The Buick Electra spans 1981–1990 with 17 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1986, 1988, 1983 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1990. It delivers up to 24 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Buick Electra is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1990 across multiple generations.
How to read a Buick Electra VIN — every digit explained
Every Buick Electra carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Buick and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Electra.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Electra, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Buick Electra have?
The Buick Electra has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1990. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1990 Buick Electra recalls 2
Seat Belts:front:webbing
What's wrong. OWNERS MANUALS DID NOT FULLY EXPLAIN HOW FRONT SHOULDER BELT COMFORT FEATURE WORKS.
Risk. CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208, AND INCORRECT USE OF SAFETY RESTRAINTS COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IF AN ACCIDENTSHOULD OCCUR.
Fix. INSERT STICKER THAT PROVIDES MISSING INFORMATION IN OWNERS MANUALS.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1989 Buick Electra recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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 Buick Electra recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1987 Buick Electra recalls 3
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.
Risk. 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.
Fix. REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
What's wrong. AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Risk. 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.
Fix. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1986 Buick Electra recalls 3
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
What's wrong. THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP RETURN HOSE AND THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: HOSE COULD OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN A HOLE AND FLUID LEAK, AND A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE AND CORRECTLY ROUTE HOSE, AS NECESSARY.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
What's wrong. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.
Risk. LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.
Fix. THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.
1984 Buick Electra recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. RUBBER FUEL HOSE COULD ALLOW A SLOW FUEL LEAK WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Fix. DEALER WILL REPLACE RUBBER FUEL HOSE.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Risk. SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
1982 Buick Electra recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
What's wrong. UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
Fix. DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
1981 Buick Electra recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM HOSES MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES". THE MATERIAL USED IN THE HOSES WILL NOT PERFORM ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REGULATION IS STATED AS, "TO REDUCE DEATH AND INJURIES OCCURRING AS A RESULT OF BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE FROM PRESSURE OR VACUUM LOSS DUE TO HOSE ASSEMBLY RUPTURE".
Fix. THE VACUUM PUMP INLET AND OUTLET HOSES WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES. THE INCORRECT BRACKET MAY CAUSE THE SERVICE BRAKES TO REMAIN PARTIALLY APPLIED, RESULTING IN BRAKE OVERHEATING AND REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Best and worst years for the Buick Electra
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 10 tracked years, the worst years are 1986, 1988, 1983 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1990.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Electra | — | Best | |
| 1982 Electra | — | Best | |
| 1983 Electra | Exterior Lighting | Avoid | |
| 1984 Electra | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1985 Electra | Seats | Average | |
| 1986 Electra | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 1987 Electra | Vehicle Speed Control | Average | |
| 1988 Electra | Steering | Avoid | |
| 1989 Electra | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1990 Electra | — | Best |
What are the most common Buick Electra problems?
The most-reported Buick Electra problems are Seats (3 reports), Tires (1 reports) and Wheels (1 reports) — out of 37 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Buick Electra specifications & dimensions
The 1990 Buick Electra measures 197″ long on a 111″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,296 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Buick Electra window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 111″ (282 cm) |
| Rear track | 60″ |
| Body / trim | Electra Park Avenue Base/ultra 4dr Sedan |
| Curb weight | 3,296 lb (1495 kg) |
| Front track | 61″ |
| Overall width | 72″ (184 cm) |
| Overall height | 54″ (138 cm) |
| Overall length | 197″ (500 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 64/36% |
How the Electra's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 197″ | 72″ | 54″ | 111″ | 3,296 lb |
| 1987 | 197″ | 72″ | 54″ | 111″ | 3,274 lb |
| 1984 | 220″ | 79″ | 59″ | 116″ | 4,308 lb |
| 1981 | 221″ | 76″ | 55″ | 119″ | 3,792 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Buick Electra cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Electra holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 113 cu ft of passenger volume and 50 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Buick Electra tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Buick Electra get?
The Buick Electra returns up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,250/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1990 Buick Electra (3.8L 6-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $3,300/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Electra | 16 | 25 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Electra | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 Electra | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Electra | 16 | 25 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 Electra | 17 | 27 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 Electra | 19 | 29 | $3,400 | 443 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 Electra | 21 | 31 | $3,250 | 424 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl |
The 1984 Buick Electra (5.7L 8-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $3,700/yr to fuel, emitting 485 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Electra | 18 | 26 | $3,700 | 485 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Electra stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Electra's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Buick Electra have? Power & range
The Buick Electra is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
| V8 | 5.7L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | — | Diesel |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Buick Electra cost to own?
A Buick Electra tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Electra is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Electra loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $16,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Electra ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Buick Electra safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Electra yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Buick Electra last?
A well-maintained Buick Electra typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Buick Electra’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Electra’s VIN free →All Buick Electra model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Buick Electra — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Electra | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Electra | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Electra | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Electra | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Electra | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Electra | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Electra | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Electra | 1 recall | — | |
| 1982 Electra | 1 recall | — | |
| 1981 Electra | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Electra?
By owner-complaint volume, 1986, 1988, 1983 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1990 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Electra have?
17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1990. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Electra get?
Up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Electra last?
A well-maintained Electra typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Electra reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Electra is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Buick Electra warranty?
New Buick models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Buick dealer.
Where is the Buick Electra made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Electra's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Buick may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Electra weigh?
The Electra's curb weight is around 3,296 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Electra have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.