1986 Chevrolet Corvette problems
The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars, manufactured and marketed by General Motors, under the Chevrolet marque, since 1953.
Over the course of eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. Since the cessation of Ford and Chrysler's competitors, the Corvette is the only two-seat sports car produced by a major United States auto manufacturer and serves as Chevrolet's halo car.
Since its introduction in 1953, the two-seater has steadily moved upmarket. Originally a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have positioned the Corvette in the supercar class. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1983) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM's unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.
In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company's new sports car after the corvette, a small maneuverable warship. The first model, a convertible, was introduced at the 1953 GM Motorama as a concept car; production models went on sale later that year. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. Originally manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum.
The Corvette has become widely known as "America's Sports Car." Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, "the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure," ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history."
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Common 1986 Chevrolet Corvette problems
The 1986 Chevrolet Corvette, known for its performance and style, is not without its common issues. This article will discuss several problems reported by owners of this car, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, and interior issues.
Engine
The engine in the 1986 Corvette is prone to several issues. One common problem is the engine seizing when water enters the engine air intake system. This occurs when water is drawn into the air intake system by the radiator fan and collected on the front air spoiler, causing the air cleaner to allow water into the cylinder chamber and resulting in engine lock-up.
Another engine issue is the engine stalling, surging, or running rough due to malfunctioning computer control modules. This can be severe enough to prevent the Corvette from starting.
Fuel injectors are also a common issue on early model C4 Corvettes, with the most common failure being an electrical short in the injector itself, causing the entire injector bank to malfunction. This can prevent the Corvette from starting.
Transmission (Automatic)
The transmission in the 1986 Corvette has its own set of issues. The transmission overdrive engages erratically due to a faulty control assembly, which can prevent the transmission from shifting into higher gears. Additionally, automatic transmissions exhibit difficult/hard shifting.
Brakes
The 1986 Corvette's braking system has several known issues. The anti-lock braking system is known to fail, causing brakes to lock up, and can also cause erratic pulsating in the braking system, even when the brake pedal is fully depressed.
Electrical Issues
The 1986 Corvette's electrical system has several reported issues. The Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) can cause problems, as it was first installed in Corvettes in 1986. The instrument panel is known to flicker on and off, especially while the car is idling, and the fuel gauge is known to fluctuate by as much as 1/4 of a tank, resulting in possible stall conditions from engine fuel starvation.
Interior Issues
The 1986 Corvette's interior also has several reported issues. The shoulder harness/driver & passenger restraint system is known to fail during impact/crash conditions, with the shoulder harness failing when the anchoring system breaks, thereby eliminating the effectiveness of the restraint system. The seat belt retractors are known to lock-up, preventing the seat belts from being extendable/usable. A second, similar condition causes the seat-belt/shoulder restraint system to lock during vehicle operation, preventing the driver from being able to move properly while driving.
In conclusion, the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette, while a powerful and stylish car, is not without its share of common issues. Owners and potential buyers should be aware of these problems and consider them when purchasing, maintaining, or repairing this classic vehicle.
Was 1986 a good year for Corvette?
All of that meant the 1986 Corvette had great performance with 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and 0-100 mph in 14.9 seconds. It was again, a great sports car package and total production was 35,109, of which 27,794 were Coupes and 7,315 were Convertibles.
What years of Corvette to stay away from?
We recommend staying away from the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2013 models. These may require pricey fixes, especially since the car is one of the rarer choices. The biggest fault in these models of the C6 Corvette is in the transmission.
How many miles will a 1986 Corvette last?
On my third Corvette, member of several Corvette forums. I had my 1986 for 23 years, 125,000 miles. My 2006 is now at 70,000 miles. They are cars built to last 100,000 to 200,000 miles depending how you take care of them.
What problems does a C4 Corvette have?
The oil cooler on the Corvette C4 is another weak point, because an oil leak can begin at the joint between the inlet pipe and cooler. However, that isn't the only leak, because the rocker cover gaskets have also been known to spring a leak, dropping a telltale trail of the expensive stuff on the blacktop.
Was 1986 a good year for Corvette?
All of that meant the 1986 Corvette had great performance with 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and 0-100 mph in 14.9 seconds. It was again, a great sports car package and total production was 35,109, of which 27,794 were Coupes and 7,315 were Convertibles.
What year was the bad Corvette?
What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.
How many miles will a 1986 Corvette last?
On my third Corvette, member of several Corvette forums. I had my 1986 for 23 years, 125,000 miles. My 2006 is now at 70,000 miles. They are cars built to last 100,000 to 200,000 miles depending how you take care of them.
What are the problem years for Corvette?
Years to Avoid
- 1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
- 1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
- 2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
- 2004 – Fuel System Woes.
1986 Chevrolet Corvette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corvette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-15
- VIN: 1G1YY6782G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS DON'T TIGHTEN UPON FAST BODY MOVEMENT OR FAST BRAKING. THEY DON'T WORK PROPERLY.I HAD THE BELTS REPLACE AT A CHEVROLET DEALER, BUT THEY STILL DON'T WORK PROPERLY.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-06
- VIN: 1G1YY6782G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKES LOCK UP IN REAR FRONT KEEPS SPINING WAS TOLD MY ABS MODULE WAS BAD UNABLE TO EVEN FIND REPLACEMENT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-11
- VIN: 1G1YY0781G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REFERENCE NUMBERS: ?CHEVROLET RECALLS 91C25 AND 91C26 ISSUED NOVEMBER 1991 ?NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #: 91V143000 ?CHEVROLET CLAIM# [XXX] (FROM RECENT CONVERSATIONS) ?VIN# [XXX]. OUR 1986 CORVETTE'S SEATBELTS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKUP AND DO NOT MOVE; THEN WHEN THEY DO EVENTUALLY RELEASE WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THEY DO NOT CONSISTENTLY GRAB WHEN NEEDED. AFTER ONE RECENT QUICK STOP THE PASSENGER BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN. THAT EXPERIENCE PROMPTED US TO SEARCH ONLINE FOR REPLACEMENT SEATBELTS. DURING THAT SEARCH WE FOUND A RECALL NOTICE, SO WE CHECKED OUR OWN RECORDS AND FOUND THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE THAT CHEVROLET MAILED TO US IN 1991, AND AN APRIL 1991 NOTE THAT THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM THE SERVICE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE ALL OF THE VEHICLE?S SERVICE RECORDS AND THERE IS NO RECORD, OR RECOLLECTION, THAT THE REPAIR WAS EVER PERFORMED. WE CALLED CHEVROLET?S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LEARNED THAT ONE DATABASE SHOWS THAT OUR 1986 CORVETTE IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, BUT ANOTHER DATABASE (OPEN RECALL DATABASE?) DOES NOT SHOW OUR VIN# SO THEY WON?T PERFORM THE REPAIR. IN JUNE 2014 A LOCAL DEALER, WHO ALSO REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE, SURMISED THAT OUR VIN# DOES NOT APPEAR BECAUSE IN APRIL 1992, WHEN THE RECALL SERVICE WAS ORIGINALLY REFUSED, THE DEALER PROBABLY REMOVED IT FROM THE RECALL DATABASE (BUT WE WERE NOT INFORMED OF THIS NOR DOES CHEVROLET HAVE ANY RECORD OF IT.) OF COURSE THE MISSING VIN# MIGHT ALSO BE A DATA ACCURACY PROBLEM WITH CHEVROLET?S DATABASE. ARE YOU IN A POSITION TO ADVISE/ENCOURAGE CHEVROLET TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELTS? IF NOT, AT LEAST FILE THIS AS A SAFETY COMPLAINT AGAINST CHEVROLET. THANK YOU. PS: WE HAVE A LOG OF ALL CALLS TO GM AND PICTURES OF THE SEAT BELT SERIAL NUMBERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-21
- VIN: 1G1YY0782G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING ABNORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 86V120000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-20
- VIN: 1G1YY0784G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. RECALL #91V143000 WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL, AND THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT MAINTAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 88,132. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-13
- VIN: 1G1YY0782G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MY BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER STARTED TO LEAK. THE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. *NM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G1YY078XG5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT: IN 1991 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 91V143000 CONCERNING SAFETY BELTS. THE RECALL STATED THAT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE IT WILL BE FIXED. TODAY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE AMERICAN CHEVROLET, THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE RECALL. AT THAT POINT, THE CONSUMER CALLED GENERAL MOTORS AND THEY CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY REFUSED TO HELP. THE CONSUMER HAS A FILE NUMBER AT GM 1-347-363-013. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS HURT WHEN SHE WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND THE BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED QUICKLY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-26
- VIN: 1G1YY0786G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE CENTER VALVE ON THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS BRAKE FLUID.THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CENTER VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED.THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET CO. BUT THEY SAID THERE ISNT A RECALL .BUT YOU SAY THERE IS. WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH???PLEASE HELP.TIM THE CAMPAIGN # IS 86V120000
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY0789G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEALERS REFUSE TO COMPLY WITH SEAT BELT RECALL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-12
- VIN: 1G1YY0780G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKES LOCK AND UP THE VEHICLE SKIDS AND WHEN THE BBRAKES WOULDN'T RELEASE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-21
- VIN: 1G1YY0784G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT GET STUCK. SHOULDER BELTS CAN'T COME OUT AND GO OVER THE CONSUMERS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THEM WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY0786G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- VIN: 1G1YY6788G5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORT SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE THAT THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS AND/OR THE BRAKES, THE FUSE OR FUSES BLOW, LEAVING THE CAR WITHOUT BRAKING LIGHTS AND/OR TURN INDICATORS. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-09
- VIN: 1G1YY6789G5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AT HIGH SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, HAD TO MAKE A PANIC STOP, BUT BRAKES FAILED. CONSUMER CLAIMS PROBLEM RELATES TO MASTER CYLINDER. INQUIRES WHETHER HIS VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER RECALL 86V-120, MASTER CYLINDER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY0789G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS JAMMED AND FAILED TO RETRACT PRIOR TO RECALL; RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DEALER CLAIMING BELT FAILURE NOT RELATED TO RECALL. (91V-143). *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0782G5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT DOOR FAILS TO OPEN ON DEMAND DUE TO FAILED MOTOR, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. *DH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
- VIN: 1G1YY0782G5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
1986 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette.
- 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: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
- Consequence: IF LOCKUP OCCURS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL BELT OUT OFTHE RETRACTOR. THE OCCUPANT OF A SEAT WITH AN UNUSABLE SAFETY BELT ISSUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: SEVERE AND UNUSUAL BRAKING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CENTER VALVE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF SUFFICIENT DAMAGE OCCURS, LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES MAY OCCUR WITH INCREASED PEDAL TRAVEL AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. THE REDUCTION OF BRAKING ABILITY AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: NEW MASTER CYLINDER CENTER VALVE AND RELATED PARTS WILL BE INSTALLED.
- 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 Corvette
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