C0186: owner reports and bulletins

Chassis. We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got C0186 on your scanner? Tell the mechanic your year, make, model and any symptoms and you'll get the likely cause and what to check first. Ask about this code.

What owners report to NHTSA

5 complaints filed with NHTSA mention C0186, 5 of them since 2015, across 2 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: air bags.

Most-reported models

VehicleComplaintsModel years reported
CHEVROLET MALIBU32015

Manufacturer service bulletins that name C0186

22 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention C0186, from 4 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • CHEVROLET EQUINOX (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), bulletin 10151859: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp, service Antilock Braking System, Service Stabilitrak, Service A…
  • GMC TERRAIN (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), bulletin 10151859: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp, service Antilock Braking System, Service Stabilitrak, Service A…
  • BUICK REGAL (2014, 2015), bulletin 10113819: This preliminary informational bulletin provides diagnostic tips to correct a customer concern of Airbag Readiness Light on, and technician may find DTC B101D SYM 00 and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287 set.
  • CHEVROLET MALIBU (2015), bulletin 10113819: This preliminary informational bulletin provides diagnostic tips to correct a customer concern of Airbag Readiness Light on, and technician may find DTC B101D SYM 00 and C0186, C0196 and/or C0287 set.
  • BUICK LACROSSE (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), bulletin 10114543: This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician to insure that global diagnostic service 2 diagnostic packages are up to date prior to learning the steering angle sensor for a diagnostic trouble code C7…
  • CADILLAC ATS (2013, 2014, 2015, 2010), bulletin 10114543: This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician to insure that global diagnostic service 2 diagnostic packages are up to date prior to learning the steering angle sensor for a diagnostic trouble code C7…

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.