Buick Electra problems
The Buick Electra is a full-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by Buick from 1959 to 1990, over six generations. Introduced as the replacement for the Roadmaster lines, the Electra served as the flagship Buick sedan line through its entire production and was offered as a six-passenger four-door sedan with two-door sedan, two-door convertible, and five-door station wagon variants.
The Electra initially used GM's rear-drive C Platform, undergoing a significant downsizing for 1977.
For its sixth generation, introduced for model year 1985, the Electra underwent another significant downsizing, and adopted unibody construction as well as GM's new front-drive C Platform — becoming along with its rebadged variants, the Oldsmobile 98 and Cadillac Deville and Fleetwood, the company's first full-size, unibody, transverse engine, front-drive cars.
For 1991, Buick retired the Electra nameplate, migrating its front-drive premium sedan to the Buick Park Avenue nameplate, previously used as an upper trim level of the Electra itself. The Electra Estate was redesigned, becoming the Roadmaster Estate for 1991.
In late 2022, Buick announced plans to revive the Electra nameplate for its forthcoming 2024 electric models.
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Buick Electra model years
Common Buick Electra problems
Based on the provided sources, I don't have specific information about common problems with Buick Electra cars based on complaints from owners. If you have any other questions or need information on a different topic, feel free to ask!
When did Buick stop making the Electra?
To refresh your memory, the original Buick Electra was a luxury car produced between 1959 and 1990 before being discontinued. The new Electra is based on the Wildcat, another concept car from the company.
Are Buicks expensive to fix?
Are Buicks expensive to maintain? No, they actually fall below the national average for repair costs. RepairPal, one of the leading car ownership resources, found that Buick vehicles average around $608 in annual maintenance.
What was the Buick Electra nickname?
deuce and a quarter
The Electra 225 nameplate was a nod to the car's overall length of over 225 in (5,715 mm), earning it the street name "deuce and a quarter." The Electra 225 Riviera was the top-line model and it shared its six window hardtop roofline exclusively with Cadillac (which offered it on all of its models).
How much horsepower does a 1978 Buick Electra have?
This car has the optional Oldsmobile 403-cubic-inch V8 engine under the hood, which was good for 185 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Buick Electra years
We have researched Buick problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Buick Electra cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Buick Electra model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Buick Electra model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Buick Electra years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Buick Electra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Buick Electra , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Buick Electra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Electra model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Electra model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Electra model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 38 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Buick Electra . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Buick Electra vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Buick Electra 1966
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-05
- Date Complaint: 2010-06-07
- VIN: 5GAER13D09J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
- Summary: VEHICLE 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE. KEEPS TURNING ON THE LIGHT ENGINE AND AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT IS BECAUSE I DON'T CLOSE THE GAS KNOB CORRECTLY. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON WHILE IM DRIVING IT GIVES ME A MESSAGE OF POWER ENGINE REDUCE AND IT REDUCE MY SPEED AND I CAN'T CONTINUE DRIVING. I'VE ALMOST CAUSE 2 ACCIDENTS WHILE IM DRIVING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. IT WILL COMPLETELY STOP IN CERTAIN TIMES WHILE IM DRIVING. LAST INCIDENT 06/05/10. AS WELL, MY TIRE GOT FLAT AROUND A MONTH AGO AND I REALIZED THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME THE VEHICLE WITH NO EXTRA TIRE AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO CHANGE MY TIRE. *TR
Buick Electra 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-05-27
- VIN: 1G4CW51C2J1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK ELECTRA PARK AVENUE. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE FR480 TIRES, SIZE P205/75/R14. WITHIN A 2-3 WEEK TIME PERIOD, THREE OF THE FOUR TIRES FORMED BUBBLES AND THEN BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE BUBBLES ON ONE OF THE TIRES PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. BOTH REAR TIRES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT, BUT NO CRASH OCCURRED. THE LATEST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO RECALLS ON THE TIRES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,431 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,256. UPDATED 06/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 06/11/09.*JB
Buick Electra 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-22
- VIN: 1G4CW113XH1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. A FEW WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Buick Electra 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2003-10-07
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER BOUGHT A VEHICLE THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. WHILE DRIVING HOME VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT INFORMED THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE REPAIRS.*AK
Buick Electra 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-11-12
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BRACKET WHICH IS NOW BROKEN. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN C ONTACTED YET. MR
Buick Electra 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G4AV35Y9EX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH
Buick Electra 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-02
- VIN: 1G4CW1133H1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RETRACTOR ON SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT BY ITSELF BACK IN. *AK *TT
Buick Electra 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-19
- VIN: 1G4CX69BXG1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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....
Buick Electra 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-22
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4CX51C5J1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WHILE PARKED WITH CAR RUNNING. PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND STARTED TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE, WHEN WHEELS STARTED SPINNING, ENGINE WAS REVVING. CONSUMER HAD BOTH FEET ON BRAKES, AND VEHCILE TOOK OFF, FLYING INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT, PUSHING THAT VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER COULD NOT TURN OFF ENGINE, THIS CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION.*AK
Buick Electra 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-15
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-11
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE DRIVER'S SEAT WILL GIVE AND DROP DOWN WHEN PUSHING THE LEVER TO RECLINE, IT PARTIALLY RECLINES. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Buick Electra 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-11
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-16
- VIN: 1G4AX69Y0D4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE BRAKES LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED.
Buick Electra 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-11
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-16
- VIN: 1G4AX69Y0D4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKES LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON.
Buick Electra 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-11
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-16
- VIN: 1G4AX69Y0D4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NEW HAZARD FLASHERS DO NOT FUNCTION.
Buick Electra 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-06-24
- VIN: 1G4BV35Y7GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
Buick Electra 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-04-20
- VIN: 1G4BV35Y9GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
Latest 5 recalls Buick Electra
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Buick Electra.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Buick Electra 1987
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Electra 1989
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Electra 1988
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Electra 1990
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Electra 1990
- Report Received Date: 1990-06-06
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: OWNERS MANUALS DID NOT FULLY EXPLAIN HOW FRONT SHOULDER BELT COMFORT FEATURE WORKS.
- Consequence: CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208, AND INCORRECT USE OF SAFETY RESTRAINTS COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IF AN ACCIDENTSHOULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: INSERT STICKER THAT PROVIDES MISSING INFORMATION IN OWNERS MANUALS.
Latest positive Buick Electra car reviews
Are you having problems with your Buick Electra?
Caleb Bernier 2024-07-29
Vehicle year: 1990
This car is a fantastic value! The 3800 (3.8L) engine is known for its reliability and longevity, often lasting over 200k miles. It has great power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 28mpg on the highway. That's pretty sweet for a larger car!
Keagan Kshlerin 2024-04-02
Vehicle year: 1990
We really enjoyed our Park Avenue! The seats were super comfortable and had plenty of room for even tall people. Unfortunately, our lovely relationship with the car came to an end after a year when someone rear-ended us. The 3.8L engine was a powerhouse and still managed to get us 28 mpg on the highway. Overall, the car was very reliable, rock solid, and smooth on the road.
Dashawn D'Amore 2024-03-21
Vehicle year: 1990
This is a lovely car.