1990 Buick Regal Problems: 77 Complaints, 8 Recalls

The worst 1990 Buick Regal problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

StructureReported July 11, 2000 · 713,435 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, where road salt use is heavy. A condition where one or both front engine cradle bolts can pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainers.
Risk: If both bolts pull through, the front of the cradle would no longer be supported at the mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft could separate from the steering gear.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.

Recall number 00V189000 · Recall details

StructureReported April 8, 1997 · 676,535 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both bolts pull through, the rear cradle would not longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft can separate from the steering gear.
Risk: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

Recall number 97V058000 · Recall details

WheelsReported June 5, 1995 · 22,361 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If wheel separation occurs while the vehicle is in motion, loss of steering and brake control of the vehicle occurs, and a vehicle crash could result without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing date codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

Recall number 95V115000 · Recall details

WheelsReported March 28, 1995 · 198,163 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If wheel separation occurs while the vehicle is in motion, loss of steering and brake control of the vehicle occurs, and a vehicle crash could result without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

Recall number 94V041000 · Recall details

Seat beltsReported October 2, 1991 · 412,792 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
Risk: Webbing separation could occur without prior warning andincrease the risk of injury to belted front outboard occupants in a high energycrash.
Remedy: Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.

Recall number 91V005000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported October 16, 1990 · 476,422 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp switch. Also in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal.
Risk: A trailing vehicle may not recognize a braking actionin time to respond appropriately. Also, cruise control will reengage uponrelease of the brake pedal and resume the set speed. In either case, it couldresult in a crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Install an improved design stoplamp switch.

Recall number 90V185000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: webbingReported June 6, 1990 · 51,834 vehicles affected

What is 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.
Remedy: Insert sticker that provides missing information in owners manuals.

Recall number 90V112000 · Recall details

Seat beltsReported March 14, 1990 · 673,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
Risk: Seat belt may not sustain loads required by fmvss 210, and in a vehicle accident, the seat belt may not properly restrain a passenger, resulting in increased risk of greater injury to an occupant.
Remedy: Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.

Recall number 90V054000 · Recall details