1986 Buick Lesabre
Only 16 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 16 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 40 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 46 |
| 1991 | 30 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 194 |
| 1994 | 158 |
| 1995 | 178 |
| 1996 | 98 |
| 1997 | 394 |
| 1998 | 400 |
| 1999 | 209 |
| 2000 | 668 |
| 2001 | 328 |
| 2002 | 309 |
| 2003 | 164 |
| 2004 | 162 |
| 2005 | 77 |
| 2006 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
HARMONIC BALANCER CAUSED ENGINE VIBRATION AND THE VEHICLE TO SURGE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950314
2 of 16 total reports mention: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON.VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010817
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 86V131000 — check if this car was fixed
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE
STALLING
HYDRO BOOST
POWER STEERING HOSE
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
REAR BRAKE PIN
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR BRAKE PIN
BRAKE FAILURE
BRAKE FAILURE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V131000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) 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 Lesabre 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 Lesabre?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Lesabre 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.