadett C was released in Europe. Worldwide, GM manufactured and marketed more than 7 million T-cars – either as rebadged models or locally-built versions in different countries. T-car variants were sold internationally as the Pontiac Acadian in Canada; Pontiac T1000/1000 in the United States (1981–1987); K-180 in Argentina; Vauxhall Chevette in the United Kingdom, Austria, France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and Uruguay; Opel Kadett C in Germany; Isuzu Gemini in Japan, Holden Gemini in Australia; AYMESA Cóndor in Ecuador (from 1978); Saehan Gemini and Daewoo Maepsy in South Korea; and as a coupe utility (pickup), the Chevy (or GMC) 500 in Brazil and South America. A T-car variant remained in production in South America through 1998.
Introduced on a full-color nationwide campaign in 140–150 of the country's largest daily papers, the New York Times said the "little American car holds its own with the foreigners." Looking back on the Chevette in 2011, the same publication called the Chevette "haphazardly made, sparsely trimmed and underpowered." Consumer Guide described the Chevette as “unimaginative to an extreme.”
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Common 1986 Chevrolet Chevette problems
The Chevrolet Chevette, produced in 1986, was a compact car that faced several common problems, primarily related to its performance, handling, and interior comfort.
- Handling Issues: The Chevette's handling was criticized for being unstable, especially in adverse weather conditions. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with narrow tires and a lightweight body, made the car prone to oversteer, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. This led to a lack of driver confidence, with some owners reporting near-misses or accidents due to the car's handling characteristics.
- Interior Comfort: The Chevette's interior was often criticized for its lack of refinement and comfort. The vinyl seats, in particular, were known to be uncomfortable, especially during long drives. The lack of power steering, although not a major issue due to the car's light weight, was still a point of contention for some owners who found it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or during long drives.
- Reliability: Despite the car's reputation for reliability, some owners reported issues with the Chevette's electrical systems, including faulty wiring and malfunctioning gauges. These issues, while not widespread, were a source of frustration for those affected, as they often required expensive repairs.
- Rust and Corrosion: The Chevette was prone to rust and corrosion, particularly in areas where road salt was used during the winter months. This led to structural weaknesses in the car's body, which could result in costly repairs or even total vehicle failure in extreme cases.
In summary, the 1986 Chevrolet Chevette faced several common problems, including lackluster performance, handling issues, interior discomfort, reliability concerns, and susceptibility to rust and corrosion. These issues, while not universal, were significant enough to affect the overall ownership experience for many Chevette owners.
How much did a 1986 Chevrolet Chevette cost new?
The Chevette's price was also dropped to $4,995. Sales fell to just over 46,000 units, and production ended on December 23, 1986.
Why did they stop making Chevy Chevette?
They where so bad on take off that you could be run over in traffic. Just terribly slow. But GM moved on and the Chevette became history. Due to declining sales and the fact that Chevrolet was producing the Nova subcompact in a joint venture with Toyota at a plant in Fremont, Calif.
What was the last year they made a Chevy Chevette?
1976-1987
It was ultimately built for model years 1976-1987. To no one's surprise, the Chevette was the best-selling small car in America from 1979 and 1980.
How many miles per gallon does a 1981 Chevy Chevette get?
26.61
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 175 fuel-ups and 39,453 miles of driving, the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.61 with a 0.60 MPG margin of error.
Why did they stop making Chevy Chevette?
They where so bad on take off that you could be run over in traffic. Just terribly slow. But GM moved on and the Chevette became history. Due to declining sales and the fact that Chevrolet was producing the Nova subcompact in a joint venture with Toyota at a plant in Fremont, Calif.
What kind of engine does a Chevette have?
The Chevette originally appeared with a 1.4-liter inline-four of Isuzu origins, albeit with a single overhead cam rather than the pushrod model originally used in the United States. In 1981 this was augmented by a locally developed 1.6-liter version, it too with a single carburetor.
What was the last year Chevette was made?
-1987
It was ultimately built for model years 1976-1987. To no one's surprise, the Chevette was the best-selling small car in America from 1979 and 1980.
How much did a Chevy Chevette cost?
The earliest models were priced around $3,000. Twelve years later, by the time the Chevette was discontinued, pricing had only jumped to approximately $5,000.
1986 Chevrolet Chevette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Chevette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Chevette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Chevrolet Chevette complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Chevette.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1TB68C5GA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILURE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING; ALSO REPLACED CARBURETOR/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1TB68C5GA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE OFTEN LOSES POWER AND UNABLE TO GO ABOVE 20 MPH, UNLESS GOING DOWNHILL. HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN CRUISING ON HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND THERE IS LITTLE RESPONSE FROM THE ACCELERATOR. PROBLEM CANNOT BE DETERMINED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1BN35Y0G9
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR.
1986 Chevrolet Chevette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Chevette.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BUTTON MECHANISM MAY WEAR TO THE POINT THAT THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT LEVER NO LONGER NEEDS TO BE DEPRESSED TO SHIFT GEARS.
- Consequence: A LEVER WITH THIS CONDITION COULD BE INADVERTENTLY BUMPEDOR MOVED FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE BY THE DRIVER OR A PASSENGER WHILE THE VEHICLEIS BEING DRIVEN. A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED SHIFTING COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: A NEWLY DESIGNED TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES.
- 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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