1966 Buick Electra problems

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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.

1966 Buick Electra

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Common 1966 Buick Electra problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1966 Buick Electra, common problems reported include issues with the fuel system, equipment, brakes, wheels, frame, steering, seats, lighting, electrical components, visibility, and suspension. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:

  1. Fuel System: Owners have reported various fuel system issues, which can impact the car's performance and fuel efficiency. It is crucial to address these problems promptly to ensure proper functioning and safety.
  2. Equipment: Problems with equipment can range from malfunctioning components to issues with accessories. Ensuring that all equipment is in good working order is essential for a comfortable and safe driving experience.
  3. Brakes: Brake issues are critical for vehicle safety. Any reported problems with the brakes should be addressed immediately to prevent accidents and ensure optimal braking performance.
  4. Wheels: Wheel-related problems can affect the car's handling and stability. Regular maintenance and inspections of the wheels are necessary to prevent potential safety hazards.
  5. Frame: Frame issues can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle, leading to safety concerns. Addressing any frame-related problems is crucial to maintain the car's overall safety and performance.
  6. Steering: Steering problems can impact the car's maneuverability and control. Any reported steering issues should be investigated and repaired to ensure safe driving conditions.
  7. Seats: Seat-related problems can affect comfort and safety while driving. Ensuring that the seats are in good condition is essential for a pleasant driving experience.
  8. Lighting: Lighting issues can compromise visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Proper functioning of all lights is crucial for safe driving and compliance with road regulations.
  9. Electrical: Electrical problems can lead to various issues within the vehicle's systems. Addressing any electrical faults promptly is essential to prevent further damage and ensure the car's reliability.
  10. Visibility: Visibility issues can impact the driver's ability to see clearly while driving. Maintaining clear visibility through proper maintenance of windows, mirrors, and lights is essential for safe driving.
  11. Suspension: Suspension problems can affect the car's handling and ride comfort. Regular inspections and maintenance of the suspension system are necessary to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1966 Buick Electra, drivers can maintain the car's performance, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are key to ensuring a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

1966 Buick Electra engine

What engine is in a 1966 Buick Electra?

Under the hood, the Electra 225 offered Buick's standard 401-cid “Nailhead” V-8 at 325 hp. Optional 425-cid Nailhead V-8s with one or two carburetors offered 340 or 360 hp, respectively. That power was delivered to the rear wheels through GM's standard Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

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."

What engine was in the Buick Electra 225?

401 cid

The Electras were powered by Buick's 401 cid (6.6 L) V8 from 1959 until 1966. An available 425 cid version of the same engine was available from 1964 to 1966.

What was the significance of 225 in the original Buick Electra 225?

The Buick Electra name was introduced in 1959 replacing the Roadmaster as Buick's premium model. Until the downsizing that stated in the last 1970s, Electra's were 225 inches long.

What engine is in a 1966 Buick Electra?

Under the hood, the Electra 225 offered Buick's standard 401-cid “Nailhead” V-8 at 325 hp. Optional 425-cid Nailhead V-8s with one or two carburetors offered 340 or 360 hp, respectively. That power was delivered to the rear wheels through GM's standard Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

When did Buick stop making the Electra?

1990

The Buick Electra is a full-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by Buick from 1959 to 1990, over six generations.

Where is the Buick Electra made?

What's New for 2025? The Electra E5 will be Buick's first electric offering when it goes on sale in late 2024. We know that it will be produced in China for the Chinese domestic market, but it's unclear if the North American version will be produced here or imported from Asia.

What engine was in the Buick Electra 225?

401 cid

The Electras were powered by Buick's 401 cid (6.6 L) V8 from 1959 until 1966. An available 425 cid version of the same engine was available from 1964 to 1966.

1966 Buick Electra car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1966 Buick Electra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1966 Buick Electra complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1966 Buick Electra.

2010-06-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-06-05
  • 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

1966 Buick Electra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1966 Buick Electra.

1976-10-12
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1966 Buick Electra problems:

1966 Buick Electra, 401 cu in, MPG and gas req'd?? | V8buick.com
1966 Buick Electra, 401 cu in, MPG and gas req'd?? | V8buick.com
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/1966-buick-electra-401-cu-in-mpg-and-gas-reqd.207016/

Jun 17, 2010 ... You will also have most any problem answered or refered to someone who can. Mine is a 64 Wildcat Convert, which is a little shorter than yours, ...

Filling up an A-body gas tank - Buick - General - Antique Automobile ...
Filling up an A-body gas tank - Buick - General - Antique Automobile ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/4427-filling-up-an-a-body-gas-tank/

Aug 15, 2001 ... One of the things I've never liked about my '66 Skylark is the location of the gas filler. ... I drove my 69 Wildcat ... Common problems for A ...

'66 Electra 225 401ci ...I did something really stupid! | V8buick.com
'66 Electra 225 401ci ...I did something really stupid! | V8buick.com
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/66-electra-225-401ci-i-did-something-really-stupid.310631/

May 26, 2016 ... "These Fisher Bodies always had ground issues", was my old man's common retort. I replaced the headlight harness, headlight switch, dimmer ...

1978 Buick Electra Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1978 Buick Electra Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/buick/electra/1978/

Dec 21, 2017 ... 1978 Buick Electra Reviews ... common problem with the 403 V8. ...basically ... My grandmother gave my a 1966 dark blue Ambassador Station Wagon ...

Electrical question - headlights 66 Riv - Buick Riviera - Antique ...
Electrical question - headlights 66 Riv - Buick Riviera - Antique ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/342358-electrical-question-headlights-66-riv/

Apr 6, 2020 ... April 6, 2020 in Buick Riviera. Share. More ... 1966 hlight motor schematic.jpg ... common problem, there is even a service bulletin in `66 about ...

Other years of Buick Electra

buick electra 1983 photo
Electra 1983
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buick electra 1984 photo
Electra 1984
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buick electra 1985 photo
Electra 1985
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buick electra 1986 photo
Electra 1986
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buick electra 1987 photo
Electra 1987
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buick electra 1988 photo
Electra 1988
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1966 Buick Electra photo