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1986 Chevrolet Monte CarloProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints63 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train20
Engine and engine cooling11
Seat belts10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Monte Carlo year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Monte Carlo median. How we score

'70'73'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'90'91'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'10
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and the recalls they led to.

  1. THROTTLE NON-RETURNC89001 · closed Jan 16, 1990
    No recall
  2. JAMMED STEERING MECHANISMPE89104 · closed May 12, 1989
    No recall
  3. PARKING BRAKE CABLEPE89145 · closed Sep 22, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What Monte Carlo owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TRANSMISSION FAILS TO COME OUT OF LOCK UP CAUSING CAR TO STALL AND SHIFT ERRATICALLY WHEN RESTARTED. I FAILURE ANALIZED THE PSOLENOID WHICH WAS REMOVED AND FOUND THE MAL-FUNCTION TO BE CAUSED BY A BLISTERING OF THE PHENALIC CORE MATERIAL DUE TO OVERHEATING THUS CAUSING THE SOLENOID PISTON TO STICK…
Complaint 703845 · Feb 28, 1999

Own a 1986 Monte Carlo?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.