The 1991 Buick Regal has 7 safety recalls and 200 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (153 complaints).
Recalls7safety recalls
Complaints200filed by owners
Crashes · fires13 · 4reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA recall 06E043000 · May 19, 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Structure
NHTSA recall 00V189000 · Jul 11, 2000 · 713,435 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Structure
NHTSA recall 97V058000 · Apr 8, 1997 · 676,535 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 95V152000 · Aug 8, 1995 · 83,247 vehicles
Problem: 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."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: DURING ILLUMINATION, THE BULBS WILL SHOW CLEAR RATHER THAN AMBER AND COULD MOMENTARILY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 93V145000 · Sep 3, 1993 · 11,432 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE FUEL FEED HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk: IF THE COUPLING WERE TO SEPARATE AND AN IGNITION SOURCEIS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: INSTALL A NEW FUEL FEED HOSE.
Seat belts
NHTSA recall 92V003000 · Jan 10, 1992 · 347,866 vehicles
Problem: THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Fix: INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
Seat belts
NHTSA recall 91V005000 · Oct 2, 1991 · 412,792 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1991 Buick Regal 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Regal
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Regal
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
153
8
0
4
67,500 mi
Structure Frame and members; Body › Door
20
2
0
1
102,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
18
0
3
1
—
Electrical system Starter assembly; Wiring › Interior/under dash
16
0
3
0
—
Seat belts Front › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly
14
2
0
1
75,000 mi
Steering Steering wheel/handle bar; Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
12
3
0
0
—
Suspension Rear; Front › Macpherson strut
8
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting Turn signal › Switch; Turn signal
8
0
1
0
—
Power train Automatic transmission; Driveline › Constant velocity joint
7
1
0
1
—
Wheels Rim; Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
7
0
0
0
—
Parking brake Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable; Conventional
6
1
0
0
—
Fuel system, gasoline Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Fuel injection system › Injectors
6
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Sep 1, 1997 · 75,000 miles · crash · 1 injurySeat belts FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING WHETHER GENERAL MOTORS HID AN IGNITION SWITCH DEFECT WHEN IT FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY IN 2009,THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S INVESTIGATION OF THE AUTOMAKER INCLUDES A PROBE OF WHETHER GM COMMITTED BANKRUPTCY FRAUD BY NOT DISCLOSING THE IGNITION PROBLEM, A PERSON BRIEFED ON THE INQUIRY, AUTHORITIES ARE ALSO INVESTIGATING WHETHER GM UNDERSTATED THE DEFECT TO FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATORS,UNDER THE TREAD ACT OR THE FED RECALL ACT,THE MANUFACTURER IS TO REPLACE THE FAULTY CAR,WHEN WILL MY CAR BE REPLACED WHAT ABOUT THE FRAME CRADLE BOLT RECALL, I HAD A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT IN A BUICK AND GM DID NOTHING , NEVER REPLACED ,REPAIRED , OR REIMBURSED ME . MY AIR BAG NEVER…
Mar 17, 2011 · 157,309 milesUnknown or other ABRUPT, TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL: AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, AND LOUD "BANG" WAS HEARD AND FELT COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. CAUTIOUSLY MOVING OFF FROM THE STOP, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL; THE STEERING WHEEL JUST SPUN FREELY, WHILE THE VEHICLE TRACKED ALMOST STRAIGHT AHEAD. SINCE THERE WAS STILL POWER AND BRAKING, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO A STOP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. (IF THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL HAD OCCURRED THREE MINUTES LATER, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AT 65 MPH ... WITH POSSIBLY FATAL CONSEQUENCES.) IN THIS VEHICLE THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, FRONT SUSPENSION, AND STEERING RACK ARE MOUNTED ON A SUBFRAME. THE…
Sep 28, 1997 · 80,000 miles · crashStructure › Frame and members WAS TRAVELING ON A CURVE WHEN IN SPLIT SECOND LOSS STEERING AND ENDED OFF ROADWAY UPSIDE DOWN ,IT WAS AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I STARTED GETTING RECALL NOTICES THAT SAID THIS SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN ,THESE RECALLS STARTED IN 2000,AND 2001 ,AND THAT'S WHEN I STARTED TO THINK THAT INFACT THE BOLTS FAILING CAUSED MY ACCIDENT OR CONTRIBUTED TO IT . I MADE CALLS TO BUICK AND WAS EVEN SENT A RECALL LIST POST DATED 12-20-2000, TODAY LOOKING ONLINE SEEMS ALOT OF TROUBLE WITH BOLTS WERE OCCURRING 96 + 97 BUT I WAS NEVER NOTICED UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE ,I CALLED BUICK LAST YEAR AND THEY NOW SAY THEY HAVE NO INFO ON MY PRIOR YEARS CALLS TO THEM ,AND TO DATE I HAVE NOT BEEN REIMBURSED FOR MY LOSSES ,NO OFFER…
Aug 7, 2008 · 125,000 milesStructure › Frame and members TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK REGAL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILED AND WAS HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION. THE FAILURE CAUSED A SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V058000 (STRUCTURE); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS, WHICH EXCEEDED $600. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
Dec 15, 2006 · 59,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAVING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE PART BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER IN STOCK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 59,000.
Sep 16, 2006 · 102,000 milesStructure DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THERE WAS A BANGING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE SLIPPED OUT OF ITS MOUNT BECAUSE THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 00V189000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Jul 5, 2006 · 120,000 milesWheels ON APPROXIMATELY JULY 5, 2006 I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF MY 1991 BUICK REGAL [XXX]. AS I AM A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, I REMOVED THE WHEEL AND TIRE IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE FRONT END COMPONENTS FOR A PROBLEM. I FOUND THAT THE STEEL WHEEL HAD A LARGE CRACK THAT WRAPPED ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE AREA AROUND THE LUG HOLES. THIS CRACK APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY METAL FATIGUE. I THEN REMOVED THE OTHER WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE AND FOUND SMALLER CRACKS AROUND TWO OF THE REMAINING THREE WHEELS. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BOTH GENERAL MOTORS AND MY DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED BY MY WIFE AND HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED OR WRECKED. SINCE THERE ARE MANY THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES WHICH…
Mar 28, 2006 · 145,285 milesStructure DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH AND MAKING TURNS A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE BOLTS AND WASHERS FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED TWO RECALLS FOR THE BOLTS, NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 97V058000 AND # 00V189000. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECORDS BOTH RECALLS WERE PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE BOLTS AND WASHERS ARE BEING REPLACED. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RP01001 · opened Nov 28, 2001 · closed Jun 13, 2002 · led to recall 00V189000STRUCTURE There is no summary currently available
EA00011 · opened Apr 10, 2000 · closed Jan 12, 2001 · led to recall 00V189000ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
RQ99002 · opened Mar 4, 1999 · open · led to recall 97V058000ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
RQ97017 · opened Oct 2, 1997 · open · led to recall 97V058000CRADLE BOLT FAILURES There is no summary currently available
PE94063 · opened Aug 12, 1994 · closed Dec 21, 1994CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES There is no summary currently available
PE94048 · opened Jun 21, 1994 · closed Dec 30, 1994SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE There is no summary currently available
PE93039 · opened Apr 27, 1993 · closed Sep 14, 1993 · led to recall 93V145000FUEL LINE SEPARATION There is no summary currently available
EA92024 · opened Jun 26, 1992 · closed Jan 31, 1994STICKING THROTTLE There is no summary currently available
EA91049 · opened Nov 26, 1991 · closed Oct 28, 1992JACK FAILURE ===
PE91072 · opened May 1, 1991 · closed Jul 8, 1991STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION There is no summary currently available