Model year record

1986 Chevrolet Cavalier

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 21 owner complaints on file.

Chevrolet Cavalier, 1982–1987 generation
Pictured: the 1982–1987 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 86V131000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
106,111
Reported to NHTSA
1986-09-19
Owners notified
1986-05-15

Defect description

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.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 86V056000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
93,317
Reported to NHTSA
1986-04-28
Owners notified
1986-05-15

Defect description

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.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline6—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2—
Electrical system1189,654 mi
Electrical system: horn1—
Electrical system: wiring1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seats1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1—
Steering: rack and pinion1—
Structure: body1—
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1—
Visibility: glass, side/rear1—

The 1985 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1987 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Chevrolet Cavalier model years

All Chevrolet Cavalier recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.