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Buick Electra — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Buick Electra model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
27
Years to Avoid
1987, 1986, 1985, 1984
Best Years
1991, 1982, 1980, 1978, 1974, 1973, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1965
1991Best Year
3 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1990
10 complaints2 recalls
1989
2 complaints1 recalls
1988
6 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1987Avoid
4 complaints3 recalls4 invest.
1986Avoid
15 complaints3 recalls6 invest.
1985Avoid
2 complaints0 recalls4 invest.
1984Avoid
2 complaints2 recalls2 invest.
1983
5 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1982Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1981
0 complaints2 recalls
1980Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1979
0 complaints2 recalls
1978Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1977
1 complaints2 recalls
1976
0 complaints2 recalls
1975
0 complaints2 recalls
1974Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1973Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1972
0 complaints2 recalls
1971
0 complaints3 recalls
1970
0 complaints2 recalls
1969Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1968Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1967Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1966
1 complaints1 recalls
1965Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Buick Electra Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984 Buick Electra are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Buick Electra, consider the 1991, 1982, 1980, 1978, 1974, 1973, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1965 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

27 model years analyzed