AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1990 Buick Regal

Coupe, gasoline, built in Canada. Owner complaints on file from Feb 27, 1995 to Sep 26, 2017.

Recalls (9)Complaints (77)Investigations (10)Bulletins (6)
Recall campaigns covering this model year93.31M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints775.5 times the median 1990 coupe
Severity index13.01990 coupes average 16.7
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1990 Buick Regal peaked in 1995, with 29 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01020301995291998200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

56% of complaints about the 1990 Buick Regal name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
43
Engine and cooling
6
Structure
6
Suspension
6
Electrical system
4
Wheels
4
Fuel system
3
Powertrain
3
Seat belts
3
Airbags
2
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

9 recall campaigns cover the 1990 Buick Regal

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1990 Buick Regal
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
06E-043May 19, 2006Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or…Fuel system88,303Part replacement
00V-189Jul 11, 2000Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa,…Structure713,435Part replacement
97V-058Apr 8, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois,…Structure676,535Part replacement
95V-115Jun 5, 1995Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surfaceWheels22,361Part replacement
94V-041Mar 28, 1995Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surfaceWheels198,163Part replacement
91V-005Oct 2, 1991Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seatSeat belts412,792Repair or modification
90V-185Oct 16, 1990Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty…Lighting476,422Repair or modification
90V-112Jun 6, 1990Owners manuals did not fully explain how front shoulder belt comfort feature worksSeat belts51,834Label or owner notice
90V-054Mar 14, 1990Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plateSeat belts673,000Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1990 Buick Regal

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

77 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

  1. Filed Sep 26, 2017Failure Sep 25, 2016104,000 milesLA Mesa, CAElectrical system

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CONTROLLED BY SIGNAL LEVER DO NOT WORK EXCEPT BY HOLDING LEVER IN CERTAIN POSITIONS: I.E. BRAKE LIGHTS, SIGNAL LEVER L UP, TURN SIGNALS SWITCH LEVER UP, HIGH BEAMS NO GO ETC. ALL THE TIME.

    NHTSA complaint 11030063
  2. Filed Nov 15, 2007Failure Oct 20, 2007Cleveland, OHLatchCrash1 injured

    1990 BUICK REGAL HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER UNDER CONTROL WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. *KB ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, UPON INSPECTION OF THE HOOD LATCH AND BRACKET, THE OFFICER DISCOVERED PART OF THE BRACKET AT THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BAY WAS MISSING. THE BOLT WAS MISSING AS WELL. THE CRASH WAS DUE TO THE HOOD LATCH AND BRACKET COMING APART, WHICH CAUSED THE HOOD TO OPEN AND SLAM AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).

    NHTSA complaint 10209421
  3. Filed Sep 28, 2004Failure Jul 6, 2004147,076 milesOshkosh, WIFrame and members

    THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE AND THE CRADLE SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING LINKAGE COUPLERS TO SEPARATE AND FALL OFF, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF CORROSIVE RESTRAINT PARTS WERE USED WHEN THE REAR CRADLE BOLT RECALL 97V058000 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, PER THE DEALERSHIP.*AK A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE FRONT AND REAR CRADLE BOLTS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO FIND OUT WHEN OR IF THE BOLTS WERE EVER REPLACED. THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALL ON THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT TELL THE CONSUMER WHEN THE RECALL WERE DONE. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10081463
  4. Filed Feb 9, 2004Graham, NCRim

    RIGHT FRONT WHEEL VIBRATED. DRIVER PULLED OVER, PULLED OFF LUGS, AND NOTICED THE RIM WAS CRACKED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. RECALL 94V041000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10057704
  5. Filed Apr 14, 2003Milwaukee, WIStructure

    AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE CRADLE BOLTS WAS COMPLETED, THE STEERING FAILED. RECALL #00 V 189 000. *JB AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE CRADLE BOLTS WAS COMPLETED, THE STEERING FAILED. RECALL #00 V 189 000. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON BRAKES-CONSUMER'S BRAKES FAILED AFTER THE CLASS ACTION SUIT.*MR

    NHTSA complaint 10015824
  6. Filed Nov 26, 2002Failure Feb 15, 2002Brooklyn, OHStructure

    CONSUMERS SON WAS IN OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY ALL STEERING WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT THE FRAME HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS AND HAD DROPPED, DISENGAGING THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE CAUSE WAS THE CRADLE BOLTS HAD PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION. BUICK SENT CONSUMER A RECALL NOTICE SHORTLY AFTER REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM. BUICK TOLD CONSUMER TO SEND THE REPAIR BILL TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT. CONSUMER HAS NOT HEARD FROM THEM SINCE. *JG

    NHTSA complaint 568433
  7. Filed Jul 9, 2002Failure Jun 18, 2002Millburn, NJService brakes, Foundation components

    WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT 20 MPH BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ,AND VEHICLE CONTINUE ON BEFORE STOPPING. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AKI

    NHTSA complaint 8013481
  8. Filed Aug 29, 2001Ellen Park, MIService brakes, Disc, Master cylinder

    REAR BRAKE CALIPERS WOULD LOCK UP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. HAD BRAKES REPLACED TWICE DUE TO PADS WEARING EXCESSIVELY. MECHANIC INDICATED CAUSE OF PROBLEM WAS MASTER CYLINDER.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 895395
  9. Filed Aug 24, 2001Failure Mar 20, 2001Allen Park, MIService brakes, CaliperCrash1 injured

    REAR CALIPERS CONSITANTLY FAILING. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 751070
  10. Filed Apr 27, 2001Monroe, OHService brakes, Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

    WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 886981
  11. Filed Mar 5, 2001Failure Mar 2, 2001Brookland, NYStructure

    WHILE MAKING A TURN HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE OF CAR. TOOK TO DEALER, AND PUT ON FRONT CRADLE BOLTS AND WASHER, BUT NEVER DID REAR. CONSUMER FELT LIKE REAR HAS GONE BAD, AND THEY MAY LOOSE STEERING.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 882033
  12. Filed Jan 28, 2001Failure Jan 25, 2001Iowa City, IABrake lights, Automatic transmission

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 740038
  13. Filed Dec 27, 2000Failure Dec 1, 2000West Chicargo, ILFrontalCrash

    CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 65MPH ON EXPRESSWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN U-TURN IN MIDDLE OF STREET, AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FROM SIDE OF CAR. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 877105
  14. Filed Nov 20, 2000Failure Nov 8, 2000Amityville, NYStructure

    VEHICLES STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO SEE IF IT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL 00V-189 BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT VERY COOPERATIVE. NLM

    NHTSA complaint 557758
  15. Filed Oct 17, 2000Failure Oct 1, 2000Long Beach, NYLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

    CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND THE PART WAS ON ORDER.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 873119
  16. Filed Aug 1, 2000Failure Jul 31, 2000Sanford, NCGasoline, Front

    WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE WAS SOUNDING LIKE SOMETHING WAS RATTLING AND IT WAS JERKING. ALSO, CONSUMER SAW A LOT OF SMOKE, THEN VEHICLE CUT OFF.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 866472
  17. Filed Jun 29, 2000Cottage GR, WIService brakes, Foundation components

    REAR BRAKES FAILED. YH

    NHTSA complaint 552855
  18. Filed Apr 25, 2000Failure Mar 1, 2000Santa Clarita, CAGasoline

    WHILE TRAVELING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE STALLED/SURGED AND IDLED TO HIGH RPMS. CONSUMER STATED BRAKES HAVE TO BE DEPRESSED MOST OF TRAVELING. *AK *ML

    NHTSA complaint 860901
  19. Filed Oct 25, 1999Failure Sep 1, 1999Grand Blan, MISuspension

    CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED AND BROKEN CAUSING FRAME TO COME APART, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MJS

    NHTSA complaint 549233
  20. Filed Sep 21, 1999Failure Sep 19, 1999Grand Blan, MISteering

    FRONT CRADLE RUSTED AND FELL DOWN WHILE DRIVING CAUISING LOSS OF STEERINF ABILITY AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *YC

    NHTSA complaint 548578
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

10 NHTSA investigations on file

  • RP01001 Investigation, Structure
    STRUCTURE
    Opened Nov 28, 2001, closed Jun 13, 2002 · led to a recall
  • EA00011 Engineering analysis, Engine and cooling
    ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
    Opened Apr 10, 2000, closed Jan 12, 2001 · led to a recall
  • RQ97017 Recall query, Structure
    CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
    Opened Oct 2, 1997, still open · led to a recall
  • PE94063 Preliminary evaluation, Brakes
    CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
    Opened Aug 12, 1994, closed Dec 21, 1994
  • PE94048 Preliminary evaluation, Engine and cooling
    SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
    Opened Jun 21, 1994, closed Dec 30, 1994
  • EA92024 Engineering analysis, Speed control
    STICKING THROTTLE
    Opened Jun 26, 1992, closed Jan 31, 1994
  • EA91049 Engineering analysis, Equipment
    JACK FAILURE
    Opened Nov 26, 1991, closed Oct 28, 1992
  • PE91107 Preliminary evaluation, Equipment
    JACK FAILURE
    Opened Aug 1, 1991, closed Nov 26, 1991
  • PE91072 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
    STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
    Opened May 1, 1991, closed Jul 8, 1991
  • PE90088 Preliminary evaluation, Lighting
    FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
    Opened Jun 11, 1990, closed Oct 31, 1990 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

6 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 130089009 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
  • 990309004 Oct 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF GRINDING / SCRAPING / GROANING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *TT
  • 876002A Jul 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE …
  • 133405 Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    REAR STRUT RELATED THUMPING/SQUEAKING NOISE. *TW
  • 435012A Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ABS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. *TW
  • 435012 Dec 1, 1994 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ABS WIRE HARNESS FOR THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAY RUB ON THE BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins