RoadVitals

1993 Buick Regal Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
85
Latest May 12, 2016
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 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

  • Brakes4042.6%
  • Seat belts77.4%
  • Driver assistance77.4%
  • Engine77.4%
  • Body & structure44.3%
  • Fuel system44.3%
  • Visibility44.3%
  • Interior & seats33.2%
  • Exterior lighting33.2%
  • Steering22.1%
  • Suspension22.1%
  • Tires & wheels22.1%
  • Other / unspecified11.1%

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.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAD PERMANENT TO WORSENING CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKES. THE BRAKE DESIGN WAS FOUR WHEEL ABS. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND CALIPERS HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE BEFORE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL DUE TO THE VIN AND AGAIN REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND CALIPERS. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS COMPARED TO NHTSA COMPLAINT # 532762 ABOUT THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/1/06. *JB

NHTSA ID 10172855 · filed Nov 7, 2006

THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS FAILED CAUSING VIBRATION/SHIMMY, THE R/F WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND REAR CALIPER FAILED. NLM

NHTSA ID 562380 · filed Aug 7, 2001
All 40 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS FAILED AND REMAINED LOCKED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ UPDATED 08/03/16.*JB UPDATED 11/23/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10864670 · filed May 12, 2016

THE BATTERY WAS DEAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. ALL THE DOORS LOCKED AND THE MANUAL OVERRIDE FROZE SO THAT THE DRIVER COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. AFTER A LENGTH OF TIME, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE DOOR CONTROLS IN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH

NHTSA ID 10039914 · filed Sep 12, 2003
All 8 reports naming electrical

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEAT BELT TURNING LOOPS WOULD NOT SUSTAIN STRUCTURAL LOADING IN AN IMPACT. (WEB WOULD CUT). *AK

NHTSA ID 747900 · filed Jul 5, 2001

DRIVER SEATBELT WILL NOT LOCK WHEN BRAKING WITH FORCE. *AK

NHTSA ID 882909 · filed Mar 13, 2001

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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPEED OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE, THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND CHUG'S WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN SPEED.

NHTSA ID 522241 · filed Sep 22, 1997

BRAKE PADS REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 514654 · filed Feb 11, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE METAL FRAME MOUNTS THAT HOLD ENGINE UP IN THE VEHICLE DETERIORATED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO DROP TO THE GROUND WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

NHTSA ID 10024904 · filed Jun 25, 2003

WHILE DRIVING NEIGHBORHOOD SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL STALL AND CUT OFF ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. DEALER HAS REPLACED INGITION MODULE, BUT THAT HAS NOT REMEDIED PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID 8001991 · filed Jan 11, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A LEAK ON LEFT HAND ON DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR NEAR BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT SITUATION, AND NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM.*AK

NHTSA ID 8005150 · filed Mar 7, 2002

WHILE IN REVERSE ENGINE CRADLE COLLAPSED DUE TO RUST RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 890223 · filed Jun 12, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE PROCEEDING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH MOTOR DIES WITHOUT WARNING AT DEALERS SUGGESTION, REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS, DEALER NOW SUGGESTS REPLACING SENSOR THAT CHANGES RPM WHEN DECELERATING. *AK

NHTSA ID 751024 · filed Aug 23, 2001

THERE IS A LEAK IN GAS LINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING FIRE HAZARD. *AK CONSUMER STATES IT IS AT THE CONNECTION TO METAL PIPE FROM TANK. *SLC

NHTSA ID 886438 · filed Apr 23, 2001

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE POWER WINDOWS ROLLED UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED TRAPPING 5-YEAR OLD CHILD'S HEAD. *MR WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMERS FIVE YEAR OLD SONS NECK BECAME STUCK IN THE POWER WINDOW AS IT ROLLED UP. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE CHILD FROM THE WINDOW UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CHILD COULDN'T BREATH, EVEN AFTER THE REMOVAL. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10034597 · filed Aug 15, 2003

HEATER CORE LEAKING AND HAS BEEN REPLACED EIGHT TIMES. NLM

NHTSA ID 552070 · filed May 3, 2000

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN DRIVING, THE CONSUMERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT HE MAY FALL BACK WITH NO WARNING AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE ANCHOR OF THE SEAT WAS BROKEN. *JB *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10087943 · filed Aug 30, 2004

THE BATTERY WAS DEAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. ALL THE DOORS LOCKED AND THE MANUAL OVERRIDE FROZE SO THAT THE DRIVER COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. AFTER A LENGTH OF TIME, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE DOOR CONTROLS IN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH

NHTSA ID 10039914 · filed Sep 12, 2003

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STOP LIGHT LENS (RED) ABOVE REAR SEAT IN BACK WINDOW MELTED AND THE FABRIC AROUND IT MELTED.

NHTSA ID 534693 · filed Apr 27, 1998

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL AND STARTED TO SMOKE.

NHTSA ID 530687 · filed Feb 18, 1998

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKS.

NHTSA ID 510239 · filed Oct 18, 1996

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE A PUFF OF SMOKE WILL COME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ID 982557 · filed Apr 10, 1996

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10057973 · filed Feb 11, 2004

WHILE TRAVELING OVER A POTHOLE FRONT END OF VEHICLE DROPPED. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED, TECHNICIAN STATED FRONT COLE SPRING HAD FAILED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 881207 · filed Feb 23, 2001

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EARLY DEC 2001 AHD SLOW LEAK WENT TO DEALER AND TIRE WAS REPLACED FOR CORD POBLEM WITH ANOTHER MICHELIN X RADILA PLUS. WENT ON LONG TRIP AND HAD BOUNCING EFFECT AND ON RETURN WENT BACK TO DEALER WHERE SAME CORD PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED ON ONE OF REMAINING TIRES. AGAIN REPLCED WITH X RADIAL PLUS.ON SECOND FAILURE TIRE WAS SERIOUSLY OUT OF ROUND AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT INTERSTATE SPEED OF 65MPH. ALLOWANCE GRANTED BY DEALER(SAMS CLUB) OF 30% TREAD WEAR.WAS ALSO ADVISED BY DEALER THAT TIRE WAS DISCONTINUED WHICH CAUSES CONCERN ABOUT THE TIRE WITH 2 FAIURES IN LESS THA 30 DAYS. WAS THERE A PROBLEM FOR IT TO BE DISCONTINUED.*AK (DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRESIZE: P225/60R16)

NHTSA ID 756311 · filed Jan 2, 2002

ORIGINAL 1993 BUICK REGAL, TIRE SIZE 20570R15. ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE A BUBBLE AND CRACKS ALONG THE TREADS WHICH SEEMED THAT TREAD MAY HAVE PEELED OFF. THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *AK THE CUSTOMER LOWERED PRESSURE TO 35 PSI ON THE NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES. THEY WERE OVER INFLATED. *YH

NHTSA ID 870760 · filed Sep 18, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HAS (4) ALLUMINUM WHEELS CRACKED W/ONE COMPLETELY SEPARATING HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING ACCIDENT. RECALL 95V11500 MFG 90C54 NOT INCLUDING THIS YEAR. TT

NHTSA ID 975752 · filed Nov 30, 1995

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

Data on this page last refreshed .