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1986 Chevrolet SpectrumProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum has problems

2 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
Engine and engine cooling10
Seat belts11

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

1 recall

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum 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.

–no report yet

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 87V-078 · May 26, 1987 · 108,268 vehicles

Risk. A PERFORATED DIAPHRAGM CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THEFUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 Spectrum 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 Spectrum median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

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

  1. SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RINGPE90062 · closed Jul 30, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What Spectrum owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I PURCHASED THIS 1986 CHEVROLET SPECTRUM FROM AN INLAW WHO COULDN'T GET IT TO RUN. HE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHO COULDN'T GET IT TO RUN. I PERSONALLY HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS, AND MONEY TRING TO GET THE CAR TO STAY RUNNING. WITH NO POSITIVE RESULT. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER,…
Complaint 714516 · Nov 9, 1999

Own a 1986 Spectrum?

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