- The problem
- 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 hydraulic pump motor and/or loss of the abs function.
- The risk
- Loss of the hydraulic pump motor would result in a totalloss of rear brakes as well as power assist to the front brakes. The red brakewarning light would illuminate and stay on. If this warning is not heeded, aloss of rear brakes at a time when minimum stopping distance is required couldresult in a vehicle crash. An inoperative abs electrical relay could causeloss of the abs function, but normal power assisted braking would be retained.The amber anti lock warning light would illuminate and stay on.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1986 Buick Electra Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1986 Buick Electra with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (9) and the engine & cooling (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in June 1987 for the antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip. For comparison, the 1985 has 1 and the 1987 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Electra year, for its age
#39 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Buick Electra problems
Share of all 13 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 Buick Electra recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- REPLACE AND CORRECTLY ROUTE HOSE, AS NECESSARY.
- The problem
- 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 prior warning.
- The fix
- REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
What owners say
Be the first Electra owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
13 complaints about the 1986 Buick Electra
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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....
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. *Ak
Received recall notice 87v613000, abs brakes. Took vehicle for repairs. Work was done. Problem still exists. Took vehicle back. Mechanic said switch was defective. Ordered another from manufacturer. Replaced switch again, was also defective. Replaced old switch that worked w/switch that didn't. Then replaced new w/old switch. Not satisfied w/recall. *Ak
Brake sensor repaired under recall work done, however new sensor was defective causing brake pump to fail.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TWICE.
BRAKES FAILED.
While driving brake lights come on at this time there are no brakes, no warning, fixed 5 different times still not working properly. Please describe. Tt
Receive recall letter dealer fixed it consumer having the same problem . Tt
Brake master cylinder failure, replaced two times, brake pedal became hard to apply. Tt
The rear doors will not open if not used very often. Please describe. Tt
Brake power booster failure, loss of braking, involved in recall 87v93000. Tt
Anti-lock brakes failed, also brake light came on intermittently prior to recall (87v-093). *Ak
Lug nuts broke, causing right rear tire to come off, vehicle lost control/spun, resulting in an accident (new nersey state police accident report). *Ak
Buick Electra: every year compared
All Electra years1986 Buick Electra vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Buick Electra | 13 | 3 | F | |
| 1986 Buick Century | 24 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Lesabre | 18 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Regal | 13 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Skylark | 8 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Somerset | 8 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Park Avenue | 7 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Riviera | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Buick Estate | 3 | 3 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 Buick Electra
Does the 1986 Buick Electra have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 Buick Electra: antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip (June 1987); hose, piping, and connections (November 1986); switch (September 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Buick Electra?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (9), engine & cooling (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 1986 Buick Electra had?
13 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 25, 1994 and the latest on October 19, 2000. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Buick Electra a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 11 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Buick Electra year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Electra years have the most complaints?
1986 (13), 1988 (5), 1987 (4). See every Buick Electra year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 Buick Electra has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data