1986 Buick Electra
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
9 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuse for brakes blows out repeatedly.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23
Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Structure
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.
Power train
1 of 12 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1986-05-15Exterior lighting86V131000 The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out.
Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.
-
R
1986-11-07Steering86V145000 There may not be enough clearance between the power steering pump return hose and the engine exhaust manifold.
Remedy: Replace and correctly route hose, as necessary.
-
I
1987-07-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-28 Hydroboost failure
-
R
1987-07-10Service brakes, hydraulic87V093000 The anti lock brake system (ABS) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump…
Remedy: The ABS and hydraulic pump motor electrical relays and 30 amp fuses will be replaced. In addition, the hydraulic pump motor assembly and pressure/warning switch will be inspected and, if required…
-
I
1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
-
I
1988-01-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Hydro boost
-
I
1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
-
I
1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
-
I
1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Buick Electra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V131000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 86V145000 · Steering
- Recall 87V093000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Buick Electra 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 Electra?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Electra 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.