MYRModel Year Report

1986 Buick Century

○ Not enough data
1986 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:53:20.913Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Century Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1986 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 40 complaints 1990: 33 complaints 1991: 38 complaints 1992: 45 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1994: 106 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 2000: 193 complaints 2000 2001: 145 complaints 2002: 154 complaints 2003: 127 complaints 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
198940
199033
199138
199245
199354
1994106
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.

STEERING

3 of 22 total reports mention: steering.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)

NHTSA ODI report, 19970724

SEAT BELTS

2 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860528 — electrical system

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 AN

Remedy: CORRECTLY INDEX WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS.

Campaign 86V061000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19861216 — EA (closed 19880919)

POWER ST. ASSIST

I 19870827 — EA (closed 19911127)

STALLING

I 19910830 — PE (closed 19911104)

FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — electrical system

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.

Campaign 85V122000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 85V122000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 86V061000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 1991 ▲ 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 1998 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

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 steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Century have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.