1986 Buick Century
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 33 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 45 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 117 |
| 1995 | 99 |
| 1996 | 80 |
| 1997 | 106 |
| 1998 | 218 |
| 1999 | 235 |
| 2000 | 193 |
| 2001 | 145 |
| 2002 | 154 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 39 |
| 2005 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)
NHTSA ODI report, 19970724
5 of 22 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20040422
4 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960314
3 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.
CRASH INJURY DEATH3 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing springs and shock absorber.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
POWER ST. ASSIST
STALLING
FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP
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
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 engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.