1986 Buick Lesabre Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1986 Buick Lesabre.

19851987
Complaints
20
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1986 Buick Lesabre Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#13 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

#23 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

#32 complaints

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1986 Buick Lesabre.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Tread/Belt
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brake Master Cylinder
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Column
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1986 Buick Lesabre. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Buick Lesabre Years

1982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006

1986 Buick Lesabre — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1986 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1986 Buick Lesabre has 20 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine with 3 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1986 Buick Lesabre?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (3 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (3 complaints); Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1986 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA complaints for the 1986 Buick Lesabre include 1 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1986 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1986 Buick Lesabre as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1986 Buick Lesabre?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Buick Lesabre reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1986 Buick Lesabre

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

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