MYRModel Year Report

1986 Buick Century

○ Not enough data
1986 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:46.992Z

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
22

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1986 22 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1986 22 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 33 complaints 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2003: 127 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1986 22 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1994 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1998 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2000 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005

1986: 22 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19848
19857
198622
198728
198816
198941
199033
199139
199245
199354
1994117
199599
199680
1997106
1998218
1999235
2000193
2001145
2002154
2003127
200439
200519

Known problem areas

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

11 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The engine caught fire, causing smoke inhalation and burns to the occupant. (2ND vehicle on #517357)

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-24

Steering

5 of 22 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Steering locked at slight left turn coming out of curve and caused vehicle to steer left across center and off road into trees at 55 MPH. My son was injured, the car totalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22

Electrical system

4 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire due to short in wiring harness.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-14

Seat belts

3 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Suspension

3 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing springs and shock absorber.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1986-05-28Electrical system86V061000 An incorrectly indexed wiring harness may cause the center high mounted stop lamp to remain illuminated when the headlights or parking lamps are on. FMVSS 108 lamps, reflective devices…

    Remedy: Correctly index wiring harness terminals.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
  3. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  4. I
    1991-08-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-04 Front brake disc/hub sep
  5. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

    Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    Date not on fileElectrical system85V122000 The generator "Bat" Terminal located on the rectifier end frame may contact the carburetor fuel inlet pipe.

    Remedy: Obtain clearance between fuel pipe and generator "Bat" Terminal by rotating the rectifier end frame.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V122000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 86V061000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 Buick Century reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Century have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.