1987 Buick Electra
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
While applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. However, the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle was taken to a garage for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-22
Seats
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving on the road the driver's seat will give and drop down when pushing the lever to recline, it partially reclines. Contacted dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-11
Seat belts
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Retractor on seat belt does not retract by itself back in.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-02
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Timing chain broke, resulting in steering ability lost, replaced timing belt.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-03
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
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R
1987-09-16Electrical system87V135000 An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.
Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.
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I
1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
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R
1988-05-20Vehicle speed control88V080000 Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.
Remedy: Replace accelerator cable.
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I
1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
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I
1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Buick Electra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V135000 · Electrical system
- Recall 88V080000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Buick Electra?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.