RecallMyCar

Buick Electra Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 29 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints across 23 model years of the Buick Electra (1965–1991). The most-complained-about year is 1986.

29
safety recalls, all years
35
owner complaints, all years
1971
year with most recalls
1986
year with most complaints

Pick your Buick Electra model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1991 Buick Electra02
1990 Buick Electra15
1989 Buick Electra02
1988 Buick Electra05
1987 Buick Electra24
1986 Buick Electra312
1985 Buick Electra01
1984 Buick Electra22
1983 Buick Electra02
1982 Buick Electra10
1981 Buick Electra20
1979 Buick Electra20
1978 Buick Electra10
1977 Buick Electra20
1976 Buick Electra20
1975 Buick Electra20
1974 Buick Electra10
1972 Buick Electra20
1971 Buick Electra30
1970 Buick Electra20
1967 Buick Electra10
1966 Buick Electra10
1965 Buick Electra10

What Buick Electra owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The 1986 model year has the most, with 12.

All Buick Electra recalls (29)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Buick Electra, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Webbing (seat belts)

    NHTSA 90V112000 Reported 51,834 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Owners manuals did not fully explain how front shoulder belt comfort feature works.

    Remedy: Insert sticker that provides missing information in owners manuals.

    Model years: 1990

  2. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Model years: 1984

  3. Accelerator pedal (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 88V080000 Reported 35,057 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.

    Remedy: Replace accelerator cable.

    Model years: 1987

  4. Fuses and circuit breakers (electrical system)

    NHTSA 87V135000 Reported 479,715 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.

    Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.

    Model years: 1987

  5. Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

    NHTSA 87V093000 Reported 6,004 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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 motor and ABS electrical relays may have been exposed to water contamination during vehicle assembly. This condition can cause loss of the…

    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, replaced.

    Model years: 1986

  6. Hose, piping, and connections (steering)

    NHTSA 86V145000 Reported 88,668 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    There may not be enough clearance between the power steering pump return hose and the engine exhaust manifold. Consequence of defect: hose could overheat, resulting in a hole and fluid leak, and a possible engine compartment fire without prior warning.

    Remedy: Replace and correctly route hose, as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

  7. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V131000 Reported 106,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

  8. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 84V103000 Reported 520 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rubber fuel hose could allow a slow fuel leak while the engine is running.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace rubber fuel hose.

    Model years: 1984

  9. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V012000 Reported 79,686 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

  10. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 81V037000 Reported 93 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The power brake vacuum hoses may fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses". The material used in the hoses will not perform according to specifications. The purpose of this regulation is stated as, "to reduce death and injuries occurring as a result of brake system failure from pressure or vacuum…

    Remedy: The vacuum pump inlet and outlet hoses will be replaced free of charge.

    Model years: 1981

  11. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 80V125000 Reported 4,615 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The involved vehicles may have been assembled with a brake pedal support bracket which was designed for use in diesel engine vehicles. The incorrect bracket may cause the service brakes to remain partially applied, resulting in brake overheating and reduced braking effectiveness.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect vehicles and, if necessary, replace the pedal support bracket at no charge to owner.

    Model years: 1981

  12. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 79V247000 Reported 1,326,404 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The heads may break off the front outboard seat belt anchor bolts during normal vehicle operation even under no load conditions. This is due to the combination of bolts used, high installation torque and arrangement of the body anchorage.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace all original equipment front outboard seat belt anchor bolts on the affected vehicles at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

  13. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

  14. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

  15. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 76V175000 Reported 66,632 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

  16. Carburetor system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 76V160000 Reported 811,180 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1966

  17. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

  18. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 76V120000 Reported 209,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1965, 1967

  19. Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

    NHTSA 76V016000 Reported 3,011 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

  20. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V214000 Reported 39,278 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

  21. Wheels

    NHTSA 75V142000 Reported 687 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  22. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V140000 Reported 2,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  23. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

  24. Underbody shields (structure)

    NHTSA 73V013000 Reported 3,707,064 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible…

    Remedy: Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1971, 1972

  25. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V135000 Reported 41,711 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1972

  26. Wheels

    NHTSA 72V013000 Reported 30,885 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

  27. Defroster/defogger/hvac system (visibility)

    NHTSA 71V127000 Reported 15,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

  28. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 70V003000 Reported 1,178 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

  29. Wheels

    NHTSA 70V002000 Reported 4,527 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

Other Buick models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.