1988 Buick Electra
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
3 of 5 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
When it is cold and trying to drive the vehicle the steering wheel will not turn until the vehicle is warm. Please describe.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-04
During morning start up you can not manipulate the steering. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-06
Vehicle speed control
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer while parked with car running. Put foot on brake and started to put car in drive, when wheels started spinning, engine was revving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-22
Tires
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 Buick Electra Park Avenue. The vehicle has firestone FR480 tires, size P205/75/R14. Within a 2-3 week time period, three of the four tires formed bubbles and then blew out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-27
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
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I
1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
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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
1988 Buick Electra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Buick Electra?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Electra have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.