- The problem
- The left hand lower control arm can crack starting at the rear flange and progressing to the ball joint mounting hole and eventually cause the lower ball joint to separate from the control arm.
- The risk
- If the ball joint separates from the control arm, a lossof vehicle control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Install a resinforced brace to the left hand lower control arm.
Vehicle safety record
1986 GMC C35 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1986 GMC C35 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in December 1991 for the lower arm.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical C35 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1986 GMC C35 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Trucks failed to comply with requirements of fmvss 301, fuel system integrity, during a 30 mph frontal barrier test.
- The risk
- Greater than acceptable fuel spillage during and after acollision could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Install an additional shield to the front of the original shield to protect the fuel tank.
- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
What owners say
Be the first C35 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1986 GMC C35 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
GMC C35: every year compared
All C35 years1986 GMC C35 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 GMC C35 | 0 | 3 | D | |
| 1986 GMC 7000 | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1986 GMC C/K Pickup | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 GMC C35
Does the 1986 GMC C35 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 GMC C35: lower arm (December 1991); tank assembly (January 1987); switch (September 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1986 GMC C35 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1986 GMC C35 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical GMC C35 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC C35 years have the most complaints?
1985 (1), 1988 (1). See every GMC C35 year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 GMC C35 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data