1986 Buick Century problems

General information about Buick-Century
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.

The first Buick Century debuted as the Series 60 then renamed in 1936 as a shorter and lighter model featuring the same engine as the bigger Roadmaster and Limited series giving it more performance while using the shorter wheelbase body of the Buick Special. During the 1930s and 1940s it was Buick's companion to the top level Roadmaster and was offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan and convertible. The Century name was used on six generations of cars of varying sizes as well as performance and trim levels. In 1969, Buick developed a concept car known as the Century Cruiser. In the 1970s, the Century Regal became a separate model and market positioning between the two products changed from year to year depending on sales. The Century was updated to front wheel drive in 1982 and was Buick's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon, with regular updates and feature upgrades as customer preferences changed over time.

Series 60 (1930–1935)

Originally, the Series 60 had the 331.4 cu in (5.4 L) OHV Buick Straight-6 engine from the Series 70, developing 99 bhp (74 kW) at 2,800 rpm. It had, at the beginning of the generation, a full-length running board denoting the top model for Buick at the time, shared with the short wheelbase, entry level Series 40. In 1930, GM built 38,180 cars. The bodystyles available were torpedo, sedan, coupe, and roadster convertible, using GM's "B-body" platform. Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the "Art and Colour Section" headed by Harley J. Earl and modest yearly changes were introduced to freshen the appearance.

In 1931, the running board was reduced and the OHV 220.7 cu in (3.6 L) Buick Straight-8 engine was introduced that developed 90 bhp (67 kW). Aesthetically, the Series 60 remained almost unchanged, and the same fact occurred also in the following year. In 1931 and 1932, a total of 55,135 were produced.

In 1933, the length of the body increased and the radiator was now concealed behind a façade with a grille. The engine power increased to 97 hp (72 kW), and 1933 was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes". In 1934, the appearance was changed to a more rounded appearance, with a new OHV 278 cu in (4.6 L) eight-cylinder engine and 100 hp. In 1935, the model remained almost unchanged while the body style selections were similar to larger Buicks but more affordably priced. Six choices were available to include both 2- and 4-door convertibles using the term "phaeton" for the 4-door convertible with a listed price of US$1,675 ($37,224 in 2023 dollars ). Total production from 1933 to 1935 was 31,385. In 1936, the model changed its name to "Century".

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Common 1986 Buick Century problems

The 1986 Buick Century is known for several common problems that car owners frequently report. These issues range from leaking intake manifold gaskets to malfunctioning power window switches and transmission pressure control solenoid failure.

Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil: The intake manifold gaskets on the 1986 Buick Century are prone to leaking coolant or engine oil. This issue can cause significant damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. The gaskets may wear out due to age, high mileage, or exposure to extreme temperatures. As a result, the engine may overheat, leading to engine failure.
Power Window Switch Failure: The power window switches on the 1986 Buick Century may fail, causing the windows to stop working. This issue can occur due to wear and tear or electrical problems. The switches may become intermittent or stop working entirely, making it difficult to operate the windows.
Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure: The transmission pressure control solenoid on the 1986 Buick Century may fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. This issue can cause the engine to stall or the car to lose power. The solenoid may wear out due to high mileage or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Carburetor Issues: Some 1986 Buick Century owners report issues with the carburetor, such as stalling after driving a while. This issue can occur due to a dirty carburetor, a faulty fuel pump, or a clogged fuel line. The carburetor may also have issues with the fuel-air mixture, causing the engine to run rough or stall.
Engine Troubles: Some 1986 Buick Century owners report problems with the engine, such as the engine not starting or the engine light coming on. This issue can occur due to a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a worn-out ignition system. The engine may also have issues with the spark plugs or the ignition coil, causing the engine to misfire or run poorly.
Won't Start: Some 1986 Buick Century owners report that the car won't start. This issue can occur due to a faulty starter motor, a dead battery, or a blown fuse. The car may also have issues with the ignition switch or the wiring, causing the car not to start.

In conclusion, the 1986 Buick Century has several common problems that car owners frequently report. These issues can cause significant damage to the car if not addressed promptly. If you own a 1986 Buick Century, it's essential to be aware of these common problems and take preventative measures to avoid them. If you experience any of these issues, it's recommended to take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

Buick Century Reliability Problems

Century owners have made 326 complaints over 16 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 14 Buick models , with real engine and windows concerns.

How many miles can a Buick Century last?

A Buick Century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care. These cars are designed to last a long time. There are some things You can do while You own to car to make it last longer.

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

The Century was discontinued at the end of the abbreviated 1942 model year due to World War II, when production of passenger vehicles stopped on February 4, 1942, during which total model production only accounted for about 10% of Buick's total output.

How much is a Buick Century worth?

Find a Used Buick Century Near You

Prices for a used Buick Century currently range from $2,495 to $9,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 37,900 to 214,347. Find used Buick Century inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

Buick Century Reliability Problems

Century owners have made 326 complaints over 16 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 14 Buick models , with real engine and windows concerns.

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

How many miles can you get out of a Buick Century?

A buick century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care. 202,000 Miles and still going strong.

What was the last year Buick made the Century car?

2005

In the Buick Centurys final production year in 2005, a Special Edition Package delivered dual-zone climate control, 16-inch aluminum wheels as well as four-wheel disc braking. The Century was retired to make room for the LaCrosse.

1986 Buick Century car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Century problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Steering problems
Seat belts problems
Service brakes problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1986 Buick Century

The NHTSA has received 43 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Buick Century. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Buick Century vehicles.

2004-01-15

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: WILL2OBTAIN
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.

1986 Buick Century problems

Table of contents

Series 60 (1930–1935)

Social links

Common 1986 Buick Century problems

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

How many miles can a Buick Century last?

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

How much is a Buick Century worth?

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

How many miles can you get out of a Buick Century?

What was the last year Buick made the Century car?

1986 Buick Century car problems categorized by type of issue

Latest 25 complaints 1986 Buick Century

STEERING PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

1986 Buick Century recalls

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Additional sources

1986 Buick Century Reviews - Carsurvey.org

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Other years of Buick Century

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