1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe
All photo credits
- Photo: 1984 Chevrolet Cavalier Type 10 convertible, front left, 03-15-2026 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1st Chevrolet Cavalier wagon front by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 coupé rear by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1st Chevrolet Cavalier wagon rear by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe is a 2.0-liter inline-4 coupe with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $7,446 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.
EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
The Cavalier measures 172.0 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,319 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $7,446 ($22,080 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L inline-4, throttle-body fuel injection, naturally aspirated |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 23 MPG |
| Highway | 30 MPG |
| Combined | 22 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 13 in (steel) |
| Wheels Rear | 13 in (steel) |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 172 in |
| Width | 66 in |
| Height | 50 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,319 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 42 in |
| Legroom Rear | 31 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 52 in |
| Hip Room Front | 49 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 49 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier Coupe with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet CAVALIER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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).
NHTSA campaign 06E043000
Sep 19, 1986 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA campaign 86V131000
Apr 28, 1986 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA campaign 86V056000
18 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet CAVALIER
Owner Complaints
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet CAVALIER (2 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.