1986 Toyota Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V089000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING BEVEL GEAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND CARGO VANS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Toyota Van owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (5), Electrical system (3), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/13/2003 · Brakes
CONSUMER STATED WHEN BRAKING, THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.*JB
02/11/2002 · Engine · fire
CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT WHEEL WELL AREA, CONSUMER HEARD 2 EXPLOSIONS, CONSUMER SUFFERED BURNS TO LEFT HAND, FIRE INVESTIGATOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
02/11/2002 · Engine · fire
CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT WHEEL WELL AREA, CONSUMER HEARD 2 EXPLOSIONS, CONSUMER SUFFERED BURNS TO LEFT HAND, FIRE INVESTIGATOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
11/20/2001 · Engine · fire
WHILE DRIVING A FIRE IGNITED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.*SLC
05/12/1999 · Seat belts
SEATBELT ANCHORAGE ON DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE AND SEPARATED, CAUSING A LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK
02/03/1997 · Engine
WAS DRIVING AND THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE PULLEY BROKE . *AK
12/11/1996 · Engine
OWNER STATES THAT THEIR IS EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE GOING INSIDE VEHICLE. OWNER IS CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE OF THIS. SHE ALSO NOTES THAT FLOOR OF VEHICLE IS HARD BECAUSE OF ABNORMAL TEMPERTURES. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEAT IS SO EXCESSIVE THAT IT BURNED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CARPET. *SLC
12/11/1995 · Electrical system · fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNKNOWN SOURCE OF FIRE IN VEHICLE. TT