Buick ElectraModel year report

1986 Buick Electra Problems

Complaints: 12filed with NHTSA
Median mileage: —no mileage reported
Recalls: 3campaigns on record
Trend: Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating: —overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy: 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Buick Electra (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1986 Buick Electra. The part named most often is brakes, with 9 complaints (75% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and electrical system (1). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Brakes: “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 defect has reoccurred within 150 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #824649, filed 1998-06

Engine cooling: “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. It happened first laste year in july-99 had it replaced by dealer using oe part. Worked loose this year oct-00, causing vehicle to stall on busy street and barely made it to the side. Contact dealer-would not replace part-made us buy another....”

NHTSA complaint #734703, filed 2000-10

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1986 Buick Electra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

Version	Engine	Transmission	City	Hwy	Comb.	Fuel / yr
Electra/Park Avenue FWD	3.8L 6-cyl	4-speed automatic	17	27	20	$3,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

87V093000Jun 23, 1987
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Covers: Buick Electra 1986, Cadillac Deville 1986–1987, Pontiac 6000 1986–1987 +2 more
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…
86V145000Nov 3, 1986
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Covers: Buick Electra 1986, Oldsmobile 98 1986
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.
86V131000Sep 19, 1986
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Covers: Buick Electra 1986, Chevrolet Cavalier 1986, Pontiac 6000 1986 +30 more
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…

Recall details for the 1986 Buick Electra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

EA89028REAR BRAKE PINClosed · Jul 28, 1989
PE89098Anti lock brakesClosed · Mar 10, 1989
EA88031Sudden accelerationClosed · Apr 22, 1988
EA88019HYDRO BOOSTClosed · Jan 28, 1988
PE87038Hydroboost failureClosed · Jul 9, 1987

Technical service bulletins

No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Buick Electra.

Other model years of the Buick Electra

Year	Complaints	Median mi	Recalls	Crash ★	MPG	Score (50 = typical)	Trend
1990	5	90,000	1	—	19	—	Not enough data
1988	5	75,256	0	—	20	—	Not enough data
1986	12	—	3	—	20	—	Not enough data

All Buick Electra model years

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Buick Electra have?

NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1986 Buick Electra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1986 Buick Electra is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 9 complaints (75% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.

Has the 1986 Buick Electra been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Buick Electra get?

The EPA rates the 1986 Buick Electra (Electra/Park Avenue, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.