1990 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.
Social links
Common 1990 Buick Electra problems
The 1990 Buick Electra is a car model that has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These problems are related to various components of the car, including the fuel system, equipment, brakes, wheels, frame, steering, seats, lighting, electrical system, visibility, and suspension.
One of the most common problems with the 1990 Buick Electra is related to the fuel system. There have been several recalls related to the fuel system, with a total of seven recalls issued for this issue. The largest recall of the model came in 1987 when cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with three issues related to the fuel system. The fuel system problems are related to issues such as fuel leaks, fuel line cracks, and fuel pump failures. These problems can cause the car to stall or not start, and they can also pose a safety hazard due to the risk of fire or explosion.
Another common problem with the 1990 Buick Electra is related to the equipment. There have been five recalls related to equipment issues, with problems such as faulty wiring, defective seat belts, and malfunctioning windshield wipers. These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and comfort, and they can also cause the car to fail inspections or not meet safety standards.
The brakes are another component of the 1990 Buick Electra that has been reported to have problems. There have been four recalls related to brake issues, with problems such as defective brake lines, faulty brake calipers, and malfunctioning brake pedals. These problems can affect the car's braking performance and safety, and they can also cause the car to fail inspections or not meet safety standards.
The wheels, frame, steering, seats, lighting, electrical system, visibility, and suspension of the 1990 Buick Electra have also been reported to have problems. There have been a total of 30 recalls available for this model, with problems such as wheel cracking, frame corrosion, steering system failures, seat belt failures, lighting system malfunctions, electrical system failures, visibility issues, and suspension problems. These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and comfort, and they can also cause the car to fail inspections or not meet safety standards.
In addition to the recalls, there have also been reports of idle issues with the 1990 Buick Electra. These issues are related to the engine's idle speed and can cause the car to stall or not start. One possible solution for idle issues is to disconnect the upstream oxygen sensor and see if it straightens out. Another possible solution is to check the fuel pressure and see what the car is losing when the stall happens. It is also recommended to check the plugs for signs of lean mixture or engine running hot, and to feather the accelerator pedal to see if the car stalls.
There have also been reports of coolant leaks with the 1990 Buick Electra. These leaks can cause the car to stall or not start, and they can also pose a safety hazard due to the risk of overheating. One possible solution for coolant leaks is to check the coolant level and refill as necessary. It is also recommended to check the engine for signs of damage or leaks, and to repair any issues as necessary.
In summary, the 1990 Buick Electra is a car model that has been reported to have several common problems related to various components of the car. These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and comfort, and they can also cause the car to fail inspections or not meet safety standards. It is important for owners of this car model to be aware of these common problems and to take appropriate action to address them.
How much is a 1990 Buick Riviera worth?
The value of a used 1990 Buick Riviera ranges from $1,509 to $6,696, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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.
Is a Buick Riviera a classic?
The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year. As General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut.
Is the Riviera a muscle car?
With its European-influenced styling, however, as far as muscle cars go, its beauty ultimately overpowered its beast. The Buick Riviera may not go down in history as a highly regarded muscle car—but it will be highly regarded, period.
How much is a 1990 Buick Riviera worth?
The value of a used 1990 Buick Riviera ranges from $1,509 to $6,696, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
Who made the car Electra?
Buick
Buick built its first Electras as 1959 models, with Electra production continuing unabated through 1990 (after which the Park Avenue trim level took over as the model name, much as the Malibu trim level designation had shoved aside the Chevelle model name in 1978).
Is Buick Riviera a luxury car?
The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year.
Is the Riviera a muscle car?
With its European-influenced styling, however, as far as muscle cars go, its beauty ultimately overpowered its beast. The Buick Riviera may not go down in history as a highly regarded muscle car—but it will be highly regarded, period.
1990 Buick Electra complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Buick Electra.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1990 Buick Electra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Buick Electra.
- 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).
- 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.
Positive 1990 Buick Electra car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Buick Electra problems:
Q&A: 1990 Buick Century - V6 Fuel Issues | JustAnswer
Nov 7, 2011 ... If fuel pressure is okay then the sputtering may be due to bad plug wires or a failing coil pack, both were common problems on this engine.
3.8 1990 Buick Park Ave Skipping/Hesitation | GM Inside News Forum
Nov 2, 2008 ... Then come to find out the torque converter clutch solenoid decided to give me issues. Apparently this is a common problem with the transmission.
Buick LeSabre 1990 questions - GM Forum - Buick, Cadillac, Olds ...
Jan 21, 2014 ... ... engine run. 3- Fuel cutoff relay circuit - open or shorted to ground. And 46 power steering. What is common problems which give them? I live ...
1990 Park Avenue 3.8 problems | GM Inside News Forum
Aug 9, 2006 ... Would trying to start it cause any more problems? Dream Vehicles: 88-91 Reatta, an early 80s Buick Wagon, or any 79+ Riviera
LesharoRV • View topic - Transmission problems
Feb 2, 2022 ... ... 1990 Buick Electra 3800. The Intrepid conversion retains the OEM Renault wheel bearings, brakes, struts. The Intrepid engine and transaxle ...
Caleb Bernier 2024-07-29
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
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
This is a lovely car.