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1986 Chevrolet Cavalier CS Hatchback

The 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier CS Hatchback is a 2.0-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,113 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 2,359 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,113 ($24,058 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0L inline-4, throttle-body fuel injection, naturally aspirated
Displacement2 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission4-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in (steel)
Wheels Rear13 in (steel)
Dimensions & Weight
Length172 in
Width66 in
Height50 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb Weight2,359 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear52 in
Hip Room Front49 in
Hip Room Rear49 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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

Most-cited areas
Electrical System5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Steering3
Seats2
Seat Belts1
Structure1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 24, 2009 · Electrical System
“ON MY 1986 CHEVY CAVALIER Z24 V6 IF THE ENGINE IS OFF OR ON THE DIGITAL DASH THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND SO DOES THE DOME LIGHT IF THE HEAD LIGHT IS PUSH O PANEL OR BOTH.*TR”
Oct 9, 2002 · Tires
“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE HAS CRACK MARKS ALL OVER THE TIRE. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. MR”
Feb 6, 2001 · Steering
“ADJUSTED STEERING COLUMN IS COMING LOOSE AT COLLAPSE/HINGE AREA DUE TO LOOSENESS OF BOLTS. THIS CAUSES MECHANISM NOT TO WORK PROPERLY ON STEERING COLUMN RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK”
Mar 21, 1999 · Seats Crash 2 injuries
“BACK OF DRIVERS SEAT WENT DOWN, AND DRIVER HIT A CEMENT WALL AND FLIPPED CAR OVER. *AK”
Apr 25, 1998 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“VEHICLE CAUGHT ONN FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN.”

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.

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