RecallMyCar

1986 Buick Electra Recalls, Complaints & Specs

3 safety recalls list the 1986 Buick Electra, and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

3
safety recalls
12
owner complaints to NHTSA
20
MPG combined (EPA)

3 safety recalls for the 1986 Buick Electra

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 1986 Buick Electra have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. Complaints peaked in 1995 with 6 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“The crank sensor-which controls engine timing-the bracket its housed in can work loose during normal driving causing the sensor to move away from the magnet causing the engine to stall w/no warning. I”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 19, 2000 · Engine and engine cooling

“Driving at approximately 65 MPH power assist within brake system failed without warning, causing the consumer to pull emergency brake in order to avoid accident. Dealer had replaced brake sysytem, but”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, June 24, 1998 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 1986 Buick Electra/Park Avenue. Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined20 mpg
City / Highway17 / 27
FuelRegular
EPA classLarge Cars
Engine6 cyl, 3.8 L
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Compare Buick Electra model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Buick Electra model year in NHTSA's database.

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

Checking a specific 1986 Buick Electra

How do I know if my 1986 Buick Electra has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 3 campaigns currently list the 1986 Buick Electra; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Buick dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 86V131000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

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.