The 1992 Buick Regal has 2 safety recalls and 144 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (69 complaints).
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.
Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
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.
| 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.
| City / highway | 17 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
| City / highway | 17 / 26 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
| City / highway | 16 / 26 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/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.
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc | 69 | — |
| Seat belts Front › Retractor; Front › Webbing | 31 | — |
| Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission | 19 | — |
| Electrical system Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Starter assembly | 15 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling Cooling system; Engine › Gasoline | 10 | — |
| Visibility Power window devices and controls; Windshield | 9 | — |
| Steering Steering wheel/handle bar; Column locking › Anti-theft device | 9 | — |
| Structure Body › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments | 8 | — |
| Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. | 7 | — |
| Suspension Front; Rear | 5 | — |
| Exterior lighting Headlights; Turn signal › Switch | 5 | — |
| Seats Front assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner | 4 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.