RoadVitals

1992 Buick Regal

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
144
Latest Jul 11, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 8, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
16
11 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 144 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Buick Regal, most frequently naming the brakes, seat belts and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
95V152000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Aug 8, 1995
83,247 units potentially affected
The defect: INCORRECT CLEAR FRONT SIDE MARKER BULBS WERE INSTALLED RATHER THAN AMBER BULBS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: DURING ILLUMINATION, THE BULBS WILL SHOW CLEAR RATHER THAN AMBER AND COULD MOMENTARILY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
91V214000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Dec 6, 1991
10,141 units potentially affected
The defect: THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
The risk: IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE94063ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES

Opened Aug 12, 1994
Closed Dec 21, 1994

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE94048ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE

Opened Jun 21, 1994
Closed Dec 30, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 144
Engine
Filed Jul 11, 2016

FUEL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL SUPPLY LINE HAD A PIN HOLE SPRAYING FUEL ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
10883920
Incident
Jul 11, 2016
Mileage
147,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 26, 2011

1992 BUICK REGAL, EVERYTIME I OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, IT BURNS THE FUSE FOR THE COURTESY LIGHTS, RADIO, CASSETTE PLAYER, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS. I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT BURN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10397496
Incident
Apr 20, 2011
Mileage
102,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 7, 2009

MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WON'T ROLL DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10261029
Incident
Mar 7, 2009
Seat belts
Filed Oct 4, 2006
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON FRONT SEAT BELT OF BUICK REGAL 92 DUE TO FACTS ONE -MINE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT FACT TWO -THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DIDN'T LOCK LIKE SUPPOSE TO. *NM

NHTSA ID
10169907
Incident
Sep 30, 2006
BrakesTransmission
Filed Jul 27, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REBUILT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE IS A RECALL #91V214000 PERTAINING TO POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THAT THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS CONTINUOUS FAILURE IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM. TWO MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEM IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAKE FAILURE AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

NHTSA ID
10163667
Incident
Oct 1, 2002
Body & structure
Filed Jun 4, 2004

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HOIST FOR A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT THE SUB FRAME FELL DOWN. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. DEALER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM, AND CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10075703
Incident
Apr 20, 2004
Mileage
46,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jan 20, 2004

UPON ACCELERATION TRANSMISSION FAILS TO REENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR WHEN VEHICLE DOES NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.*AK

NHTSA ID
10054545
Incident
Jun 1, 2003
Mileage
117,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Dec 24, 2003
1 injury reported

TRANSMISSION DIP-STICK IS TOO LONG AND CAUSES A FALSE READING OF FLUID LEVEL! HENCE, WHEN FLUID IS 1 QT.(+/-) LOW DIP-STICK SHOWS FULL, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. MANY OWNERS HAVE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR WHEN ALL IS NEEDED IS ADDITIONAL FLUID. THIS CAUSES UNNESSARY COSTS (EXPENSIVE, ETC.) WHICH MOST SHOPS WILL CHARGE FOR AS HIGH PRICED REPAIR &/OR INSTALLATION OF RE-BUILT TRANSMISSION WORST OF ALL, THE STALLED VEHICLE CAN RESULT IN INJURY &/OR DEATH !!! *AK

NHTSA ID
10051070
Incident
Nov 17, 2003
Mileage
79,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

990730030A

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT

990730030

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT

990309004

SUSPENSION

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF GRINDING / SCRAPING / GROANING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *TT

876002A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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 NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT

970801735026

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Regal by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020220—
2019183039.3
2018193162.9
2017200037.8
2016411034.9
2015330035.7
2014382047.9
2013916262.0
2012927257.9
20112794049.9
2010100—
2009100—
2008100—
2005400—
2004664045.0
20031015055.9
20021175263.8
20011878267.5
200018410366.7
19992468366.4
19983027666.0
19971368665.3
19962044665.9
19951738160.0
19941103049.2
1993852260.5
1992Viewing1442258.7
199120071064.0
19907791066.8
198910681166.1
1988123111266.9
1987253662.1
1986125570.0
1985996—
1984653—
1983410—
1982121—
1981031—
1980061—
1979351—
1978172—
1977040—
1976020—
1975020—
1974020—
1973010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.