1989 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.

Social links

Common 1989 Buick Electra problems

The 1989 Buick Electra has been subject to numerous recalls and complaints from owners, with the largest recall occurring in 1987 for three issues, including fuel system problems. The most common issues for this model are related to the fuel system, with seven recalls issued specifically for this component.

Fuel System Issues:

One of the primary concerns with the 1989 Buick Electra is the fuel system. A faulty fuel system can lead to a variety of problems, such as engine stalling, poor fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. In some cases, it can even cause a fire or explosion if the fuel leaks and comes into contact with an ignition source.

Recall: Fuel System (7)

Recall: Fuel System, Seats (2)

Recall: Fuel System, Equipment, Electrical (3)

Recall: Fuel System, Brakes, Lighting, Steering (3)

Recall: Equipment, Fuel System (2)

Recall: Fuel System (1)

Equipment Issues:

The 1989 Buick Electra has also had issues with equipment, with five recalls issued for this component. Equipment problems can range from minor inconveniences, such as malfunctioning power windows or door locks, to more serious issues, such as faulty seat belts or airbags.

Recall: Equipment (5)

Recall: Equipment, Wheels (2)

Recall: Equipment (1)

Brakes Issues:

Brakes are a critical safety component in any vehicle, and the 1989 Buick Electra has had four recalls related to this system. Brake problems can lead to reduced stopping power, increased stopping distances, and even complete brake failure in extreme cases.

Recall: Brakes (4)

Recall: Brakes, Lighting, Steering (3)

Recall: Brakes, Wheels (2)

Wheels Issues:

The 1989 Buick Electra has had three recalls related to wheels. Wheel problems can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, potentially leading to accidents.

Recall: Wheels (3)

Recall: Equipment, Wheels (2)

Recall: Brakes, Wheels (2)

Frame Issues:

The frame is the structural backbone of a vehicle, and any issues with this component can affect the vehicle's safety and durability. The 1989 Buick Electra has had two recalls related to the frame.

Recall: Frame (2)

Recall: Frame, Visibility, Wheels (3)

Steering Issues:

Steering is a critical component of any vehicle, and any issues with this system can affect the vehicle's handling and control. The 1989 Buick Electra has had two recalls related to the steering system.

Recall: Steering (2)

Recall: Brakes, Lighting, Steering (3)

Seats Issues:

Seats are an essential component of any vehicle, and any issues with this system can affect the vehicle's safety and comfort. The 1989 Buick Electra has had two recalls related to seats.

Recall: Seats (2)

Recall: Fuel System, Seats (2)

Lighting Issues:

Proper lighting is essential for safe driving, and any issues with this system can affect the vehicle's visibility and safety. The 1989 Buick Electra has had two recalls related to lighting.

Recall: Lighting, Seats (2)

Recall: Brakes, Lighting, Steering (3)

Electrical Issues:

Electrical issues can affect a wide range of vehicle systems, from the power windows and door locks to the engine control computer. The 1989 Buick Electra has had one recall related to electrical issues.

Recall: Electrical, Equipment, Fuel System (3)

Visibility Issues:

Visibility is a critical factor in safe driving, and any issues with this system can affect the driver's ability to see the road and surrounding traffic. The 1989 Buick Electra has had one recall related to visibility.

Recall: Frame, Visibility, Wheels (3)

Suspension Issues:

The suspension system is responsible for maintaining the vehicle's ride height and handling characteristics. Any issues with this system can affect the vehicle's comfort and safety. The 1989 Buick Electra has had one recall related to the suspension system.

Recall: Suspension (1)

In conclusion, the 1989 Buick Electra has had numerous recalls and complaints related to various systems, including the fuel system, equipment, brakes, wheels, frame, steering, seats, lighting, electrical, visibility, and suspension. These issues can affect the vehicle's safety, durability, and overall performance, and it is essential for owners to address these problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.

What year was the Buick Electra made?

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

How much does a Buick Electra cost?

The price of the 2025 Buick Electra E5 is expected to start around $50,000 and go up to $70,000 depending on the trim and options.

What kind of car is an Electra?

electric compact crossover SUV

The Buick Electra E5 is a battery electric compact crossover SUV manufactured by SAIC-GM under the Buick brand.

Is owning a Buick expensive?

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.

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.

Why does my Buick Park Avenue shut off while driving?

The most common reasons a Buick Park Avenue engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.

Is Buick a luxury car?

Yes! Buick models are luxury vehicles.

Why is Buick popular in China?

In the 1990s, Buick partnered with a key local manufacturer, joining forces to create brand new vehicles that stood out from the competition. This move also left a lasting positive imprint on the Chinese collective memory. In addition, Buick has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Shanghai Automotive Industry.

1989 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
Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Electra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Buick Electra complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Buick Electra.

2003-10-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-09-30
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

Add Complaint

2002-11-12

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
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

Add Complaint

1989 Buick Electra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Buick Electra problems:

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1989 Buick Electra ECM Issues

https://www.justanswer.com/buick/9wncc-1989-buick-electra-3-8-engine-bad.html

Sep 9, 2016 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

Misfiring Issue In My V6 3800 | 3800Pro Forums

https://www.3800pro.com/threads/misfiring-issue-in-my-v6-3800.68393/

Dec 3, 2014 ... I am still a novice when it comes to cars so I will be as detailed as I can while I explain my problem. I have a 1989 Buick Electra (Park ...