Model year guide

1986 Toyota Camry

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Toyota Camry is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

1986 Toyota Camry — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Toyota Camry at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints36
Combined25–29 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Toyota Camry recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1986 Toyota Camry.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Toyota Camry common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1986 Toyota Camry MPG & running costs

Combined25–29 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,833
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume20 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,167 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Toyota Camry costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,165
Fuel only$14,165
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
175.6 in
Width
66.5 in
Height
53.9–55.1 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
2,381–2,425 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1986 Toyota Camry — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

About the Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations. Originally compact in size (narrow-body), the Camry has grown since the 1990s to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two widths co-existed in that decade. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm's second "world car" after the Corolla. As of 2022, the Camry is positioned above the Corolla and below the Avalon or Crown in several markets.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Toyota Camry vehicles on record

Other Toyota Camry model years

1986 Toyota Camry — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Toyota Camry have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1986 Toyota Camry. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Toyota Camry?

Across all 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, tires, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Toyota Camry get?

The 1986 Toyota Camry has U.S. EPA estimates of 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.