The most-reported Somerset run is 1G4NM27U4GM (1986 builds) with 2 complaints, 1.7× the typical run. Engine and engine cooling problems make up 29% of reports; NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for Somerset model years 1985–1987.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Buick Somerset has 6 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 86% of every Somerset complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G4NM27U4GM•••••• | 1986 | — | — | |
| 1G4NJ27L8FM•••••• | 1985 | — | — | |
| 1G4NM27L9FM•••••• | 1985 | — | — | |
| 1G4NJ27U5GM•••••• | 1986 | — | — | |
| 1G4NJ2712GM•••••• | 1986 | — | — | |
| 1G4NM27L36M•••••• | 1986 | — | — |
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 5 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1986 at 1.3 complaints per run; lightest is 1986 at 1.3.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 29% of everything Buick Somerset owners report: Engine And Engine Cooling, 2 of 7 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting | — | — | |
| Seat Belts | — | — | |
| Tires | — | — | |
| Structure | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on the Buick Somerset; the 1 below cover build years 1985 to 1987. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 06E043000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1985–1987 |
How serious were they
| Outcome | Buick Somerset | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 7 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 0 (0%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 100% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Buick Somerset share of that is 7 complaints over 6 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Buick Somerset VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 7 NHTSA complaints from 6 Somerset runs and 1 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Somerset production run has the most complaints?
1G4NM27U4GM, a 1986 build, with 2 complaints. The typical Somerset run has 1.2.
How many Somerset complaints involve a crash?
0% of 7 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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