1986 Buick Electra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Electra › 1986
These records cover every 1986 Buick Electra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1986 Buick Electra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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…
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…
Owner complaints
12 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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....
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Brake sensor repaired under recall work done, however new sensor was defective causing brake pump to fail.
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission failure, twice.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Brakes failed.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Receive recall letter dealer fixed it consumer having the same problem . tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Brake master cylinder failure, replaced two times, brake pedal became hard to apply. tt
- Structure › Body › Door
The rear doors will not open if not used very often. Please describe. tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Brake power booster failure, loss of braking, involved in recall 87v93000. tt
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Replaced oxygen sensor.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear brake pin
Summary:these vehicles have rear drum brakes.the parking lever pivotpin IS held by an e ring.when the ring fails, parts of the ring andpin fall loose into the drum and may jam the brake, locking the wheel.a stronger e ring IS used in 1988 and newer cars.this investigationhas been expanded to include gms c body cars listed above (e ring commonto all cars shown).===
- Anti lock brakes
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- Sudden acceleration
Status:analysis of information from the manufacturer IS in progress.however, neither nhtsa of gm has identified a failure or malfunction thatcould result in unintended acceleration.some vehicles in this group werefound potentially subject to throttle cable restrictions, and wererecalled along with h cars with similar problems.investigation iscontinuing.===
- Hydro boost
There is no summary currently available
- Stalling
Summary:the complaints allege that stalling IS due to various faultycomponents of the fuel injection and/or ignition system. The followingmodels are involved:buick electra, lesabre, rivera, century; olds cutlassciera, 88, 98, toronado; pontiac bonneville.status:this investigation IS ongoing.we are continuing to…
Summary:the complaints allege that stalling IS due to various faultycomponents of the fuel injection and/or ignition system. The followingmodels are involved:buick electra, lesabre, rivera, century; olds cutlassciera, 88, 98, toronado; pontiac bonneville.status:this investigation IS ongoing.we are continuing to analyzeinformation provided by gm and are preparing an additional informationrequest to gm to clarify certain technical items.===
- Hydroboost failure
Subject vehicles:caprice, caprice classic, custom cruiser, deville,electra, estate wagon, fleetwood, lesabre, ninety-eight, parisienne,park avenue.(all 1984-86 gm vehicles equipped with hydroboost II systems)analysis:consumer complaints allege several problems involving the powersteering and power brake systems of…
Subject vehicles:caprice, caprice classic, custom cruiser, deville,electra, estate wagon, fleetwood, lesabre, ninety-eight, parisienne,park avenue.(all 1984-86 gm vehicles equipped with hydroboost II systems)analysis:consumer complaints allege several problems involving the powersteering and power brake systems of these vehicles.these problemsinclude: power steering fluid loss, power brake fluid loss, leakage fromthe hydro-boost II power brake booster, broken booster seals, and mastercylinder failure.all problems seem to be related to the hydro-boost iipower assist system, in which the working fluid provides power assist to boke booster.the effect of these problems could be a loss of steeringcontrol and/or brake effectiveness.status:the voluminous amount of data supplied by gm IS presently being coded by a contractor and should be completed by 12/30/87. Gm data indicated a 50% weibull distribution failure at 50K miles for the piston push-rod seal. This pe looks to have an extrodinarily high frequency, although the severity apears to be low.should be interesting discussing this for upgrade/closure.===
Every Buick Electra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.