1988 Buick Regal Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1988 Buick Regal, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes7147.0%
- Body & structure1711.3%
- Engine96.0%
- Transmission85.3%
- Fuel system74.6%
- Tires & wheels64.0%
- Electrical53.3%
- Seat belts53.3%
- Visibility42.6%
- Driver assistance42.6%
- Other / unspecified42.6%
- Suspension42.6%
- Powertrain (other)21.3%
- Exterior lighting21.3%
- Steering21.3%
- Interior & seats10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A GUARDRAIL AND WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE THOUGHT THE VEHICLE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES, BUT REALIZED IT DID NOT AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE A PERMANENT LABEL TO INDICATE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS ANTILOCK BRAKES SINCE IT IS AN OPTIONAL FEATURE. SHE FURTHER STATED THAT IT COULD CAUSE NUMEROUS FATAL CRASHES BECAUSE THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE APPLIED A CERTAIN WAY DEPENDING ON THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 . *AK
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS ROTTED. SHE WAS FURTHER INFORMED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,600.
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 97V058000 CONCERNING CRADLE BOLTS. WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 5 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST CRADLE BOLT SUPPORT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. *AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO FAULTY CRANKSHAFT. NLM
WHILE DRIVING ENGINEMOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL. CONSUMER COULD NO LONGER CONTROL STEERING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
WOULD HAVE NO REAR SIGNAL LIGHT UNLESS THE SIGNAL SWITCH IS HELD IN A CERTAIN WAY AND POSITION. THIS WOULD ALSO EFFECT THE BRAKE LIGHTS. TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHOW PROPER GEAR WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OR MORE, THE GEAR SHOWS IT'S IN REVERSE INSTEAD OF THE DRIVE POSITION.*AK
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 . *AK
FRONT END FRAME SNAPPED, CAUSING IT TO BE TOO MUCH WEIGHT ON ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION.*AK FRONT CRADLE BOLTS BROKE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE 00V189000. HOWEVER DEALER WOULD NOT FIX STATING THAT THE FRAME CRADLE WAS BROKE DUE TO RUST (NOT DUE TO THE CRADLE BOLTS) AND DROPPED 2 INCHES CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. IGNITION MODULE AND COIL PACK HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE. DOOR HINGE REPLACED TWICE. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE IN MOTION THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIGHT FORNT TIRE CAUSING CONSUMER TO CRASH. THIS RESULTED IN CONSUMER SUSTAINING SEVERAL INJURIES. *JG *JB
WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT DAMAGING THE FENDER WELL AND SUSPENSION, IT APPEARS THAT THE TREAD CAME OFF CAUSING THE TIRE TO FAIL (COOPER TRENDSETTER TIRE 205.70.14 WITH ONLY 1000 MILES. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 . *AK
FRONT END FRAME SNAPPED, CAUSING IT TO BE TOO MUCH WEIGHT ON ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION.*AK FRONT CRADLE BOLTS BROKE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE 00V189000. HOWEVER DEALER WOULD NOT FIX STATING THAT THE FRAME CRADLE WAS BROKE DUE TO RUST (NOT DUE TO THE CRADLE BOLTS) AND DROPPED 2 INCHES CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. IGNITION MODULE AND COIL PACK HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE. DOOR HINGE REPLACED TWICE. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS IN A COLLISION AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE DRIVER, DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.. *AK *JB
SEAT BELT BUCKLES BROKEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL EFFORT TO BUCKLE THEM. *DSH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT PULL IN FAR ENOUGH FOR GOOD VISIBILITY. YH
HEADLINER CAME OFF. (2ND VEHICLE ON 601895)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON STARTING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HITTING TWO PARKED CARS AND A WALL BEFORE STOPPING WITH THE ENGINE STILL RACING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
CONSUMER WENT TO PUT HIS KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH TO WARM UP CAR. UPON GETTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND PUTTING CAR IN DRIVE, VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND WENT INTO TWO PARKED CARS/ INTO A WALL. ALL THIS TIME DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO FIX RECALL, IS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM, DID NOT EVEN TRY TO VERIFY IF IT WAS REALLY A RECALL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO COKER BUICK JEEP EAGLE 903-793-4623. *AK *SLC
THE CAR FELL OFF THE JACK BENDING THE LATTER IN THE PROCESS AND DAMAGING IT BEYOND REPAIR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE RIGHT REAR STRUT ARM DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF CAR DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME PARTS IT WAS ATTACHED TO. *JG
THERE IS NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, A SQEAKING AND THUMPING NOISE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVESHAFT WOULD THUMP OR JERK WHEN ENGAGED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ODOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WOULD HAVE NO REAR SIGNAL LIGHT UNLESS THE SIGNAL SWITCH IS HELD IN A CERTAIN WAY AND POSITION. THIS WOULD ALSO EFFECT THE BRAKE LIGHTS. TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHOW PROPER GEAR WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OR MORE, THE GEAR SHOWS IT'S IN REVERSE INSTEAD OF THE DRIVE POSITION.*AK
DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT PULL IN FAR ENOUGH FOR GOOD VISIBILITY. YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE ALMOST FELL OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE OF CARRIAGE BOLTS PULLING THROUGH. VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER AND WENT INTO A DITCH TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *AK
WHEN TRYING TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE KEEPS RUNNING AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. REPLACED STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ONCE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 . *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .