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1986 GMC Truck K2500

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1986 K2500.

The 1986 GMC K2500 is a heavy‑duty pickup built on the rugged K platform, powered by a dependable inline‑six engine that requires a 5‑quart oil capacity and can run on 20W‑20, 15W‑40, or 5W‑30 viscosities. Its robust construction and proven drivetrain make it a workhorse, and its 1986 model year sits early in the series that would later see a peak of 25 owner complaints in 1996 and a low of just one complaint in 1992, reflecting a relatively stable reliability profile for the decade. With only one recall recorded, the K2500’s 1986 incarnation exemplifies the solid build quality that would define the line for years to come.

Model year1989 1986

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type20W-20 / 15W-40 / 5W-30OEM · verified

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt of 20W-20 / 15W-40 / 5W-30 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	4.2 qt
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	27.0 qt
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	20W-20 · 15W-40 · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	5 qt

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Exhaust Pressure Regulator (inspect)
Every 5,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate)
At 6,000 mi	Choke System (inspect) · Distributor Vacuum Advance (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Idle Speed Control Motor (inspect)
Every 6,000 mi	Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Parking Brake Cable (lubricate)
At 7,500 mi	Carburetor Mounting Fasteners (inspect) · Choke System (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Air Cleaner Manifold Heat Control Actuator (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Radiator Fan Assembly (inspect) · Underbody Splash Shield (inspect) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)
Every 15,000 mi	Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust Pressure Regulator (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 24,000 mi	Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 1986 GMC Truck K2500 lead in one area — the suspension,engine & engine cooling,power train,exterior lighting,structure, 1 of 5 reports (20%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 1 recall campaigns target the suspension,engine & engine cooling,power train,exterior lighting,structure, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the suspension,engine & engine cooling,power train,exterior lighting,structure pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 5 complaints on record, top 5 components.

Suspension,Engine & Engine Cooling,Power Train,Exterior Lighting,Structure1

Fuel System, Gasoline1

Equipment1

Suspension1

Engine & Engine Cooling1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

07E088000EquipmentReported 24/10/2007

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.