1986 Gmc S15 problems

General information about Gmc-S15
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

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Common 1986 Gmc S15 problems

The 1986 GMC S15 is known for its reliability and durability, but like any other vehicle, it can have some common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems by owners of the 1986 GMC S15:

Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating:
Power window motors can fail due to overheating, which is a common issue in the 1986 GMC S15. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including the age of the vehicle, the frequency of use, and the quality of the components. If the power window motor fails, it can be replaced with a new one, but it's important to ensure that the replacement motor is compatible with the vehicle's electrical system.
Vacuum Leaks:
For owners who are doing a motor swap in their 1986 GMC S15, vacuum leaks can be a significant issue. This is especially true if the new engine has power brakes with a vacuum brake booster line, while the old truck has manual brakes. To fix the vacuum leak, vacuum lines need to be installed, but finding the right vacuum diagram for the 1986 GMC S15 can be challenging. Additionally, some owners may choose to delete the smog pump, which can affect the vacuum system and require the use of an a/c bypass pulley, idler pulley, and EGR delete.
4x4 Engagement Issues:
For owners of 4x4 models, engagement issues with the front differential can be a common problem. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including vacuum switches, vacuum lines, and the transfer case. To diagnose and fix this problem, it's important to check the vacuum switch and ensure that it's working properly. If the switch is working correctly, the problem may be with the transfer case, which may need to be inspected or replaced.
Distributor Problems:
The distributor is a critical component of the 1986 GMC S15's ignition system. If the distributor fails, it can cause a variety of issues, including no spark or intermittent spark. To prevent this problem, it's important to keep up with maintenance and replace the cap and rotor, plugs and wires, and ignition module as needed.
ABS Problems:
The 1986 GMC S15's anti-lock braking system (ABS) can also be prone to issues. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, and faulty ABS sensors. To diagnose and fix ABS problems, it's important to inspect the brake system and replace any worn-out or damaged components.

In conclusion, while the 1986 GMC S15 is a reliable and durable vehicle, it can still have some common issues. By understanding these problems and taking preventative measures, owners can ensure that their vehicles remain in good working order for years to come.

1986 Gmc S15 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc S15 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Gmc S15 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Gmc S15 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Gmc S15.

2000-01-20

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: STEERING
Summary: TILT STEERING AND COLUMN LOOSE. YOU CAN WOBBLE THE STEERING WHEEL ONE INCH. *AK

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1995-06-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-14
Fire: 1
VIN: 1GTCT14R3GL
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

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1995-05-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
VIN: 1GTDS14E2G8
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT BUCKLE FAILED, WILL NOT LATCH THE SPRING BROKEN. TT

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1986 Gmc S15 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Gmc S15.

2006-05-24

Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

1986-10-21

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: TIRE AND WHEEL INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY BE INCORRECT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 120.
Remedy: INSTALL CERTIFIED LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.

1986-09-19

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.