37/100
1986Midsize CarsRegular

1986 Buick Century

EPA ID: 2098
18
City MPG
20
Combined MPG
20MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1986 Buick Century achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.8L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1986 Century produces approximately 444 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Century has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,000, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $4,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.8L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions444 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,000
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $4,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
20.9
Impact vs EPA
$-112
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$635/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
42.0%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,125
34.4%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
22.6%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.0%
Total 5-Year Cost$38,125

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #06E043000·2006-10-18
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 & Remedy

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).

Campaign #86V061000·1986-05-28
advisory
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: CORRECTLY INDEX WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS.

Campaign #85V122000·
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

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

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Buick Century configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,000
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $4,250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City18 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined20 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

88.9 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 110 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.4 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.