1987 Buick Electra problems

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

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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Common 1987 Buick Electra problems

Common Problems with the Buick Electra 1987

Fuel Injectors Staying On

Several owners of the 1987 Buick Electra Park Avenue have reported issues with the fuel injectors staying on, causing the engine to flood with fuel. This issue can lead to a variety of problems, including difficulty starting the car, poor fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the engine. The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering precise amounts of fuel to the engine, and when they stay on, it can cause the engine to receive too much fuel, leading to flooding.

Bucking or Jerking at High Speeds

Another common problem with the Buick Electra 1987 is bucking or jerking when accelerating at high speeds, around 60MPH. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty fuel injectors, dirty fuel filters, or issues with the engine's ignition system. When the car bucks or jerks, it can be difficult to control, and it can be dangerous to drive at high speeds.

Engine Overheating

Some owners of the 1987 Buick Electra Park Avenue have reported issues with the engine overheating, particularly during long drives or in hot weather. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged radiator. When the engine overheats, it can cause damage to the engine's internal components, leading to costly repairs.

Intermittent Failure to Start

Some owners of the 1987 Buick Electra Park Avenue have reported intermittent issues with the car failing to start. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, a damaged ignition system, or issues with the car's electrical system. When the car fails to start, it can be frustrating and inconvenient, and it can leave the driver stranded.

Engine Misfiring

Another common problem with the Buick Electra 1987 is engine misfiring, which can cause the car to run roughly or lose power. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, damaged ignition wires, or issues with the engine's fuel system. When the engine misfires, it can be difficult to control the car, and it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions.

In conclusion, the Buick Electra 1987 is a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it can experience common problems. These issues can range from fuel injectors staying on to engine misfiring, and they can be caused by a variety of factors. If you own a Buick Electra 1987 and experience any of these issues, it is important to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and repaired.

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.

Which Buick is made in China?

Buick Envista

This is the China-spec Buick Envista. The Envista is made in China and in South Korea. GM also sells it in North America.

Are all Buick cars made in China?

While it remains true that Buick is an American brand, the answer to “Where is Buick made?” is quite a bit more involved. You see, Buick has assembly plants situated in a diverse range of locations, including the United States, Canada, China, South Korea, and Germany.

Is Buick a good brand?

Buick has evolved into a competitive near-luxury brand combining value, quality, and reliability. Once pigeonholed as outdated boat-like vehicles, today's Buicks score well in dependability rankings while offering a quiet yet powerful drive, appealing tech features, and more elevated interiors.

1987 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:

Vehicle speed control problems
Seat belts problems
Seats problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Buick Electra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Buick Electra complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Buick Electra.

2004-11-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
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

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2001-11-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-23
VIN: 1G4CW1133H1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: RETRACTOR ON SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT BY ITSELF BACK IN. *AK *TT

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1999-08-11

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-08-15
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

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1995-11-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
VIN: 1G4CW513XH1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: TIMING CHAIN BROKE, RESULTING IN STEERING ABILITY LOST, REPLACED TIMING BELT. TTWHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND FAILED TO RESTART, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO DEFECT IN THE PART.*JB

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1987 Buick Electra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Buick Electra.

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).

1988-05-16

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Summary: EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.
Consequence: THIS COULD PREVENT THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO CLOSED(IDLE) POSITION WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED; THUS, ENGINE SPEED WOULDNOT DECREASE, AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

1987-09-01

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Consequence: THE IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THEPLASTIC WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET MAY, UNDER A HIGH RESISTANCE LOAD,MELT DOWN AND IGNITE THE WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Buick Electra problems:

3.8 1990 Buick Park Ave Skipping/Hesitation | GM Inside News Forum

https://www.gminsidenews.com/threads/3-8-1990-buick-park-ave-skipping-hesitation.70968/

Nov 2, 2008 ... Apparently this is a common problem with the transmission. ... '87 BMW K75c. '87 ... Wanted: '85-'90 Buick Electra Park Avenue or '88-'91 Buick ...

LesharoRV • View topic - Transmission problems

http://www.lesharorv.com/viewtopic.php?t=19172&view=unread

Feb 2, 2022 ... ... 1987 with a 1990 Buick Electra 3800. The Intrepid conversion retains the OEM Renault wheel bearings, brakes, struts. The Intrepid engine and ...

Is this a terrible idea for a reliable family car? '87 Buick Electra ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/17yjl5p/is_this_a_terrible_idea_for_a_reliable_family_car/

Nov 18, 2023 ... You might be breaking down constantly for a few months, or the car won't give you any issues. It's a toss up. Other than that, MPG is terrible, ...

GM 3.8 and 3800 - General Discussion - Antique Automobile Club of ...

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/169690-gm-38-and-3800/

May 9, 2011 ... Buick V6 engine ... Buick did have some problems with the very early offset ground cast cranks. ... I had an 88 Buick Electra with the 3800, I ...