1986 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1986 Buick Century sits mid-pack among Century years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (28% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	12	28%	▲ up
Steering	5	12%	▲ up
Brakes	4	9%	▲ up
Electrical System	4	9%	▲ up
Seat Belts	4	9%	▲ up
Suspension	3	7%	new
Body & Structure	3	7%	▲ up
Other	2	5%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	5%	▲ up
Fuel System	1	2%	new
Seats	1	2%	— flat
Transmission	1	2%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	2%	— flat

Does the 1986 Buick Century have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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).

86V061000Electrical SystemMay 13, 1986 · 197 units

Defect

AN INCORRECTLY INDEXED WIRING HARNESS MAY CAUSE THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS OR PARKING LAMPS ARE ON. FMVSS 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT REQUIRES THAT THIS STOP LAMP BE LIGHTED ONLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ALSO, THE OPERA LAMPS MAY COME ON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP PROVIDES ADDITIONAL WARNING THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING. IF THIS LAMP MALFUNCTIONS, IT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A REAR END ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CORRECTLY INDEX WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS.

85V122000Electrical SystemOctober 4, 1985 · 772 units

Defect

THE GENERATOR "BAT" TERMINAL LOCATED ON THE RECTIFIER END FRAME MAY CONTACT THE CARBURETOR FUEL INLET PIPE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE "BAT" STUD MAY RUB THROUGH THE TERMINAL BOOT AND CONTACT THE FUEL PIPE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

OBTAIN CLEARANCE BETWEEN FUEL PIPE AND GENERATOR "BAT" TERMINAL BY ROTATING THE RECTIFIER END FRAME.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *YH”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 15, 1995

“STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 15, 2003 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE BY A CHEVROLET TAHOE. COLLISION WAS PARTIALLY INVESTIGATED BY CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. FORCES PLACED ON BELT DURING ROTATION SEPARATED THE WEBBING. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT, CASE: CL-031-00, PHONE: (559)277-7250”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 24, 2000 · crash

1986 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1986 Buick Century reliable?

It is close to typical for the Century: 43 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1986 Century problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), steering (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 1986 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Century years to avoid are 1999, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1994, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1993. The cleanest record among Century years belongs to 1980.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1986 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 1986 Buick Century problems?

Does the 1986 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1986 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1986 Buick Century reliable?

What are the most common 1986 Century problems?

Does the 1986 Buick Century have recalls?

Is the 1986 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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